Nepal’s Unrest: Is US-China Competition Fueling Regional Instability?

Recent political turmoil in Nepal, following similar events in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, has sparked questions about the influence of international powers. The protests, initially triggered by a social media ban, escalated into a nationwide movement, resulting in casualties and the resignations of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President Ramchandra Paudel. The unrest mirrors patterns seen in other South Asian nations, where dissatisfaction with corruption and economic hardship has fueled widespread dissent. The movement against the social media ban evolved into a broader demand for political reform, with slogans like “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (KP Thief, Leave the Country) echoing in the streets. The situation raises concerns about potential foreign interference, particularly given Nepal’s growing relationship with China during Oli’s tenure and the US’s counter-initiatives. The US has relaunched the ‘Millennium Challenge Nepal Compact’, offering financial assistance, which could be a response to China’s growing influence through the Belt and Road Initiative. This is further complicated by internal issues such as corruption allegations and the discontent of the youth, which has been exacerbated by economic stagnation and lack of employment opportunities. The country faces a major political crisis, raising questions about whether the unrest is entirely internal or linked to the geopolitical rivalry between global powers.