SJS 6: Nationalism and Exclusion in Postwar Nepal

Citation: Snellinger, Amanda. "Nationalism and Exclusion in Postwar Nepal." Current History 115.780 (2016): 154-156. Print.

Author Credentials: Dr. Amanda Snellinger researches politics, protests, and activisms in Nepal. In 2003, she began "qualitative, ethnographic fieldwork" and "archival research" in Nepal, as well as India. One of her biggest areas of focus deals with young political figures and their negotiations in global and local playing fields. In addition, Snellinger received her anthropology degree from Cornell University. She also taught at Seattle University, and University of Washington. Currently, she is a researcher at the University of Oxfords's School of Geography and the Environment.

Summary: Following the civil war in Nepal between the Maoists and the Royal Nepal Army, an elected Constituent Assembly began amending Nepal's constitution for the hope of becoming a democratic state. In response to this, the Madhesi community began to host protests that demanded federalism and fair political representation, as this group of people has been historically excluded from governmental politics. It was felt throughout the majority of Nepal that the reform programs implemented by the Assembly were not effectively working to lower unemployment and other major issues. Earthquakes in 2015 raised eyebrows at whether or not the Assembly was truly effective. Even more, a terrorist attack in the town of Tikapur raised further doubt and conflict among the communities. These conflicts climaxed when Biranj protesters obstructed a bridge between India and Nepal. As a result, India held a blockade, temporarily stopping all border traffic. The initial protest by the Biranjis achieved nothing, but it showed the losses of Nepal as a result of the ineffective constitution.

Analysis: Snellinger effectively explains the contemporary conflicts in Nepal that are a direct result of the civil war that occurred. She stresses that the constitution is to blame for the public dissatisfaction with the government as well. In addition, several topics that were previously discussed in class were brought up. Firstly, Maoism is discussed as one of the factions of the civil war, and we learned that the Maoists are followers of Mao Zedong. Furthermore, this article proves to showcase yet another example of revolt and uprising, a topic that can be correlated to the French Revolution and Mao-Mao Revolts discussed in class.