The Dilemma of Nepal’s Foreign Policy: Strategic Silence or Autonomy?

Abstract

Nepal is located between two growing large powerful neighbors, India and China, making its geopolitical importance extremely sensitive. Especially, with the emergence of a multipolar world order, Nepal is increasingly compelled to conduct its foreign policy cautiously. On the one hand, Nepal has to raise its voice in favor of own sovereignty and national interests on the issue of disputed territories such as boarder disputes. Nepal seems to have felt compelled to adopt strategic silence in some cases, which seems to be trying to preserve its existence without displeasing the great powers. However, Nepal has not limited itself to silence, it is actively seeking autonomy by participating in multilateral organizations, regional cooperation, and development-related projects. Using a qualitative and, analytical approach based on secondary data, the research thematic content analysis to study strategic silence or autonomy. This conclude that Nepal is moving forward in a multipolar world order through a combination of ‘strategic silence and limited autonomy’. Ultimately, Nepal’s challenging geopolitical situation is forcing it to tread a delicate path between strategic silences and autonomous decision-making, while maintaining a careful balance, which needs to be made more practical and sustainable in the future.