Safeguarding Nepal: National Security Landscape & Challenges

Abstract

This article explores the complex notion of security in Nepal, covering its history, current challenges, and future prospects. It compares the traditional view of national security focused on protecting borders with newer threats that include social, economic, environmental, and geopolitical factors. Political instability, bureaucratic politics, economic crises, ethnic and religious tensions, occasional acts of violence, refugee problems and ecological destruction are ongoing challenges to the Nepal’s internal security. The state also has external issues such as its geographic position as well as socio-cultural pressure, which are immense and aggravated by the geopolitical complexities that stem from being landlocked and surrounded by powerful neighbors, India and China. The researchers used qualitative and analytical methods that involved collecting secondary data from various sources like books, journals, websites, dissertations, and reports, as well as the researcher’s academic and professional proficiency. The comprehensive national security policy and strategy is essential to bolster defensive capabilities contribute to resilience building and socio-economic growth. The government required adopting adept statecraft to maintain the equilibrium between national interests and threats; domestic and international. Further, preserving Nepal’s sovereignty and ensuring the welfare of her people necessitate joint efforts and unity among all stakeholders along with a deep comprehension of evolving security dynamics.