Political Engagement and Conflict: A Study of Youth Migrant Returnees in Kaski District, Nepal

Abstract

This paper examines the political engagement of youth migrant returnees and emergence of conflict during their political reintegration in Nepal. This paper focuses specifically on political engagement and conflict dynamics among youth migrant returnees in Kaski District. The study investigates whether political conflict emerges primarily from the assertive participation of returnees or from resistance by established political actors. Using qualitative approach that includes 15 key informant interviews and a structured survey of 200 returnees, the study finds that although migrant returnees are highly motivated to participate in local politics and actively seek entry, established local structures frequently oppose their inclusion, leading to rivalry and conflict. Reintegration into Nepal's hierarchical and patronage-driven political structures is still difficult, even though many returnees report having moderate-to-high political awareness, international experiences, and exposure to leading role and management in their workplaces. Study finds that both reasons coexist as causes for conflict- migrant returnees actively seeking entry into local politics and existing political parties resisting their political participation which can be seen in the form of ideological gaps, generational divides, and power rivalries rather than direct hostility. Overall, this study includes reinterpretations of international theories of political engagement and conflict, including relative deprivation, political socialization, and social capital. It emphasizes on the structured reintegration and participatory governance reforms as ways to reduce conflict and promote inclusive democracy, and it argues for governmental acknowledgement of returnees as socio-political actors rather than passive economic agents.