राष्ट्रिय हित: सैद्धान्तिक अवधारणा, आयाम र अभ्यास

This research report was created under the direction of the Policy Research Institute (PRI). I had the privilege of collaborating with former ambassador Dr. Khaga Nath Adhikari, who serves as a Senior Research Fellow and Coordinator for National Interests, Foreign Policy, and Strategic Affairs, as well as with Dr. Jham Kumar Bishwokarma, a Research Fellow in the same department.

At a Glance:

Understanding national interest is crucial for Nepal, as it concerns citizens across all classes, regions, and communities. Practitioners of national interest must be well-informed about its concepts, areas, practices, and content to effectively protect and promote it. As every citizen has a responsibility towards the country’s interests, their understanding contributes significantly to the national interest.

However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies and research on national interest and national security in Nepal, especially from an international relations perspective. This gap exists because discussions on national interest often focus on internal management rather than international relations.

In the twenty-first century, globalization, Nepal’s geopolitical sensitivity, and shifts in the global balance of power, such as America’s Asia-centric policy and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, have heightened the importance of national interest. The influence of powerful nations in the region could impact Nepal’s security and interests.

Given these challenges, it is necessary to thoroughly discuss and debate the theoretical concepts, importance, and dimensions of national interest. This study aims to explore these aspects, analyze how other countries behave in international relations, and understand the practice of national interest in Nepal. The ultimate goal is to provide policy recommendations to the Government of Nepal to enhance the protection and promotion of national interest based on the study’s findings.