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The Question of Federalism in Nepal

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  • André Lecours

Abstract

In 2012, a Nepali Constituent Assembly tasked with drafting a federal constitution was dissolved after four years of wrangling over federalism issues. This article develops three explanations for why federal structures have yet to take shape in Nepal. It argues that consensus on federalism hides a reluctance by key actors to build a federal system; that while some political forces want federal structures based on ethnic identities, two of the three main political parties have little appetite for "identity-based federalism"; and that political actors hold antagonistic ideas about federalism and what it should achieve. More broadly, the article speaks to cases of "holding together" federalism stemming from previously unitary states.

Suggested Citation

  • André Lecours, 2014. "The Question of Federalism in Nepal," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 44(4), pages 609-632.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:publus:v:44:y:2014:i:4:p:609-632.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/publius/pjt030
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Thelen,Kathleen, 2004. "How Institutions Evolve," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521837682, September.
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    6. Lieberman, Robert C., 2002. "Ideas, Institutions, and Political Order: Explaining Political Change," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 96(4), pages 697-712, December.
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