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All Roads Lead North: Nepal's Turn to China
In the June 2020 territorial dispute over Kalapani, India was faced with a newly assertive Nepal, and blamed the latter’s deepening relations with China for the tension. But beyond the accusations and the grandstanding, there was a new reality to reckon with: the power equations in South Asia had been redrawn to make space for China.
Nepal did not turn northwards overnight, however. For one, Nepal–China ties have deep historical roots built on Buddhism, going as far back as the early first millennium. For another, while the 2015 unofficial Indian blockade had provided momentum to the rift, the Himalayan nation had long wanted greater ties with its northern neighbour to counteract India’s oppressive intimacy. With China’s growing ambitions, both globally and in South Asia, Nepal now has a new primary bilateral partner—and Nepalis are forging a path towards modernity with its help, both in the remote Himalayan borderlands and in the cities.
All Roads Lead North is the long view on Nepal’s foreign relations, as well as the story of China as a global power in the twenty-first century. With never-before-told stories about Tibetan guerrilla fighters, failed coup leaders and trans-Himalayan traders, this book examines the histories that tie remote Himalayan communities to each other. Part historical study, part journalistic account and all of it rigorously researched, Nepal analyst Amish Raj Mulmi writes a new, complex and compelling account of a small country caught between two neighbourhood giants.
Nepal did not turn northwards overnight, however. For one, Nepal–China ties have deep historical roots built on Buddhism, going as far back as the early first millennium. For another, while the 2015 unofficial Indian blockade had provided momentum to the rift, the Himalayan nation had long wanted greater ties with its northern neighbour to counteract India’s oppressive intimacy. With China’s growing ambitions, both globally and in South Asia, Nepal now has a new primary bilateral partner—and Nepalis are forging a path towards modernity with its help, both in the remote Himalayan borderlands and in the cities.
All Roads Lead North is the long view on Nepal’s foreign relations, as well as the story of China as a global power in the twenty-first century. With never-before-told stories about Tibetan guerrilla fighters, failed coup leaders and trans-Himalayan traders, this book examines the histories that tie remote Himalayan communities to each other. Part historical study, part journalistic account and all of it rigorously researched, Nepal analyst Amish Raj Mulmi writes a new, complex and compelling account of a small country caught between two neighbourhood giants.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2021
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348 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 16, 2021
Deft, insightful, and compelling dive into the complex geo-politics of South Asia
A long delayed examination of contemporary Sino-Nepal-Indian dynamics through the unique lens of an assertive Nepal, Amish Mulmi's All Roads Lead North is a meticulous and erudite examination of the Himalayan country's geo-political concerns, aspirations and realpolitik.
Nestled between Asia's two large rivals, Nepal has for long forged an evolving and often uncomfortable relationship with the duo - the history of which the book maps with rigour and absolute mastery. A must-read, and permanent addition to the collections of keen observers of South Asian geo-politics, intelligentsia, historians, journalists, and students as well.
A long delayed examination of contemporary Sino-Nepal-Indian dynamics through the unique lens of an assertive Nepal, Amish Mulmi's All Roads Lead North is a meticulous and erudite examination of the Himalayan country's geo-political concerns, aspirations and realpolitik.
Nestled between Asia's two large rivals, Nepal has for long forged an evolving and often uncomfortable relationship with the duo - the history of which the book maps with rigour and absolute mastery. A must-read, and permanent addition to the collections of keen observers of South Asian geo-politics, intelligentsia, historians, journalists, and students as well.
August 9, 2024
第一本關於尼泊爾的書籍
January 18, 2022
An eye opening chronicle, travelogue, and a much-needed work of politico-historical context setting. Well-written and insightful. Highly recommended to anyone with even the slightest interest in Nepal and her relationships with her neighbours.
May 29, 2021
A lot has been talked about regarding Nepal’s seemingly shifting alliance towards China in the past year or so, mostly from Nepal’s Southern neighbour, where the media had gotten sour due to the recent complications faced between them and China. All Roads Lead North (ARLN) by Amish Mulmi is a book that I was looking forward to reading to help me understand the nuances of the relationship between Nepal and China. The book does not disappoint, which is evidenced by Mulmi’s immaculate research and manuscript that leaves the reader wanting to read more.
Although the book has a political flavour to it, as well as focussing on the historical and cultural contexts shared by the two peoples, ARLN is less academia and more personal and connected. Mulmi’s ability to go beyond the facts and cold data, and delve deep into the people, their stories and their circumstances is what sets this treatise apart. From the pain and alienation faced by Tibetan refugees to the ingenuity showed by people like San Dai, Mulmi has pulled back the curtain of political intrigues and historical evolution to show the reader what Nepal’s tilt northwards means to the people involved- both good and bad. Mulmi presents us with his understanding of the state of affairs based on his explorations and the experiences shared by the people he has encountered and interacted with, and leaves it up to the reader to make up their own mind on where they stand. My only gripe with this book is that it seems short; Mulmi’s style of writing and research give the reader a sense of wanting more- more stories, more history, more pages to satisfy the reader’s appetite.
This is definitely one of the best, if not the best book I’ve read this year. A book not to be missed by anyone interested in the historical, cultural and political landscape of South Asia; or to students of Political Science who wish to understand the ever changing dynamic of the subcontinent and what lessons can be learnt for the future.
Although the book has a political flavour to it, as well as focussing on the historical and cultural contexts shared by the two peoples, ARLN is less academia and more personal and connected. Mulmi’s ability to go beyond the facts and cold data, and delve deep into the people, their stories and their circumstances is what sets this treatise apart. From the pain and alienation faced by Tibetan refugees to the ingenuity showed by people like San Dai, Mulmi has pulled back the curtain of political intrigues and historical evolution to show the reader what Nepal’s tilt northwards means to the people involved- both good and bad. Mulmi presents us with his understanding of the state of affairs based on his explorations and the experiences shared by the people he has encountered and interacted with, and leaves it up to the reader to make up their own mind on where they stand. My only gripe with this book is that it seems short; Mulmi’s style of writing and research give the reader a sense of wanting more- more stories, more history, more pages to satisfy the reader’s appetite.
This is definitely one of the best, if not the best book I’ve read this year. A book not to be missed by anyone interested in the historical, cultural and political landscape of South Asia; or to students of Political Science who wish to understand the ever changing dynamic of the subcontinent and what lessons can be learnt for the future.
April 14, 2021
This beautifully written, tremendously researched book sheds lights on so many geo-political matters affecting Nepal and its overbearing neighbors. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learned a whole lot on a topic I wasnt familiar with. At many instances, I found myself surprised as the author broke down historic origins of the Naxalite movement, spread of Communism and Nepal's dealing with Tibet. Chapter 5, Communism Comes by Road, was the most enlightening for me. The detail in which the author interconnects the stories of leaders in Nepal, India and China and how they were influenced by Mao are fascinating. What a terrific book to have as a resource forever.
February 25, 2022
Very nice!
May 8, 2021
Wonderfully written and an essential read for anyone trying to understand the historical background and current developments in the Nepal-China relationship. As an Indian who grew up in Nepal, while I had a general background about the subject matter, this book lays it out in a detailed manner without being pedantic.
As an Indian, the historical overbearing nature of India’s approach to the relationship and the recent major missteps that led to losing ground in Nepal, are painful to read. To a large extent, Nepal continues to be “a yam between two boulders “, and depending on the shifting interests of the two big powers, the relationships will continue to evolve. Hope the Indian foreign affairs establishment realises this and changes its approach, to become a better partner to Nepal.
As an Indian, the historical overbearing nature of India’s approach to the relationship and the recent major missteps that led to losing ground in Nepal, are painful to read. To a large extent, Nepal continues to be “a yam between two boulders “, and depending on the shifting interests of the two big powers, the relationships will continue to evolve. Hope the Indian foreign affairs establishment realises this and changes its approach, to become a better partner to Nepal.
December 27, 2021
Excellent book explaining from the historical standpoint why Nepal is increasingly leaning to China. Book nicely combines historical treatises with reporting from the various places within Nepal, where Nepali and Chinese influences and aspirations meets. Book contains less new information for regular followers of Nepali politics and history, but it is extremely useful for people, who previously were not so interested in the to topic, to get full understanding of the underlying processes.
October 31, 2022
I appreciate the work of putting together all the historical events and analysing impacts of those events that is still visible today in our socio-economic sphere. For me, this work could have been much more captivating if there were more incidents of connectivities to the north and how they all connect dots to form a larger network.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews