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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