PODS by PEI

Policy Entrepreneurs Inc.

PODS by PEI is a podcast initiative of Policy Entrepreneurs Inc., a policy research center based in Kathmandu, that examines the state of Nepali politics, economy, and development and seeks to inform and enrich Nepal’s policy discourse. Every week, PODS by PEI brings to you thoughtful and in-depth discussions that will take you deep into the most pertinent issues in Nepal.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

20 episodes
Updated April 16

Episodes20

Newest first

April 16 · 59 min
Set Into Motion: A Revived Youth Civil Society in Post-Gen Z Nepal
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
March 24 · 59 min
After the Verdict: How Might the Rastriya Swatantra Party Govern?
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.center X (Twitter): @tweet2PEI LinkedIn: Policy Entrepreneurs Inc.
February 16 · 59 min
Beyond the Ballot Box: Alok Bohara on Nepal’s Gen Z Movement & Why Institutions Matter
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. Elections Follow Dr. Alok Bohara’s work:Read more on his Substack: Nepal Unplugged Stay Connected with PEI: Website: pei.center Twitter/X: @Tweet2PEI Newsletter: Of Policies and Politics Love the show? Rate us 5 stars on Spotify and hit the 'Follow' button to never miss a deep dive into Nepal's policy landscape.
January 20 · 59 min
Sagar Prasai on Small States in the New World Disorder
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
Nov 4, 2025 · 34 min
Prajol Joshi on Unpacking De-Dollarization: Trends, Issues, and Implications
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!!
Sep 8, 2025 · 36 min
Dr Buddha Basnyat on Poor Man’s Disease: The Persistent Challenge of Tuberculosis in Nepal
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
Aug 5, 2025 · 33 min
Aayusha Prasain on Roots and Routes: The Story of Community Tourism in Nepal
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!!
Jul 23, 2025 · 48 min
Robert Fisher on Community Forestry in Nepal: What Worked, What Didn't
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!!
Jul 2, 2025 · 40 min
Samjhana Bista on At Risk on the Frontlines: The Untold Story of Nepal’s Environmental Human Rights Defenders
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!!
Jun 13, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Project Sambaad Bhaag Dui: New World Disorder: Trading Realities in an Uncertain and Mercurial Period
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!!
May 28, 2025 · 31 min
Raj Gyawali on Nepal's Tourism Sector: Lifetime Experiences, People, and Nature
In this episode, Shreeya and Raj explore Nepal's tourism assets through the lens of sustainability. They attempt to unpack what truly defines Nepal's tourism brand and how a thriving industry can uplift local economies. They also discuss issues like overtourism and climate change, asking: how can Nepal grow its tourism sector without losing what makes it special? Raj Gyawali has over 20 years of hands-on experience in responsible tourism, founding SocialTours—the first sustainability-certified tour company in Asia. His work spans guide training, traveller education, sustainable product development, and strategic planning for tourism stakeholders. 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!!
May 13, 2025 · 55 min
Project Sambaad Bhaag Dui: Baadi, Balen, ra Basti: On the Future of Kathmandu’s Urban Landscape
In this sambaad, Rupa Basnet, Padma Sundar Joshi, and host Sabin Ninglekhu explore Kathmandu as a city shaped by three parallel urban realities—Newa settlements, informal settlements, and formal developments—each with unique histories and relationships to governance. Using the September 2024 floods as a critical lens, the conversation delves into questions of urban planning, legal accountability, and the impacts of aesthetic-driven development policies that often marginalise vulnerable communities. 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!!
Apr 30, 2025 · 37 min
Chandra Dev Bhatta on Between State and Society: Rethinking Civil Engagement in Nepal
In this episode, Shuvangi Poudyal and Chandra Dev Bhatta engage in a thoughtful discussion on the evolution of Nepali civil society—from its pivotal role in democratic movements to its present-day entanglements with political power, funding constraints, and growing public distrust. Drawing from Bhatta’s research and recent discourse, the conversation explores the blurred lines between activism and partisanship, the influence of donor agendas, and the need for more inclusive, accountable, and locally grounded civil society frameworks in a federal Nepal. Chandra Dev Bhatta is a political scientist whose work spans research, teaching, and public commentary on Nepali politics, geopolitics, and South Asian affairs. A former research fellow at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, he has explored themes such as the rise and fall of national service in Nepal.
Apr 15, 2025 · 36 min
Project Sambaad Bhaag Dui: How to Talk to People: On the Disconnect between Research and Reaching Out
In this Sambaad, Pranay Rana, Anusha Khanal, Anup Ghimire, and Khushi Hang explore the rise of alternative media in Nepal. From rethinking what's newsworthy to building niche communities and making complex ideas more accessible, the conversation unpacks the creative and strategic shifts redefining Nepal's media landscape. 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 organizations 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. This episode starts off a bit disturbed but evens out soon enough. Also, you'll hear a mix of Nepali and English throughout the conversation—hope you enjoy!!
Mar 28, 2025 · 45 min
Project Sambaad Bhaag Dui: On the Evolution of Nepali Civil Society: Co-Opted or Still Catalyzing Change?
In this Sambaad, speakers Nisha Onta, Anaya Bhadra Khanal, and Dinesh Gautam dive into the evolving landscape of Nepali civil society—its identity crisis, growing fragmentation, and shifting role from political activism to policy influence. They discuss the rise of think tanks, the challenges of donor dependence, and the need for greater collaboration in a sector grappling with internal divisions and external pressures. 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 organizations 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. This episode starts off a bit disturbed but evens out soon enough. Also, you'll hear a mix of Nepali and English throughout the conversation—hope you enjoy!!
Feb 21, 2025 · 38 min
Monalisa Adhikari on Revisiting the Non-Alignment Movement in a Changing World Order
In a world of shifting power dynamics and the fading influence of multilateral forums, critical questions arise on how they can help effectively navigate global conflicts and uphold the independence of member nations. In this episode, Shuvangi and Mona explore the Non-Aligned Movement, from its historical significance to contemporary relevance and impact. They debate Nepal's non-alignment stance versus India's strategic autonomy, questioning whether it ensures independence or limits engagement. They examine NAM's role and Nepal's diplomatic balance between democratic values and diverse global ties. Dr Monalisa Adhikari is a Senior Lecturer in International Politics at the University of Stirling. Her research focuses on emerging powers in global governance, the foreign policies of India and China, and peacebuilding norms in Asia. She is currently working on a book examining Indian and Chinese approaches to peacebuilding and co-investigates the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PeaceREP) project. 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!!
Jan 31, 2025 · 43 min
Suman Basnet on Reviewing Nepal's Rapid Rural Electrification Achievements
In this episode, Shreeya and Suman explore the transformative journey of rural electrification in Nepal, highlighting its evolution, and impact. They also examine the challenges of equitable access, energy reliability, and integration of diverse models. Reflecting on the broader implications, they consider how lessons from Nepal’s experience can inspire sustainable development and inclusive energy transitions worldwide. Suman is a hydropower, renewable energy and management professional with over 37 years' experience in the development and private sectors. He is currently the Team Leader at the Nepal Renewable Energy Programme, a Government of Nepal Programme supported by the UK Government. His research assesses the rapid acceleration of electricity access in rural Nepal since the early 2000s, identifying key factors that contributed to this phenomenon. The study emphasizes that while Nepal has made significant progress, there remains a critical need to address energy justice, ensuring greater geographical and economic equity in the country’s electrification efforts. 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!!
Jan 14, 2025 · 56 min
Nischal Dhungel on Nepal's Sovereign Credit Rating and its Potential Implications
In this episode, Aslesh and Nischal dive into Nepal's first-ever sovereign credit rating and what it means for the nation’s bold economic future as it gears up to graduate from LDC status. They break down its implications on foreign investments, business opportunities, and more. From hydropower to tourism, they explore the sectors ready to thrive and the reforms needed to keep the momentum going. Nischal Dhungel is a Consultant for the World Bank Group and the Independent Evaluation Office at the Global Environment Facility in Washington, DC. He is also a Non-resident Fellow at the Nepal Institute for Policy Research. Holding an MSc in Economic Theory and Policy from Bard College, New York, he has published over 50 articles on economic issues in international and national platforms. The views expressed in this podcast are Nischal's personal views and do not reflect the views of the organization he works for or represents. 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!!
Dec 23, 2024 · 41 min
Katharine Rankin on Eating and Being Fed: Competing Ethics of Community-based Road Building in Nepal
Khushi and Katharine discuss Nepal’s community-based road-building initiatives, examining how these projects reveal the complex relationships between citizens, the state, and socio-economic systems. The conversation begins with a field memo from Katharine’s recent research and offers an anthropological perspective on how local cultural values, political dynamics, historical context, and social meanings influence perceptions of corruption, governance, participation, and rule-breaking. Katharine Rankin is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. She is the author of Cultural Politics of Markets: Economic Liberalization and Social Change in Nepal, among other influential works focused on the politics of planning and development, comparative market regulation, feminist and critical theory, neoliberal governance, and social polarization. Her recent article, Between Eating and Being Fed: Competing Ethics of Community-Based Road Building in Nepal, co-published with Shyam Kunwar, Lagan Rai, Elsie Lewison, and Sarah Shniederman, delves into the local ethical logics underpinning Nepal’s community-driven road-building programs. The paper challenges conventional discourses of corruption by highlighting the contested legitimacy of rules and presenting competing visions of rural infrastructure, offering a more complex understanding of community engagement in development. 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!!
Dec 4, 2024 · 46 min
Akhilesh Upadhaya on From the Margins of Power: Exploring Nepali Borderland Communities
Shuvangi and Akhilesh explore Nepal's borderland communities' unique challenges and contributions. They discuss how federalism has reshaped governance and service delivery in these regions and examine the effects of cross-border policies and pandemic-era restrictions on local livelihoods and trade. The conversation highlights how borderland communities are often excluded from national discussions despite their critical role in conflict management and cross-border relations, raising important questions about inclusion and visibility in decision-making processes. Akhilesh Upadhyay is researching the Himalayan borderlands. He is working on a book discussing the history of the region's cross-border trade, migration, and family ties. He also looks at the geopolitics of the Eastern Himalayas, where Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh - smaller states - share a 'crowded corridor' with two big powers - China and India. He is a Senior Fellow with the Strategic Affairs Center at IIDS, a Kathmandu-based think tank. 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!!