PODS by PEI

8 September 2025 marked a defining rupture in Nepal's recent political history—a youth-led flash mobilization that challenged not only the state but also the very grammar of political participation. After suddenly finding themselves at the center of a political rupture—one that opened up unprecedented space to represent a broader public mandate—Nepali youth were thrust into roles they had little formal preparation or capital for.In this episode, Khushi Hang and Anusha Khanal sit down to reflect on their ongoing research, A Political Economy of Nepal's Youth Mobilization, unpacking what came after the protest. From personal motivations to structural shifts, Khushi and Anusha explore how "Gen Z" evolved from a social to a political group, optimizing informal resources to gain legitimacy. They discuss the factors that shaped Gen Z organizing, its strategies, successes, and limitations. 🕒 CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction: The 8 September Rupture03:10 - Why We Showed Up: Personal Motivations09:40 - The Rise of “Gen Z” as a Political Identity27:15 - From Mobilization to Organization36:50 - Inside Gen Z Groups: Networks, Trust, and Legitimacy47:30 - Doing Politics Differently: Horizontal Structures & Digital Space57:10 - Access, Inequality, and the Kathmandu-Centric Challenge01:05:40 - Post-Election Shift: Accountability and Civic Space01:15:20 - Funding, Trust, and the Risks of Institutionalization01:24:10 - Civil Society Across Generations01:32:00 - Final Reflections: What Has Actually Shifted?🎙️ THE PANEL:Khushi Hang Tenga: Researcher, Policy Entrepreneurs Inc. (PEI)Anusha Khanal: Researcher & Gen Z Activist🔗 CONNECT WITH PEI:Website: www.pei.centerX (Twitter): @tweet2PEILinkedIn: https://np.linkedin.com/company/policy-entrepreneurs-inc

The 2026 "March 5th Verdict" has reset the Nepali political landscape. With the traditional establishment pushed aside, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) now holds a near two-thirds majority. But the real question is no longer about the win—it's about the work.In this episode, Nirjan Rai (Principal Advisor, PEI) and Saumitra Neupane (Executive Director, PEI) sit down with writer and political analyst Bishnu Sapkota to unpack how the RSP might actually govern. We dive into:The "Rainbow" Challenge: Can a party of diverse ideologies maintain a cohesive institutional vision?The Balen Shah Factor: Is Nepal shifting toward a de facto presidential style of leadership?A Revolt Within Democracy: Why 2026 is a historic departure from the movements of 1951, 1990, and 2006.Governance vs. Populism: What does "Alternative Politics" look like in practice?Connect with Policy Entrepreneurs Inc. (PEI):Website: www.pei.centerX (Twitter): @tweet2PEILinkedIn: Policy Entrepreneurs Inc.

In this episode of PODS by PEI, Professor Alok Bohara joins PEI's Nirjan Rai and Saumitra Neupane to look past the March 5th polling numbers and examine the systemic decay of Nepal’s democratic guardrails.We dive deep into why Nepal’s institutions have collapsed three times since 1990 and how the current Gen Z movement is acting as a decentralized catalyst for institutional reform. From the "Extraction-Control Nexus" to the missing "Middle Corridor" of governance, this conversation is a masterclass in the structural reality of Nepali politics.In this episode, we discuss:(00:00) Intro: Beyond the Ballot Box(04:30) The "Extraction-Control Nexus" explained(12:15) Why Nepal’s institutions lack "memory"(22:45) Gen Z as an "Emergent" force in 2026(35:10) Building the Middle Corridor for future stability(45:00) Closing: Reform vs. ElectionsFollow Dr. Alok Bohara’s work:Read more on his Substack: Nepal UnpluggedStay Connected with PEI:Website: pei.centerTwitter/X: @Tweet2PEINewsletter: Of Policies and PoliticsLove the show? Rate us 5 stars on Spotify and hit the 'Follow' button to never miss a deep dive into Nepal's policy landscape.

Is the "Liberal World Order" officially over? 🌏In the season premiere of PODS by PEI, we dive deep into the seismic shifts of global geopolitics. As the "America First" doctrine evolves into what some call the "Donroe Doctrine," small states like Nepal find themselves navigating a "New World Disorder" where traditional safety nets are being dismantled.Our guest, Sagar Prasai, joins co-hosts Saumitra and Nirjan to dissect why the old masks of international law and human rights are peeling away, leaving behind a world of "naked interests." In this episode, we discuss:The End of Hegemony: Why a complete reversal of current U.S. political trends is no longer possible. Empires from Within: Understanding why empires collapse due to internal misalignment rather than external force. The "Donroe Doctrine": The pivot from global overextension to hemispheric dominance. Nepal’s Strategic Survival: How South Asian states must navigate the intensifying rivalry between a rising China and a flailing U.S. system. Multilateralism in Decline: What the dismantling of global institutions means for climate change, trade, and development finance. About the Guest:Sagar Prasai is a leading voice on regional geopolitics and a regular contributor to PEI’s research and discourse.Follow our work:Website: www.pei.centerYouTube: @peinepalTwitter: @Tweet2PEI

In this episode, Aslesh and Prajol discuss is the dominance of the U.S. dollar and the emerging trend of de-dollarization. Prajwal traces the dollar’s rise to the 1944 Bretton Woods Agreement and its enduring role in global trade, finance, and reserves. They discuss why countries are now seeking alternatives, mainly to reduce vulnerability to U.S. sanctions—and note signs of gradual change such as rising gold reserves, China’s push for yuan-based trade, and BRICS efforts to build parallel systems.Prajol is an economist at South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE), Nepal with over seven years of research and advisory experience in areas of trade policy, public debt management, alternative finance, and private sector development. His contributions include national-level studies and publications with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, various UN agencies. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( ⁠⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠⁠ ), and click here ( ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!! 

In this episode, Ben and Buddha discuss infectious diseases in Nepal, focusing on tuberculosis (TB). They highlight Nepal's epidemiological shift from to non-communicable diseases, while noting that TB continues to disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable populations, framing it as a “poor man’s disease” shaped by poverty. Despite effective, low-cost preventative therapies and lessons from past successes, TB persists due to limited funding, attention, and advocacy.  Dr Buddha Basnyat is a physician and clinical researcher. A leading expert in infectious diseases, high-altitude medicine, and antimicrobial resistance in Nepal,  he has conducted landmark typhoid treatment trials and shaped national antibiotic guidelines. He co-founded Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Nepal and was recently honored with the (NHRC) Lifetime Achievement Award for Health Research in Nepal, recognizing his exceptional.If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( ⁠⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠⁠ ), and click here ( ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠⁠ ) to support us on Patreo

In this episode, Shreeya and Aayusha explore how community-led tourism is reshaping Nepal's travel landscape, from its roots in Sirubari village to a growing national network. Aayusha shares how homestays empower women, preserve culture, and create sustainable livelihoods. They discuss the operational model, economic impact, and challenges of scaling, offering insight into how authentic, locally owned travel drives inclusive, resilient development.Ayusha Prasain is a committed professional in the field of responsible tourism. As the CEO of the Community Homestay Network Aayusha leads transformative initiatives that empower local communities and has extensive previous experience across youth-led efforts, multilateral agencies, and grassroots organizations.  If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( ⁠⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠⁠ ), and click here ( ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!! 

In this episode, Lasata and Robert discuss Nepal's globally praised community forestry model. Unpacking its evolution from early experiments with user groups to the 1991 political revolution and 1993 legislation, they discuss how local communities learn to govern forests and explore transferability as global interests in the model rise. They also investigate tensions around inclusion, power, and decision-making, and consider what makes community forestry both promising and problematic—then and now. Dr. Robert Fisher is an anthropologist and human geographer with decades of experience in the social dimensions of natural resource management. His long association with community forestry began in Nepal, where he worked with the Nepal–Australia Forestry Project in the late 1980s. Since then, he has worked in various capacities across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, with a focus on issues such as land tenure, conservation, and local livelihoods. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney and a Senior Research Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( ⁠⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠⁠ ), and click here ( ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!! 

In this episode, Khushi and Samjhana spotlight the often-unseen struggles and strengths of Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs): community activists at the forefront of resisting environmental harm and advocating for human rights. They unpack the multifaceted challenges EHRDs face, from threats by powerful actors to the weight of social barriers. They explore gaps in national policy, the crucial role of support systems, and the potential for change through global intervention.  Samjhana Bista is a researcher and practitioner of sustainable consumption, nature-based adaptation to climate, and local policy solutions to climate change impacts. With 20+ years of experience in natural resource management, policy development, and programme leadership, she has supported government institutions across countries like Germany, Ghana, and Tanzania, and held senior roles in national and international NGOs, including the Country Director at  DCA Nepal.If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( ⁠⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠⁠ ), and click here ( ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!!  

In this sambaad, Madhu Raman Acharya, Shiv Raj Bhatt, Kshitiz Dahal, and host Dikshya Singh explore Nepal’s evolving trade landscape—its participation in multilateral, regional, and bilateral frameworks, and why the country has yet to fully leverage these arrangements. Despite benefits like duty-free market access through its LDC status, Nepal faces challenges in integrating into regional value chains and lacks a clear strategy for the post-LDC transition. The discussion highlights the need for stronger domestic policy, outward-oriented diplomacy, and industrial development to move beyond a narrow export base and prepare for a more resilient trade future.This is a live recording of the panel discussion at Project Sambaad. ⁠⁠⁠Project Sambaad⁠⁠⁠ is a collaborative platform that promotes in-depth conversations that critically examine Nepali society and its policy-making space. Through Project Sambaad, PEI and like-minded organisations seek to explore broad, impactful questions that contribute to a wider dialogue on the politics and development of Nepal and the South Asia region.Just a quick heads-up—this is a live recording of the conversation, so the audio quality might not always be perfect. Also, you'll hear a mix of Nepali and English throughout the conversation—hope you enjoy!!