Nepal: From Monarchy to Republic

by Lok Raj Baral

From monarchy to oligarchy to a tryst with multiparty politics, Nepal’s political history has been characterized by instability. The multi-ethnic, multilingual and multi-religious country has had its fair share of turmoil. After witnessing the Maoist uprising in the late 1990s, followed by the royal massacre in 2001—two of the many signs of unrest—the 240-year-old monarchy was only abolished in Nepal with the 2008 constituent assembly elections. On one side were individuals with an insatiable thirst for power, while on the other were those demanding equitable representation of the people. From Monarchy to Republic delves into the journey of the Himalayan landlocked country, how it evolved from being under the reigns of the Shah Dynasty to its relatively new status as a democratic republic. Nepal still strives to maintain its internal stability while balancing its relations with its two neighbours, China and India. This book offers a deep insight into Nepal’s tumultuous past and its enduring challenges in the present day.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 5, 2023

Reviews

[Cindica]

Reading"Nepal: From Monarchy to Republic" by Lok Raj Baral has been an enlightening journey through Nepal’s intricate political landscape. Baral’s meticulous detailing of historical events and political transitions provides a profound understanding of the challenges Nepal has faced in its quest for democracy. His balanced approach, which acknowledges both achievements and shortcomings, allows readers to appreciate the complexities involved in Nepal's transformation from a monarchy to a republic. One of the book's standout features is its clear narrative, which makes complex political issues accessible. Despite some biases that might stem from Baral's background as a diplomat, his insights into Nepal's foreign policy and international relations add a valuable dimension to the understanding of the country's geopolitical context. This book is not just a reiteration of known facts but provides fresh perspectives on ongoing political movements and the implementation challenges of federalism, making it a vital read for anyone interested in South Asian politics.

I highly recommend "Nepal: From Monarchy to Republic" to students, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the political evolution of Nepal. Lok Raj Baral’s comprehensive coverage of key events, coupled with his balanced analysis and clear narrative, makes this book an essential resource. While the depth of analysis in certain chapters could be enhanced, the book’s strengths in providing a nuanced understanding of Nepal’s political landscape far outweigh its weaknesses.
For those seeking to understand the historical and contemporary political dynamics of Nepal, this book offers valuable insights and practical recommendations for addressing the country’s institutional challenges. Baral's work is particularly useful for those looking to grasp the continuity and change in Nepal's political history and the impact of recent political movements and elections.

Overall,"Nepal: From Monarchy to Republic"stands out as a significant contribution to the literature on Nepalese politics and governance.