On nation building

There is a massive gap between form and substance in both Nepal’s economy and politics.

Over two and a half centuries ago, Prithivi Narayan Shah proclaimed Nepal to be a yam between two boulders. In the north, the king noted the presence of the mighty Chinese empire, and in the south, he was suspicious of the expanding influence of the British, whom he saw as “cunning”. To survive in this setting, Shah counselled balance in foreign relations, vigilance on national security issues, good governance and economic prosperity for citizens.