Papers by Asis Mistry
Review Subcontinent XVII & XVIII, 2020
This research paper explores the emerging concept of “Green Nationalism” as a novel paradigm for ... more This research paper explores the emerging concept of “Green Nationalism” as a novel paradigm for environmental governance and climate justice in a world grappling with the profound challenges of climate change. In an era where global cooperation on climate issues remains elusive, this study delves into the potential of nationalistic sentiments and identity politics to drive proactive environmental policies. By analysing case studies from various nations and assessing the intersection of nationalism, environmentalism, and climate policy, this research sheds light on how nationalistic ideologies can be harnessed as catalysts for sustainable environmental practices and equitable climate solutions. The paper also examines the ethical dimensions and potential pitfalls of this approach, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of Green Nationalism in shaping the future of environmental governance and climate justice on a global scale.
World Focus (November Issue), 2023
The impression of a “New World Order” has been a subject of significant debate and scrutiny in re... more The impression of a “New World Order” has been a subject of significant debate and scrutiny in recent years, as the world witnesses the gradual erosion of the long-standing Liberal International Order (LIO). The LIO, characterized by a set of norms, institutions, and alliances rooted in liberal democratic values, has served as the prevailing global framework for much of the post-Cold War era. However, the past decade has seen a series of challenges and shifts that have called its stability into question. This is an attempt to delve deep into the evolving landscape by examining the factors contributing to the decline of the Liberal International Order and identifying the emerging geopolitical trends that are shaping the contours of this nascent “New World Order.” In doing so, it seeks to shed light on the fundamental transformations in global politics and their potential consequences for international relations, security, and cooperation in the 21st century.
Social Inquiry: Journal of Social Science Research
The agenda of restructuring the state has been the most deliberated issue for all intellectuals, ... more The agenda of restructuring the state has been the most deliberated issue for all intellectuals, political leaders and civil society activists in Nepal. The restructuring of Nepali state became a central component of the 2006 peace deal. Federalism was, however, included in the interim constitution as a binding principle for the Constituent Assembly on the verge of violent protests in the Tarai in 2007. The fundamental question during the Maoist insurgency remained whether federalism based on ethnic affiliation will be materialized. But after the Madhesh mutiny, the question that dominated the public discourse was whether “ethnic federalism” can be materialized as a mean to achieve more inclusive, institutionalized and sustainable democratic polity in Nepal. This article re-examines the process of federal restructuring of Nepali State on the backdrop of contemporary politics of identity.
Social Inquiry: Journal of Social Science Research, 2020
The agenda of restructuring the state has been the most deliberated issue for all intellectuals, ... more The agenda of restructuring the state has been the most deliberated issue for all intellectuals, political leaders and civil society activists in Nepal. The restructuring of Nepali state became a central component of the 2006 peace deal. Federalism was, however, included in the interim constitution as a binding principle for the Constituent Assembly on the verge of violent protests in the Tarai in 2007. The fundamental question during the Maoist insurgency remained whether federalism based on ethnic affiliation will be materialized. But after the Madhesh mutiny, the question that dominated the public discourse was whether “ethnic federalism” can be materialized as a mean to achieve more inclusive, institutionalized and sustainable democratic polity in Nepal. This article re-examines the process of federal restructuring of Nepali State on the backdrop of contemporary politics of identity.
Keywords: Identity Politics; Nepal; Ethnicity; Federalism
The agenda of restructuring the state has been the most deliberated issue for all intellectuals, ... more The agenda of restructuring the state has been the most deliberated issue for all intellectuals, political leaders and civil society activists in Nepal. The restructuring of Nepali state became a central component of the 2006 peace deal. Federalism was, however, included in the interim constitution as a binding principle for the Constituent Assembly on the verge of violent protests in the Tarai in 2007. The fundamental question during the Maoist insurgency remained whether federalism based on ethnic affiliation will be materialized. But after the Madhesh mutiny, the question that dominated the public discourse was whether "ethnic federalism" can be materialized as a mean to achieve more inclusive, institutionalized and sustainable democratic polity in Nepal. This article reexamines the process of federal restructuring of Nepali State on the backdrop of contemporary politics of identity.
Mapping South Asia: State, Society and Security Dilemmas, 2019
Symbols have played a crucial role in South Asian politics particularly in relations among the na... more Symbols have played a crucial role in South Asian politics particularly in relations among the nations. Multi-track systems brings together different groups that all have their own approaches to peace-building that can help contribute to a wider effort of reducing conflict. The popularity of T20 cricket and especially franchise based cricket leagues like Indian Premiere League (IPL), Bangladesh Premiere League (BPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) have contributed not only to globalize cricket worldwide but also create a cosmopolitan environment among nations. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to deliberate whether the game of Cricket can be used as a devise multi-rack diplomacy in the formulation of India's neighbourhood policy.
Trajectories of Ethnic Politics in Nepal, 2016
The Intensification of Ethnicity in Nepal, 2019
Organization of American States, 2019
Ethnicity and Terrorism A Theoretical Outlook, 2018
Emerging political Equations in the Ethnic Landscape of Nepal's Tarai, 2017
Cricket in Indo-Bangladesh Relations, 2019
An Alternative Approach to Conextualize Indo-Nepal Relations, 2017
Democracy at the Margin: A case of Madheshi identity assertion in Nepal, 2018
Politics in Nepal has been historically Kathmandu centric till Madhesh uprising in 2007. It has b... more Politics in Nepal has been historically Kathmandu centric till Madhesh uprising in 2007. It has been precisely in the last two and half decades, the center of mass of politics has been drastically shifting towards the political periphery of the Himalayan state. Geo-politics has played the most important role behind the relative isolation of Kathmandu valley from the Indian Sub-continent in particular and the rest of the world in general.The restoration of democracy in 1990 as a result of ‘Peoples’ War’ against the autocratic Party-less Panchayat System, had provided the much-needed environment to the marginalized ethnic groups to be politically mobilized. Since then movements based on caste/ethnicity, region, race, etc. have emerged as the feature of Nepali politics. However, the largest and defining mass rebellion on ethnic lines have been the assertion of ethno-regional identity by Madheshis. Therefore this article is attempted to explore and examine the case of historical marginalization of Tarai-Madheshis in Nepal.
Key Words: Tarai-Madhesh, Relative Deprivation, Democratic Deficit, ‘Image-Ind Others’, Poly-ethnic Nation, Consociational Democracy
Books by Asis Mistry
The Question of Ethnicity: Implication for the Process of Nation-building in Nepal, 2020
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Ethnic Politics in Nepal: A Theoretical Outlook, 2018
Thesis Chapters by Asis Mistry
THE QUESTION OF ETHNICITY: IMPLICATION FOR THE PROCESS OF NATION- BUILDING IN NEPAL (1990-2013), 2017
The question of ethnicity remains a crucial variable in Nepal's nation-building process. The Move... more The question of ethnicity remains a crucial variable in Nepal's nation-building process. The Movements based on ethnicity have been reshaping debates on the definition of nation, nationalism, and state structure. Although Nepal was supposed to be defined by a state-sponsored “Nepali” national identity until 1990 it appeared to be highly exclusionary for the ethnic minnows.8 The Peoples’ Movement of 1990 provided the primary stimulus to the ethnic forces for the manifestation of their political ambitions. Thereafter, the ethnic politics in Nepal has grown strength to strength vis-a-vis different politico-historical perspectives in the last couple of decades. Nepal is a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural state with a population of around 26,494,5049. Hindu is the leading religion (85%) followed by Buddhist (11%), Muslim (4.2%), and Christian (3.6%).10 Nepali is the national official language which is spoken by 60 % of the population and there are 125 different ethnic communities. The complexity of the ethnic movements in Nepal is arguably linked to the extreme diversity of the social composition. In addition to this, there have been numerous overlapping categories of identity and, therefore, tagging specific ethnic labels or drawing certain ethnic boundaries has been difficult over time. The Nepali state often contributed to the formation of ethnic identities by categorizing these groups under the same ethnic label and treating them as a single group. The ethnic politics has been exaggerated in Nepal in the context of considerable political upheavals. The decade of Maoist insurrection (1996-2006) accounted for almost 13,000 lives and the transposition of hundreds of thousands people.19 The agonizing royal massacre20 in 2001 generated further instability as immediately after this incident, king Gyanandra terminated an elected government. The Peoples’ movement of 2006 reinstalled democracy and marked the end of the ten years of Maoist rebellion. In 2007, Madheshis21 launched its movement in the Tarai region for regional autonomy demanding a single, elongated plains-specific province (ek madhes ek pradesh), causing further instability. However, between the two Peoples’ movements, ethnic politics became increasingly persuasive and led to a new kind of political demands. The major demands of the first peoples’ movement were the establishment of multi-party democracy and downsizing of the role of the Royal Palace, etc. whereas at the end of the second successful peoples’ movement, the ethnic forces substituted their previous demands with new claims of a federal republic and a secular state. On such backdrop, has been designed in terms of three specific objects. Firstly, the thesis has investigated whether the process of transition from the Hindu Monarchy to the Secular Republic correlates with the growth of ethnic assertiveness in Nepal. Secondly, the study has tested the process of constitution-making in particular and Nation-building in general in the light of ethnic politics in Nepal. Thirdly, this inquiry has appraised the demand for “ethnic federalism” as a means to achieve a more inclusive, institutionalized, and sustainable democratic polity in Nepal. Finally, the thesis has ended with a summary of major findings and a prescription of some important policy recommendations.
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Papers by Asis Mistry
Keywords: Identity Politics; Nepal; Ethnicity; Federalism
Key Words: Tarai-Madhesh, Relative Deprivation, Democratic Deficit, ‘Image-Ind Others’, Poly-ethnic Nation, Consociational Democracy
Books by Asis Mistry
Thesis Chapters by Asis Mistry
Keywords: Identity Politics; Nepal; Ethnicity; Federalism
Key Words: Tarai-Madhesh, Relative Deprivation, Democratic Deficit, ‘Image-Ind Others’, Poly-ethnic Nation, Consociational Democracy