Akhilesh Upadhaya on From the Margins of Power: Exploring Nepali Borderland Communities

Shuvangi and Akhilesh explore Nepal's borderland communities' unique challenges and contributions. They discuss how federalism has reshaped governance and service delivery in these regions and examine the effects of cross-border policies and pandemic-era restrictions on local livelihoods and trade. The conversation highlights how borderland communities are often excluded from national discussions despite their critical role in conflict management and cross-border relations, raising important questions about inclusion and visibility in decision-making processes. 

Akhilesh Upadhyay is researching the Himalayan borderlands. He is working on a book discussing the history of the region's cross-border trade, migration, and family ties. He also looks at the geopolitics of the Eastern Himalayas, where Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh - smaller states - share a 'crowded corridor' with two big powers - China and India. He is a Senior Fellow with the Strategic Affairs Center at IIDS, a Kathmandu-based think tank.

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