ABSTRACT
This chapter critically examines Nepal’s small state diplomacy, focusing on its participation in international and regional platforms such as the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), SAARC, BIMSTEC, BBIN, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The primary objective is to analyse how Nepal navigates its foreign policy, asserting sovereignty and influence despite internal challenges and external geopolitical pressures. It explores Nepal’s strategic use of multilateral engagements, peacekeeping missions and non-alignment to gain legitimacy and safeguard its interests. This chapter also highlights the limitations of Nepal’s diplomacy, marked by inaction and reduced influence in recent years due to political instability and resource constraints. Additionally, it evaluates Nepal’s interactions with Bretton Woods institutions and its proposal for a Zone of Peace, emphasising the challenges of balancing national aspirations with the realities of geopolitical dynamics. The analysis underscores the complexities and adaptive strategies of Nepal as a small state in the international system.
