DOCSLIB.ORG

Thimphu's Growing Pains དཔལ་འབྲུག་ཞིབ་འཇུག་ལྟེ་བ།

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Thimphu's Growing Pains དཔལ་འབྲུག་ཞིབ་འཇུག་ལྟེ་བ། Thimphu’s Growing Pains Challenges of Implementing the City Plan Manka Bajaj དཔལ་འབྲུག་筲བ་འὴག་ལྟེ་བ། The Centre for Bhutan Studies & GNH Research Thimphu’s Growing Pains: Challenges of Implementing the City Plan By Manka Bajaj Copyright © 2014 The Centre for Bhutan Studies & GNH Research Published by: The Centre for Bhutan Studies & GNH Research Post Box No. 1111 Thimphu, Bhutan Tel: 975-2-321005/321111 Fax: 975-2-321001 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt The views expressed in this publication are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Centre for Bhutan Studies & GNH Research. ISBN 978-99936-14-76-0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to thank my thesis supervisor, Dr. Patrick Le Galès, who mobilized his vast knowledge of the literature to diagnose my musings and prescribed the most fitting readings. Thank you for putting up with my incohesive drafts and allowing me to chart my own course without getting lost in the universe of fields! I am also very grateful to the pedagogical team of Sciences Po‟s MA, “Governing the Large Metropolis”, for all their support, notably Prof. Tommaso Vitale for teaching me how to write a policy paper. I would like to acknowledge Omair Ahmad whose book was a useful introduction to Bhutan and who connected me with the Centre for Bhutan Studies. I am very grateful to the Centre, especially Dasho Karma Ura for his encouragement as well as Mr. Tshering Phuntsho. Also Ms. Yangrey Lhamo for her assistance. I would like to extend my gratitude to everybody in Bhutan for being so helpful - Rajni Chavda for being there from the beginning to the end and Karma Choden, day and night! My collective thanks to Thimphu‟s very own Aam Admi Party which includes friends at Thimphu Thromde especially Ugyen Dorji and Thinley Norbu without whose inputs this work would not be possible. A special thanks to Sarvajit Rai for opening the door for me. In particular, Mr. Geley Norbu, not only for his time but also for sharing some of his own work which was a key foundation for my research. My family, especially mom for being my crisis cell. Dad, Samar and of course Kanak and Kanika for being their always, especially in the end. My friends, Hugo Ribadeau Dumas and Unnati Pant for listening to my ramblings and sharing their thoughts, especially Arthur Crestani for taking the trouble to read my first chapter and reminding me to connect the dots. iii I would also like to thank Dasho Thrompon and Mr. Meghraj Adhikari for making the time for me on more than one occasion. Friends at DHI, who would get up in their meals to drop me off, Passang, Kinzang and Sonam. Finally all the others, who made the trouble to talk to me including, Supe, Kelly, Sangay Kidd, Tashi, Deki‟s mom and my landlords for some very interesting discussions. The list is endless, everybody helped and put together a piece of what is here today. However none of the above persons are responsible for my speculative analyses. iv Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................... iii GLOSSARY .................................................................... vii ABSTRACT ..................................................................... ix I. Introduction ................................................................ 1 1.1 Thimphu 2027: A Dream City ..................................... 2 1.2 Thimphu today: Paradoxes of planning ....................... 5 1.3 This study: Why do rules not work? .......................... 13 1.4 Argument and logic of chapters ................................. 16 II. Research Design ....................................................... 19 2.1 Literature review ...................................................... 19 2.2 Puzzle: How do actors escape institutional constraints? ...................................................................................... 26 2.3 Theoretical framework: Strategic action fields ............ 26 2.4 Methodology ............................................................. 34 III. Thimphu City: Growth Dynamics ............................. 37 3.1 The Residents: Socio-economic & demographic profile 37 3.2 The city: Spatial changes & the construction boom.... 43 3.3 Housing Market: Characteristics & disparities ........... 47 3.4 Conclusion ............................................................... 55 IV. Thimphu Structure Plan: Objectives & Outcomes .... 57 4.1 Policy vision: Development control ............................ 57 4.2 Plan implementation: Increased precinct densities .... 68 4.3 Analysis of deviations: Case by case exemption ......... 75 4.4 Conclusion ............................................................... 78 V. Planning Governance: Actors & their Interests ......... 80 5.1 State authorities: City Corporation & Central agencies ...................................................................................... 81 5.2 Citizens: Landowners & People‟s representatives ....... 88 5.3 Market: Infrastructure investors& private sector ....... 90 v 5.4 Conclusion ............................................................... 92 VI. Authorization of Deviations: Why & How ................. 95 6.1 Why? Gaps and conflicts in rule design ..................... 98 6.2 How veto players challenge the rules ....................... 103 6.3 How municipal officials authorize deviations ........... 106 6.4 Conclusion ............................................................. 114 VII. Conclusion ............................................................ 116 7.1 Findings: Why don‟t rules work in Thimphu? .......... 118 7.2 Contribution: Busting three common myths ............ 126 7.3 So what? Lessons for the way forward ..................... 132 7.4 Conclusion: Taking a pragmatic approach to policy . 134 Bibliography ................................................................ 137 Annexes ...................................................................... 150 vi GLOSSARY ADB Asian Development Bank BAF Bhutan Archery Foundation BBR Bhutan Building Rules DCD Development Control Division DCR Development Control Regulation DUDH Department of Urban Development and GNHC Gross National Happiness Commission I&MS Implementing and Monitoring Section MoC Ministry of Communication MoF Ministry of Finance MoHCA Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs Ministry of Works and Human MoWHS Settlements NEC National Environment Commission NLCS National Land Commission Secretariat National Housing Development NHDCL Corporation Ltd. Property Assessment and Valuation PAVA Agency RBA Royal Bhutan Army RBG Royal Body Guard RBP Royal Bhutan Policy RGoB Royal Government of Bhutan TCC Thimphu City Corporation TSP Thimphu Structure Plan United Nations Centre for Human UNCHS Settlements UPD Urban Planning Division vii ABSTRACT This study analyses the urban planning efforts of the government for an explanation of some unintended outcomes. A popular perception is that development in Thimphu city could do with better planning. On the contrary, there have been extensive efforts from both the Thimphu Thromde and MoWHS to control land use and regulate building design through policies like the Thimphu Structure Plan 2003-27 and its attached Development Control Regulations 2004. The question driving the research is to explain why despite the rules in place, planning goals are not achieved. The study identifies why and how actors avoid compliance to the original planning codes. It is observed that the implementation process has been extremely slow and even after ten years, only six (of the first set of twelve) Local Area Plans (LAPs) have been implemented. This is mainly due to a lengthy process of land readjustment prolonged by limited organizational capacity, faulty cadastral information and some resistant landowners. In areas where the LAPs have been implemented, deviations are already evident by reduced share of planned public spaces (e.g. neighbourhood servicing node in Babesa). Authorization of deviations on a case by case basis accumulated towards an overall level of denser development. Although the plan wanted to balance development with nature, traditional architecture and affordable housing, it has aggravated imbalances on all three parameters. Plan implementation proceeded in a way that community & green spaces diminished and private buildings came up in areas not reserved for development.To explain these rule deviation, it is argued that implementation was a highly individualized process of negotiation between the municipality and property ix owners. The predominant mechanism for non-compliance is legal authorization of deviations either by a government order/letter or by rule revision. The study is relevant for governments and international development partners for understanding policy implementation failures. It provides real illustrations of organizational issues in a rapidly growing bureaucracy and how multiplicity of authorities weakened the authority of the plan, which was frequently overruled. x I. Introduction Last year in June, the flash floods of north India swept over entire towns like Kedarnath, endangering the life of over 100,000 residents and pilgrims (Sati 2013). The immediate cause was attributed to a cloud burst but precipitation excess of 400 mm isn't unprecedented in the Himalayan region; in 1965, Uttarakhand received as much as 900m rainfall in a single day (Bidwai 2013). Environmentalists have argued that the 2013 cloudburst would not have become a disaster of such magnitude had the state government
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Population and Migration in Thimphu Thromde
    Population and Migration in Thimphu Thromde Sangay Chophel* Abstract As a developing country, Bhutan is on the upward trajectory of urbanization. While it has benefits it also exerts pressures. Within Bhutan, Thimphu thromde has the largest urban population, which exhibit many forms of urbanization. Using the data from 2017 Population and Housing Census of Bhutan, the paper projects the population of Thimphu city till 2027 due to lack of its population projection. The cohort-component method is used for projection. The net-migration from 2005 to 2017 is calculated using residual method. Further, employing probit regression, the determinants of migration to Thimphu thromde is examined. Age, marriage, unemployment, land, household composition, household income and education are significant determinants of migration. Introduction Urbanization in Bhutan has continued apace. The urban population has increased from 30.9% in 2005 to 37.8% in 2017, and largest share of the overall population reside in Thimphu thromde (city) at 15.8%1 where most of the government offices are based. The other three cities are Phuntsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu thromdes. There are relatively smaller urban areas in each of the 20 districts. The annual growth rate of Thimphu thromde (3.72%) has * Senior Research Officer, Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies. Email: [email protected], [email protected] 1 See the report of the first census conducted in 2005, Population and Housing Census of Bhutan 2005, and the second census conducted in 2017, 2017 Population and Housing Census of Bhutan. 114 Population and Migration in Thimphu Thromde outpaced the national population growth rate (1.3%) as it is evident from the last two censuses.
    [Show full text]
  • Translation Role of Bhutanese Media in Democracy: Case Study of the 2013 General Election
    Translation Role of Bhutanese Media in Democracy: Case Study of the 2013 General Election Keywords: Bhutan, Monarchy, Democracy, Information Society, Media Hitoshi FUJIWARA, Waseda University. Abstract The Kingdom of Bhutan, located in the Himalayas, closed its doors to foreign countries until the 1960s. After it reopened, Bhutan was a modern state for half a century. In 2008, the King of Bhutan decided to relinquish his power and democratize the country. It was an unprecedented event in history. On the other hand, there was no mass media in this tiny country until the 1990s. In 1999, the King lifted the ban on information technology such as television and the Internet. It was a rare case where television broadcasting and Internet services commenced at the same time. This study illustrates the history of democracy and the media in Bhutan and examines the correlation between them. Before commencing with such an examination, the theoretical stream of the relationship between democracy and the media in modern history should be reviewed. The primary section of this paper comprises field research and analysis regarding the National Assembly election of Bhutan in 2013, as a case study of the practice of democracy. The research questions are as follows: ‘What was the role of Bhutanese media in this election?’; ‘What kind of information led Bhutanese voters to decision making?’ In conclusion, the theoretical model and the Bhutanese practical model of the relationship between the government, media, and citizens are compared. This comparison shows the progress of democracy and the role of the media in modern-day Bhutan. 16 Journal of Socio-Informatics Vol.
    [Show full text]
  • The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review
    Health Sy Health Systems in Transition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 s t ems in T r ansition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review The Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (the APO) is a collaborative partnership of interested governments, international agencies, The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review foundations, and researchers that promotes evidence-informed health systems policy regionally and in all countries in the Asia Pacific region. The APO collaboratively identifies priority health system issues across the Asia Pacific region; develops and synthesizes relevant research to support and inform countries' evidence-based policy development; and builds country and regional health systems research and evidence-informed policy capacity. ISBN-13 978 92 9022 584 3 Health Systems in Transition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review Written by: Sangay Thinley: Ex-Health Secretary, Ex-Director, WHO Pandup Tshering: Director General, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Health Kinzang Wangmo: Senior Planning Officer, Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Health Namgay Wangchuk: Chief Human Resource Officer, Human Resource Division, Ministry of Health Tandin Dorji: Chief Programme Officer, Health Care and Diagnostic Division, Ministry of Health Tashi Tobgay: Director, Human Resource and Planning, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan Jayendra Sharma: Senior Planning Officer, Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Health Edited by: Walaiporn Patcharanarumol: International Health Policy Program, Thailand Viroj Tangcharoensathien: International Health Policy Program, Thailand Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies i World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia. The Kingdom of Bhutan health system review.
    [Show full text]
  • Sebuah Kajian Pustaka
    International Journal of Research in Social Sciences Vol. 8 Issue 3, March 2018 ISSN: 2249-2496 Impact Factor: 7.081 Journal Homepage: http://www.ijmra.us, Email: [email protected] Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International Journal - Included in the International Serial Directories Indexed & Listed at: Ulrich's Periodicals Directory ©, U.S.A., Open J-Gate as well as in Cabell‟s Directories of Publishing Opportunities, U.S.A Democracy: Present and Future in Bhutan Dr. DHARMENDRA MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER U.M.S CHAINPUR THARTHARI,NALANDA Abstract Democracy has come a long way from the Greek ideas of Demos and Kratos and in fact this journey in the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan since 2008 seems to be one of a regime initiated one. It holds all the trappings of being depicted as yet another model of guided democracy, like the ones prevalent in Turkey (since Ataturk), in Pakistan under the martial law administrators as well as under Pervez Musharraf, Indonesia (under Ahmed Sukarno) and others where, democracy is and was looked upon as an institution under the protection of the armed forces. And this incident made way to autocracy in those countries. In Bhutan, the custodian appears to be the monarchy and the monarchs themselves. The framers of the 2008 constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan makes every effort to insulate their document from political quagmire by putting in place certain qualifications namely like that candidates contesting the poll should be graduates only, making way for the technocrats to run for the elected offices. For the present time this guided democracy seems to continue without much of a problem but in the future it might give way to some other form or perhaps political turmoil.
    [Show full text]
  • A Provisional Physiographic Zonation of Bhutan
    Journal of Bhutan Studies A PROVISIONAL PHYSIOGRAPHIC ZONATION OF BHUTAN Chencho Norbu etal1 Abstract The concept of physiography integrates all of the main components of the natural environment, such as bedrock, surface drift deposits, landform, soils, climate, water, and plants and animals. This paper summarizes the provisional physiographic zonation of Bhutan, based on soil survey fieldwork by the National Soil Services Centre, with some material incorporated from other environmental disciplines. The main influence in shaping the landscape of Bhutan has been the uplift of the Himalayas following the collision of the Indian and Asian continental plates. This has given rise to the basic topographic structure of the country with the High Himalaya in the north from which long ranges formed of metamorphic rocks run southwards and then descend steeply to the duars. The main valleys follow more or less north- south course, but show considerable variation in their longitudinal profiles. They all have narrow gorge-like sections in the South but vary in the sections upstream. In western and central Bhutan the riverbeds have stepped profiles and the flatter sections form Inner Valleys with relatively gentle side slopes and wide floors at altitudes ranging from 1100 m at Wangdi to 2600 m at Jakar. The rivers in the east are cut deeper, and their valleys are narrow and steep throughout. 1 Ian Baillie, National Soil Resources Institute, Cranfield University, UK. Email: [email protected], Tshering Dorji, Tsheten Dorj, H. B. Tamang, Kado Tshering & Austin Hutcheon, National Soil Services Centre, Semtokha, Ministry of Agriculture, PO Box 119, Thimphu, Bhutan .Email:[email protected] 54 This structure forms the basis of the proposed zonation in which Bhutan is divided into transmontane plateau, High Himalayan peaks, High Himalayan plateau remnants, North- South valleys and ranges, front foothills and duars.
    [Show full text]
  • Democracy in Bhutan Is Truly a Result of the Desire, Structural Changes Within the Bhutanese Aspiration and Complete Commitment of the Polity
    MARCH 2010 IPCS Research Papers DDeemmooccrraaccyy iinn BBhh uuttaann AAnn AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff CCoonn ssttiittuuttiioonnaall CChhaannggee iinn aa BBuuddddhhiisstt MMoonnaarrcc hhyy Marian Gallenkamp Marian Gallenkamp IInnssttiittuuttee ooff PPeeaaccee aanndd CCoonnfflliicctt SSttuuddiieess NNeeww DDeellhh1 ii,, IINNDDIIAA Copyright 2010, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies is not responsible for the facts, views or opinion expressed by the author. The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), established in August 1996, is an independent think tank devoted to research on peace and security from a South Asian perspective. Its aim is to develop a comprehensive and alternative framework for peace and security in the region catering to the changing demands of national, regional and global security. Address: B 7/3 Lower Ground Floor Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi 110029 INDIA Tel: 91-11-4100 1900, 4165 2556, 4165 2557, 4165 2558, 4165 2559 Fax: (91-11) 4165 2560 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ipcs.org CONTENTS I. Introduction.................................................................................................2 II. Constitutional Change: A Comprehensive Analysis ..................................3 III. Conclusion: Bhutan a Unique Case?...................................................... 16 VI. Bibliography............................................................................................ 19 I. Introduction “Democracy in Bhutan is truly a result of the desire, structural changes within the Bhutanese aspiration and complete commitment of the polity. While the historical analysis might monarchy to the well-being of the people and the appear to be excessive, it nevertheless is an country” important task to fully understand the uniqueness of the developments in Bhutan. (Chief Justice of Bhutan, Lyonpo Sonam Democratic transition does not happen Tobgye, 18 July 2008) overnight; it is usually a long process of successive developments.
    [Show full text]
  • COINAGE in BHUTAN Nicholas Rhodes
    COINAGE IN BHUTAN Nicholas Rhodes'" Introduction In Thimphu, and elsewhere in Western Bhutan, it is still possible to find many examples of the old copper coins, known as Matam, Chetam and Zangtam. Old silver coins can also be found, although less frequently. Very little, however, has been written about the background to these coins - who made them, where and when, and how they were used. The purpose of this article is to set out what I know about these old Bhutanese coins, not only to present the information more widely, but also in the hope that there will be people in Bhutan who will be encouraged to provide additional evidence from oral tradition, written records, or from any other sources. Elderly people may still be alive who remember such coins being struck, but unless their memories are recorded soon, the information will be lost forever. Before the 1950s, there were no urban communities in Bhutan, and coins only played a small part in the economy of the country, serving mainly as a store of value, and as ceremonial gifts or donations. Silver coins, usually foreign coins, also served as the raw material from which jewellery and "pan" boxes were made. Day to day life mainly involved subsistence farming, supplemented by barter. Taxes were paid either in kind or in services, and land rent was paid as a share of the produce, again in kind. Some insight into how coins were used in the old days can be obtained from Karma Ura's books, The Hero with a Thousand Nicholas Rhodes holds an MA in mathematics from Trinity College, Cambridge.
    [Show full text]
  • Budget Report FY 2020-2021 (ENG)
    “Under ordinary circumstances, we have always exercised extreme prudence and carefully weighed the costs and benefits of every expenditure, to ensure the most judicious use of our limited resources while constantly keeping the long-term interest of the nation at heart. However, the situation we are in today is extraordinary, and unlike any we have experienced thus far. We are confronted with a dangerous global pandemic of an unprecedented scale posing an imminent threat to our people. Therefore, building the resilience, confidence and security of our people must take greater priority over conserving our resources.” His Majesty the King, Address to the Nation, 10th April 2020 BUDGET FY 2020-21 HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC OUTLOOK • The economy is projected to improve from -1.1 to 0.97 percent. • The commissioning of MHP since 2019 has improved the goods and services balance as electricity exports significantly increased. • Current Account Deficit is projected to improve from 14.4 to 11.0 percent of GDP. • With various fiscal and monetary measures, it is expected to boost domestic demand and generate economic activities which will have a positive impact on growth. RESOURCES • COVID-19 pandemic to impact domestic revenue by 14 percent. • Total resources estimated at Nu. 53,822.073 million. • Domestic revenue estimated at Nu. 33,189.392 million. • Grants estimated at Nu. 20,142.848 million, expected to cover 56 percent of capital expenditure. • To ensure that the revenue targets are met, the MHP shall be maintained under profit transfer modality during the FY. EXPENDITURE • Total expenditure estimated at Nu. 69,151.122 million, 7 percent increase from the previous year.
    [Show full text]
  • Political Scenario in Bhutan During 1774-1906: an Impact Analysis on Trade and Commerce
    Political Scenario in Bhutan during 1774-1906: An Impact Analysis on Trade and Commerce Ratna Sarkar* and Indrajit Ray** The East India Company’s relationship with Bhutan may be traced back to the conflict between the Princely state of Cooch Behar and Bhutan in 1772 where the Deb Raja of Bhutan defeated King Khagendra Narayan of Cooch Behar. The latter’s army commander Nazir Deo re-attacked Bhutan1 on behalf of the Prince and subsequently won the battle with the help of British soldiers. The relation between Bhutan and British India became imminent when the Deb Raja solicited the mediation of Panchen Lama of Tibet and fell back to the British power. This relationship, however, opened up a new vista to British imperialism from the last quarter of the eighteenth century onwards. While the East India Company’s desire to promote its trade in the Himalayan kingdoms, especially Tibet, was one of the reasons to this end, the other reason might be its design to consolidate its empire in this subcontinent against the expansion of the Russian and Chinese imperialism. Various political events like wars and peace-treaties followed as the Company administration in Bengal sought to realise these objectives. In the ultimate analysis, these political events shaped the trade relation of Bhutan with its neighbouring countries. The present article seeks to bring out these causations between various political events and trade relation of Bhutan during the previous centuries. Section I of this article documents various political events that led to the evolution of Bhutanese trade during the eighteenth-nineteenth centuries.
    [Show full text]
  • Land Acquisition and Resettlement Due Diligence Report BHU: Secondary Towns Urban Development Project -Sarpang (Including Shecha
    Land Acquisition and Resettlement Due Diligence Report Document stage: Draft for consultation Project number: 42229-016 March 2018 BHU: Secondary Towns Urban Development Project -Sarpang (including Shechamthang satellite town) Sarpang Water Supply Development Project (Contract Package- SM/UWS/002); and Development of Shechamthang Local Area Plan Infrastructure: Roads, Drainage and Water Supply Project (Contract Package- SM/UR/001) Prepared by the Department of Urban Development and Engineering Services, Ministry of Works & Human Settlement, Royal Government of Bhutan for the Asian Development Bank. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS as of 16 March 2018) Currency unit – Ngultrum (Nu) Nu1.00 = $0.015 $1.00 = Nu65.040 ABBREVIATIONS ADB = Asian Development Bank BSR = Bhutan Schedule of Rates CBSWM = community–based solid waste management CCM = cabinet committee meeting CWR = clear water reservoir DDR = due diligence report DDS = due diligence study DEO = district engineering office FHH = female headed households GAD = gender and development GRC = grievance redressal committee GSB = granular sub-base LAGC = Local Area Grievance Committee LAP = local area plan MOWHS = Ministry of Works and Human Settlement PAF = project affected families PAPs = project-affected persons PAVA = property assessment and valuation agency PIU = project implementation unit PMU = project management unit PPTA = project preparatory technical assistance PRCS = progressive research & consultancy services RENEW = Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (NGO) RGoB = Royal Government of Bhutan RWSS = rural water supply schemes SPS = Safeguard Policy Statement Thromde = Municipalities This land acquisition and resettlement due diligence report is a document of the borrower.
    [Show full text]
  • Nationalism and Regional Relations in Democratic Transitions: Comparing Nepal and Bhutan
    Wright State University CORE Scholar Browse all Theses and Dissertations Theses and Dissertations 2018 Nationalism and Regional Relations in Democratic Transitions: Comparing Nepal and Bhutan Deki Peldon Wright State University Follow this and additional works at: https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/etd_all Part of the International Relations Commons Repository Citation Peldon, Deki, "Nationalism and Regional Relations in Democratic Transitions: Comparing Nepal and Bhutan" (2018). Browse all Theses and Dissertations. 1981. https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/etd_all/1981 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses and Dissertations at CORE Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Browse all Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of CORE Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. NATIONALISM AND REGIONAL RELATIONS IN DEMOCRATIC TRANSITIONS: COMPARING NEPAL AND BHUTAN A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts By DEKI PELDON Bachelor of Arts, Asian University for Women, 2014 2018 Wright State University WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL [May 4, 2018] I HEREBY RECOMMEND THAT THE THESIS PREPARED UNDER MY SUPERVISION BY DEKI PELDON ENTITLED NATIONALISM AND REGIONAL RELATIONS IN DEMOCRATIC TRANSITIONS: COMPARING NEPAL AND BHUTAN BE ACCEPTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS. Laura M. Luehrmann, Ph.D. Thesis Director Laura M. Luehrmann, Ph.D. Director, Master of Arts Program in International and Comparative Politics Committee on Final Examination: Laura M. Luehrmann, Ph.D. School of Public and International Affairs Pramod Kantha, Ph.D. School of Public and International Affairs Judson Murray, Ph.D.
    [Show full text]
  • Bhutan-China Relations: Towards a New Step in Himalayan Politics
    CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by CrossAsia-Repository BHUTAN-CHINA RELATIONS: TOWARDS A NEW STEP IN HIMALAYAN POLITICS ∗ THIERRY MATHOU here is an apparent paradox in Bhutan-China’s relationship. The geographical location of Bhutan gives it both political and strategic Timportance in the Himalayan region. Bhutan has a long tradition of cultural and religious interaction with Tibet and shares a common border with China. Yet, the kingdom is China’s only neighbour which does not have diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Even trade and economic contacts between the two countries are very small and their common border remains closed. However, the status quo resulting from the turmoil that followed the integration of Tibet in the PRC and the Sino-Indian border conflict in 1962 is about to change. Political contacts have been resumed since the mid 1980s. The two governments have been using the annual border consultations to exchange views on a wide range of bilateral issues. Both countries have interest in the normalization of their relationship. Yet, their perspectives are different. While Bhutan prefers to remain cautious according to the approach it has always favoured on the diplomatic scene1, China is considering its relation with Bhutan as part of its “Western development strategy”, that could allow Tibet to regain a central position in the Himalayan region. The present paper places Bhutan-China relations in an historical perspective that shows the importance of the Tibetan factor. Linkage politics and perceptions of security in the context of India-China relations are also described.
    [Show full text]