The Geopolitics of Small-State Autonomy: Asymmetric Interdependencies and Strategic Hedging in Himalayan South Asia

Abstract

This paperexamines the intricacies of Nepal's geopolitics, its impact on domestic governance, and the opportunities it offers for Nepal's foreign policy agenda, especially as a buffer between India and China. It explores two salient points of Nepal's history that are delineated with the help of two theories: historical institutionalism and realist theories; they are the Sugauli Treaty (1815-16) and Nepal's current diplomatic position, respectively. Analysis leads to polarization, indebtedness, and "elite capture. The study attempts to quantify the positivecomplicating impacts of multilateral interventions, defense mediation, and cultural diplomacy. The research indicates that states can pursue sovereignty and democratic consolidation through moderate national policy, based on 'principled non-alignment', institutional unification, transparency in public life, and equitable socioeconomic development. The paper concludes that this context of great-power competition, strategic autonomy, and inclusive socioeconomic resilience will further enhance its agency and turn its vulnerabilities into strong, sustainable avenues for democratic consolidation.