The Impact of the State Partnership Program on Nepal’s Politics
This paper examines the impact of SPPs on Nepal and their political implications concerning civil-military relations, democratic institutions, and foreign policy decisions. Using qualitative research, document analysis has been employed to show that SPP serves multiple roles in the political development of Nepal.
The SPP (now a bi-lateral initiative) has brought closer together the Nepali Army and the US National Guard, has cultivated professionalization within the Nepali Army, and generated incentives to increase Nepalese contribution to international peace support operations modernization of Nepal military, dogmatic disaster response capability building; joint-exercises/training being provided via SPP; access to a more extensive pool of programs again providing capabilities such as more excellent regional stability through events – downside is minimized or otherwise neutralized.
However, the study also delineates challenges to civil-military relations and their implications for Nepal’s policy of neutrality on foreign affairs. More worry based on the “potential for mission creep and militarization of civilian functions” also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear line between military and civilian.
The paper ends with recommendations to better align SPP with Nepal’s broader political landscape and national security interests. It also demands transparency and accountability in SPP. It says that federalism should be openly discussed from top to bottom in society to be civilized with national matters and democratic practices of Nepal.
Keywords: Civil-military relations, democracy, foreign policy, politics, security cooperation, State Partnership Program, U.S. National Guard.
