Nepal in Transition
From People's War to Fragile Peace

This volume analyzes the context, dynamics and key players shaping Nepal's ongoing peace process.

Sebastian von Einsiedel (Edited by), David M. Malone (Edited by), Suman Pradhan (Edited by)

9781107668980, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 March 2012

414 pages, 9 b/w illus. 6 tables
22.6 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.55 kg

'Although a considerable time is required to alter dynamics of Nepali politics and to achieve sustainability in peace processes, this volume provides an in-depth assessment of Nepal's transition and present it as a valuable case study for those countries undergoing a similar transition. The subject matter is very impressive and beneficial for both academics and practitioners.' Padmini Tomer, Academic Council on the United Nations System

Since emerging in 2006 from a ten-year Maoist insurgency, the 'People's War', Nepal has struggled with the difficult transition from war to peace, from autocracy to democracy, and from an exclusionary and centralized state to a more inclusive and federal one. The present volume, drawing on both international and Nepali scholars and leading practitioners, analyzes the context, dynamics and key players shaping Nepal's ongoing peace process. While the peace process is largely domestically driven, it has been accompanied by wide-ranging international involvement, including initiatives in peacemaking by NGOs, the United Nations and India, which, throughout the process, wielded considerable political influence; significant investments by international donors; and the deployment of a Security Council-mandated UN field mission. This book shines a light on the limits, opportunities and challenges of international efforts to assist Nepal in its quest for peace and stability and offers valuable lessons for similar endeavors elsewhere.

1. Introduction Sebastian von Einsiedel, David Malone and Suman Pradhan
Part I. The Context: 2. The making of the Maoist insurgency Deepak Thapa
3. State power and the security sector: ideologies and interests Rhoderick Chalmers
4. Nepal's failed development Devendra Raj Panday
5. Ethnic politics and the building of an inclusive state Mahendra Lawoti
Part II. Critical Transition and the Role of Outsiders: 6. Masala peacemaking Teresa Whitfield
7. A comprehensive peace? International human rights monitoring in Nepal Frederick Rawski and Mandira Sharma
8. Support to Nepal's peace process: the role of the UN mission in Nepal Ian Martin
9. Electing the constituent assembly Catinca Slavu
10. Revolution by other means: the transformation of Nepal's Maoists Aditya Adhikari
Part III. Regional Dynamics: 11. A yam between two boulders: Nepal, India and China Rajeev Chaturvedy and David Malone
12. Bringing the Maoists down from the hills: India's role S. D. Muni
13. A Nepali perspective on international involvement Prashant Jha
Part IV. Conclusions: 14. Conclusions Sebastian von Einsiedel, David Malone and Suman Pradhan.

Subject Areas: Law [L], United Nations & UN agencies [JPSN1], Politics & government [JP]