Spread the love

By Nirmal P. Acharya

A few days ago, the United States, which has long been regarded as the “lighthouse nation” worldwide, sent troops to Venezuela to drag the president and his wife out of their beds and bring them back to the United States for trial. Such an outrageous and barbaric act beyond the scope of Hollywood movies has occurred, and since then, people really can no longer regard the United States as a beacon of hope.

The world will have to turn its attention to the Eastern civilizations in order to seek directions for development and solutions.

Nepal, as the birthplace of the core Buddhist philosophy of Eastern civilization, what position does it hold in the new world order?

Nepal leverages its status as the birthplace of Buddha as a cornerstone of its identity and soft power in modern global affairs. As a smaller nation situated between India and China, it has developed a strategic foreign policy that uses this cultural and spiritual heritage to enhance its international standing and navigate complex geopolitical realities.

🕉️ The Spiritual Foundation

Nepal’s core spiritual significance is anchored in Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha). Historically, Nepal has also cultivated a distinct and self-sufficient Buddhist identity. Medieval texts, like the Svayambhu Purana, actively framed the Kathmandu Valley as an independent sacred Buddhist realm (punya bhumi), separate from India, even while maintaining cultural connections. Today, this heritage is not just historical but actively promoted; the government advocates for an “International Meditation Day” at the UN and uses Buddhist teachings in domestic governance.

🌏 Soft Power and Diplomatic Strategy

Nepal deliberately channels this spiritual heritage into tangible diplomatic capital and soft power. Key strategies include:

· Cultural and Peacekeeping Influence: Promoting Lumbini as a global site for philosophical dialogue and leveraging the global reputation of the “land of the Gurkhas” through consistent contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.

· Balancing Act: Skillfully maintaining relationships with its large neighbors, India and China, while engaging with major Western partners like the US and the EU.

· Multilateral Engagement: Using platforms like the proposed “Sagarmatha Sambad” (Everest Dialogue) on climate change to lead global conversations and actively seeking leadership roles in UN bodies.

⚖️ A Strategic “Status-Seeking” Foreign Policy

Academic analysis describes Nepal’s approach as “status-seeking” through normative conformance. This means Nepal strengthens its international standing by aligning its foreign policy with the norms and values of influential global actors (like the UN, EU, and US). The goal is not to become a major power but to secure recognition, amplify its sovereignty, and expand its agency within the constraints of its geopolitical location.

This strategy is executed through two main channels:

· Championing Multilateralism: Pursuing elected seats in UN councils and actively participating in international forums.

· Aligning with Development Partners: Emulating the governance and democratic practices of key Western partners to reinforce political affinities and secure support.

🗣️ Current Diplomatic Frontlines

Nepal is actively implementing this strategy on the world stage. Recent diplomatic efforts include:

· Campaigning for UN Leadership Roles: Nepal’s Foreign Minister is actively seeking support for the country’s candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council (2027-2029), the UN Economic and Social Council (2029-2031), and a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (2037-2038).

· Hosting Global Dialogues: Preparing to host the “Sagarmatha Sambad” to position Nepal as a key voice on critical issues like climate change.

· Seeking Support for Development Goals: Engaging bilateral partners for support as Nepal transitions from a “Least Developed Country” status and advocating for climate justice.

💎 Conclusion

Nepal’s position in the contemporary world order is that of a culturally sovereign state and a skillful normative diplomat. It transforms its profound historical legacy as the birthplace of Buddhism into a source of soft power and diplomatic credibility. By strategically conforming to international norms and championing multilateralism, Nepal seeks to secure greater recognition and agency, ensuring its voice is heard amid larger geopolitical currents.

Our historical mission is: to clearly understand and cherish our current historical position, and strive to create a new and better future.