PODS by PEI

8 September 2025 marked a defining rupture in Nepal's recent political history—a youth-led flash mobilization that challenged not only the state but also the very grammar of political participation. After suddenly finding themselves at the center of a political rupture—one that opened up unprecedented space to represent a broader public mandate—Nepali youth were thrust into roles they had litt...

The 2026 "March 5th Verdict" has reset the Nepali political landscape. With the traditional establishment pushed aside, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) now holds a near two-thirds majority. But the real question is no longer about the win—it's about the work. In this episode, Nirjan Rai (Principal Advisor, PEI) and Saumitra Neupane (Executive Director, PEI) sit down with writer an...

In this episode of PODS by PEI, Professor Alok Bohara joins PEI's Nirjan Rai and Saumitra Neupane to look past the March 5th polling numbers and examine the systemic decay of Nepal’s democratic guardrails. We dive deep into why Nepal’s institutions have collapsed three times since 1990 and how the current Gen Z movement is acting as a decentralized catalyst for institutional reform. From the &...

Is the "Liberal World Order" officially over? 🌏 In the season premiere of PODS by PEI , we dive deep into the seismic shifts of global geopolitics. As the "America First" doctrine evolves into what some call the "Donroe Doctrine," small states like Nepal find themselves navigating a "New World Disorder" where traditional safety nets are being dismantled. Ou...

In this episode, Aslesh and Prajol discuss is the dominance of the U.S. dollar and the emerging trend of de-dollarization. Prajwal traces the dollar’s rise to the 1944 Bretton Woods Agreement and its enduring role in global trade, finance, and reserves. They discuss why countries are now seeking alternatives, mainly to reduce vulnerability to U.S. sanctions—and note signs of gradual change such as...

In this episode, Ben and Buddha discuss infectious diseases in Nepal, focusing on tuberculosis (TB). They highlight Nepal's epidemiological shift from to non-communicable diseases, while noting that TB continues to disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable populations, framing it as a “poor man’s disease” shaped by poverty. Despite effective, low-cost preventative therapies and lessons fro...

In this episode, Shreeya and Aayusha explore how community-led tourism is reshaping Nepal's travel landscape, from its roots in Sirubari village to a growing national network. Aayusha shares how homestays empower women, preserve culture, and create sustainable livelihoods. They discuss the operational model, economic impact, and challenges of scaling, offering insight into how authentic, local...

In this episode, Lasata and Robert discuss Nepal's globally praised community forestry model. Unpacking its evolution from early experiments with user groups to the 1991 political revolution and 1993 legislation, they discuss how local communities learn to govern forests and explore transferability as global interests in the model rise. They also investigate tensions around inclusion, power, and d...

In this episode, Khushi and Samjhana spotlight the often-unseen struggles and strengths of Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs): community activists at the forefront of resisting environmental harm and advocating for human rights. They unpack the multifaceted challenges EHRDs face, from threats by powerful actors to the weight of social barriers. They explore gaps in national policy, the c...

In this sambaad, Madhu Raman Acharya , Shiv Raj Bhatt , Kshitiz Daha l, and host Dikshya Singh explore Nepal’s evolving trade landscape—its participation in multilateral, regional, and bilateral frameworks, and why the country has yet to fully leverage these arrangements. Despite benefits like duty-free market access through its LDC status, Nepal faces challenges in integrating into regional value...