Major Reforms Needed

By Shashi P.B.B. Malla

Most Nepali experts are probably of the opinion that the foreign policy of the Himalayan Republic is in the doldrums.

The main reason is the political instability plaguing the country under the current political dispensation.

Even the politicians of the main political parties are of the opinion that political instability exists. They even go the extent of claiming that the ‘grand alliance’ of the Nepali Congress and the CPN-Unified Marxists-Leninists was formed to restore stability.

However, this is akin to going on a wild goose chase.

Then there is the added deficiency that the actors/decision-makers of the Himalayan Republic’s foreign policy are woefully, inadequately qualified.

The way out of the impasse?

The obvious one is, of course, comprehensive regime change, like in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, given that everything is in a complete mess, but that will probably have to wait.

Concentrating on foreign policy, there is the urgent need to overhaul the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

All experts are united that economic diplomacy must play a crucial role in our external relations.

This means that well-trained economists, specializing in international economics, trade and assistance must be part and parcel of our major diplomatic missions abroad.

They should have the rank of First Secretary (International Cooperation) or Counsellor, and should first of all be based at the UN in New York, and in New Delhi, Beijing and Brussels (EU).

Later additions could be: Tokyo, Seoul, Berlin, London, Doha, Dubai.

Older professionals should undergo regular on the job training, and participation in workshops and seminars in Kathmandu and abroad.

New entrants must be rigorourlessly selected and undergo extensive training, including a foreign language (Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Bengali, Spanish, German, French – in that order of preference).

MoFa’s own Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) must be transformed into a research and training facility. Local and foreign experts must be invited to be part of the permanent/temporary faculty.

From the diaspora, professors Surya P. Subedi, OBE,KC,DCL; Leeds & Oxford, and Alok K. Bohara from the University of New Mexico, US come to mind.

Nepal must also regularly participate in international security conferences as active participants and observers, as at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), the Singapore Shangrila Dialogue, Aspen.

In line with the new direction, the name of the ministry should also be changed: Ministry of External Affairs & International Cooperation (MEAIC).

Unfortunately, the bottom line is that we have to come full circle – with the current political dispensation in the Himalayan Republic: nothing will change – unless everything changes!  

Oli has become used to hogging the limelight – he is the ‘know all’ and ‘do all’ person, and in the process, he and his cronies, as well as his Nepali Congress comrades have lost their way in the swamp of their own making.

What we need most urgently is regime change and a period of rule by experienced specialists – technocrats.

At the same time, active political participation will be built up from the grassroots level, so that there is a sense of belonging to and owning the system.

The writer can be reached at: [email protected]

Editor’s Note: The writer is a former Section Officer at MoFA. He has taught International Relations in Munich and Tribhuwan University.