Madhesis

Nepal is undergoing a transition, putting forth a constitution after a decade of conflict, political upheavals, and protests along with a devastating earthquake from which it has yet to recover. But the constitution, described as discriminating against ethnic groups that account for almost half the population, could pose more challenges. The country of 28 million people is nestled between two great rivals. India is viewed as too involved in Nepal’s domestic politics, while China is exploiting Nepalese insecurities to serve its own interests, explains Harsh V. Pant, a professor of international relations. China has overtaken India as Nepal’s biggest foreign investor, and in 2014 the country ranked among the world’s top 35 foreign aid recipients. Pant concludes that marginalization, resentment, and interference from larger neighbors could contribute to more destabilization and conflict.