Providing a comprehensive critique of the Constitution adopted in 1990, this book identifies it as an important factor in the exclusion of various ethnic and minority groups. It examines the causes for the lack of democratic consolidation in Nepal and outlines alternative institutions that can give voice to the various socio-cultural groups in the country. Dr Lawoti makes a case for setting up a new Constituent Assembly and for following the principle of self-determination to reform the polity. He also makes several important recommendations for the construction of an inclusive and democratic Nepal.

Contradicting the popular thesis that contentious politics generally promotes democratization, this topical book shows that some forms of contentious politics can hinder it, even as other forms strengthen democracy. It also suggests that the nature of activities—whether they are coercive or voluntary—lead to different effects on democratization. A timely addition to the literature on Nepal, it will be of interest to scholars studying democratic politics, as well as practitioners engaged in nurturing development in fledgling democracies.

PART TWO: EXTERNAL ACTORS

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1966.

Transcript of papers presented at a national seminar.

This book argues that ethnic politics have the potential to strengthen rather than destabilize democracy. It studies one of Nepal’s most significant social movements and examines the role it has played in the process of democratization in Nepal. It demonstrates that ethnic parties are not antithetical to democracy and that democratization can proceed in diverse and unexpected ways.

A history of Nepal from the Medieval/Early Modern period through to the present day with particular attention to contemporary Nepal, and the prospects for democracy.