Nepal : The Quest for Elusive Peace

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Political System and Government of Nepal. 3. Nepal’s Maoist Government Defends Capitalism. 4. The Future of Democracy in Nepal. 5. Civil Society Groups in Nepal. 6. Nationalities of Nepal. 7. Nepal: Land of the Landless, Government of Non-Governments. 8. India-Nepal Relations and Maoists. 9. Military of Nepal. Bibliography. Index.

The Maoists’ predominance in Nepali politics has been facilitated by the inability of successive governments in addressing the basic problems such as poverty, underdevelopment and discriminatory social order. A fractured polity, the absence of an elected government and continuous power struggle between the King and the major political parties have provided the Maoists with an opportunity to control approximately half of the territory. Besides, the near collapse of development work and civil governance in violence-affected areas, breakdown of the rule of law, and lack of democratization at the grassroots level sustain the Maoist activities. The Nepalese Maoists apparent bucking of this trend naturally gives significance to the country’s political situation that is hugely disproportionate to its size. (Jacket)