Multi-Dimensional Strategy for Combating Non-Traditional Security Threats in Nepal

Abstract

Nepal, strategically located at the crossroads of South Asia, confronts a complex array of nontraditional security threats that extend beyond conventional military concerns, thereby posing profound risks to national stability and sustainable development. This article undertakes a critical examination of these threats, ranging from environmental degradation and cybersecurity vulnerabilities to pandemics and transnational crime, arguing that traditional military-centric approaches are inadequate for effective mitigation. The central proposition contends that a multi-dimensional strategy integrating human security, technological resilience, and regional cooperation is indispensable for addressing these multifaceted challenges. The objectives are threefold: first, to systematically identify and categorize the principal non-traditional security threats facing Nepal; second, to critically assess the existing policy frameworks and institutional responses, identifying their limitations and gaps; and third, to propose a comprehensive and adaptive strategy for effectively addressing these threats. Employing a qualitative research methodology, extensive primary data was gathered through formal and informal interactions with subject matter experts, security analysts, and practitioners, as well as secondary data drawn from government publications, academic literature, and international best practices. The findings reveal gaps in coherence and implementation. This article underscores the necessity of adopting a holistic security paradigm that encompasses human security, technological resilience, and regional cooperation. The key recommendations include the establishment of a dedicated task force, the strengthening of public-private partnerships, and the integration of non-traditional security considerations into national security policies and frameworks.