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Dorji, Kunkhen (2013), ‘Bhutan: Is Democracy a Reality?’, IPCS Article No. 3940.
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Abstract:
According to the government of Bhutan, the first historical election on 24 March 2008 was a huge success, and democracy is on the right track in the Himalayan kingdom. But many are critical of such analyses and assert that it is a controlled democracy and the monarchy still calls the shots.
Why is Bhutan still under scrutiny with respect to monarchy, democracy, and the much celebrated free and fair elections? The rulers have always maintained that the country is free and the government enjoys legitimacy. But calls for scrutiny emerge from the fact [read more...]
Gallenkamp, Marian (2013), ‘Bhutan: Democratically Challenged?’, IPCS Article No. 3941.
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Abstract:
There are a number of analysts and activists who would strongly reject the question mark at the end of this commentary’s title, and instead replace it with an exclamation mark. Then there are others, whose romanticised vision of a last ‘Shangri La’ cloud their perspective on the, not so romantic, reality of politics and governance. In seeking the middle ground between the activist and the idealist, this piece tries to disentangle and rectify some of the objections and criticism most commonly voiced against Bhutanese democracy.
Firstly, time and again, the sincerity of Bhutan’s [read more...]
Dorji, Kunkhen (2013), ‘Bhutan Elections 2013: A Difficult Road Ahead?’, IPCS Article, No. 3894, April 2013.
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Abstract:
The upcoming general elections in Bhutan will see many new faces at the grass root level, but the same cannot be said about their party’s leadership who have served Bhutan in many distinguished fields. The Opposition are quite critical about the first elected government of Bhutan, but are not able to provide a good alternative model as a solution to the many domestic and foreign policy related matters affecting the country today.
Will this election see new faces, or the victory of the old guards? Will it be able [read more...]
Joseph, Mathew C. (2012), ‘China-South Asia Strategic Engagements – 2: Bhutan-China Relations’, ISAS Working Paper No 157.
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Abstract:
Geographic location plays an important role in determining the foreign policy choices of countries. This is invariably true despite the size and resources available to countries. Countries which are fortunate to have access to seas are distinct in many ways from the landlocked states in this regard. If the state is landlocked, small in size and not so rich in terms of resources, the fate of such a state would be all the more precarious. Bhutan belongs to the afore-mentioned category of small landlocked states. The Himalayan country of [read more...]
Gallenkamp, Marian (2013), ‘India – Bhutan Relations and the Rising Chinese Influence’, in The Diplomatist, No. 3, 2013.
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Abstract:
About a year ago, I described the bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan as being a truly exceptional example of how mutually beneficial cooperation is possible between two countries that dispose of starkly different power resources. Bearing in mind that the two nations’ intimate ties stem from historical friendship, geopolitical as well as socio-economic realities, and a genuine tradition of cooperation and respect for each other’s needs and concerns, one is inclined to hold my previous remarks as a dictum for years and decades to come.
[read more...]
Bisht, Medha (2012), ‘The Rupee Crunch and India- Bhutan Economic Engagement’, IDSA Issue Brief, 16 July 2012.
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Abstract:
The rupee-crunch in Bhutan may be a purely domestic issue occasioned by poor fiscal policies and mismanagement of economic affairs. However, there is a strong view gaining ground among the Bhutanese that it is primarily caused by their economic dependence on India, sustained by growing economic ties between the two countries. It is, therefore, important to understand the geographical constraints, the limits of the political economy in Bhutan, and the causes of growing Bhutanese disillusionment about ties with India. While it would be an overstatement to say [read more...]
Bisht, Medha (2012), ‘Chinese Inroads into Bhutan: Diplomatic Gimmick or Strategic Reality?’, IDSA Comment published on 14 August 2012.
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Abstract:
The past few months have been an exciting phase in Bhutan’s foreign policy. Some political analysts are questioning Bhutan’s resistance to establishing diplomatic ties with China, while others have asserted publicly that Bhutan-China relations are inevitable and would become a diplomatic reality in the years to come. Amidst these competing voices, Bhutan, for its part, has officially maintained silence over the issue. An obvious pointer to this was the way Bhutan chose silence in the wake of media reports in China and India about the [read more...]
Ramachandran, Sudha (2013), ‘Bhutan’s Second Trip to the Parliamentary Polls’, published in The Diplomat on 27 March 2013.
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Abstract:
Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan conjures up images of peace and tranquility. Indeed, it is a country of serene and striking geographic beauty. But this setting brings with it an isolation that kept Bhutan politically sealed off from the rest of the world as an absolute monarchy until 2008, when it became a democracy.
Over the next couple of months Bhutan will take steps towards further consolidating its fledgling democracy. Its people will vote first for the National Council (the upper house of parliament) and then [read more...]
Bisht, Medha (2013), ‘Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk’s Visit to India: Towards an Assuring Alliance’, IDSA Comment, 1 February 2013.
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Abstract:
The year 2013 started on a high note for India-Bhutan relations. While the Indian External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid, was on an official visit to Thimpu on January 14, 2013, Bhutan’s fifth king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, graced the chair of the chief guest on the Indian Republic Day. Even though the official visit has not been made public to media scrutiny, certain politically significant issues relevant for India-Bhutan relations perhaps need to be reckoned with. These are economic relations, Bhutan’s relations with China and [read more...]
Bisht, Medha (2013), ‘Bhutan: Elections 2013′, published at openDemocracy on 21 January 2013.
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Abstract:
Five years ago the remote Himalayan state of Bhutan turned from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy, making it the youngest democracy on earth. Looking back at the developments since the transition, the democratization of Bhutan was a success story despite a few shortcomings.
Come March 2013, and Bhutan will be set fair for its second round of parliamentary elections. While the past five years have been an exploratory phase for Bhutan, in terms of experimenting with and internalizing democratic norms, they nevertheless bear witness to the fact that the formal [read more...]
Rahut, Dil Bahadur & Medha Bisht (2013), ‘Special Commentary: India and Bhutan’, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, IPCS Article No. 3803.
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Abstract:
His Majesty Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan is visiting India and was the chief guest at India’s 64th Republic Day parade on 26 January 2013. This follows an earlier visit (in January 2013) by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid to Bhutan.
How important is Bhutan to India and vice-versa? What are the contemporary issues between the two countries?
India and Bhutan: Natural Partners Owing to their geographic location, Bhutan and India are natural partners [read more...]
Gallenkamp, Marian (2012), ‘Consolidating Democracy in Bhutan: A Retrospect and a Rebuttal of Democracy Measures’, in Spotlight South Asia (SSA), No. 5.
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Abstract:
When Bhutan became one of the world’s youngest democracies back in 2008, academics and practitioners alike were amazed by the surprising ease with which transition was achieved. Democratization in Bhutan was unique in many ways, and some of the process’ particularities had a decisive impact on the shape of the new polity. The democratic nature of the new political system, however, has ever since been called into question and eyed with skepticism by many large-n datasets that claim to measure [read more...]
Wolf, Siegfried O. (2012), ‘Bhutan’s Political Transition – Between Ethnic Conflict and Democracy’, in Spotlight South Asia, SSA No. 2.
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Abstract:
Until recently Bhutan (Drukyul – Land of the Thunder Dragon) did not fit into the story of the global triumph of democracy. Not only the way it came into existence but also the manner in which it was interpreted made the process of democratization exceptional. As a landlocked country which is bordered on the north by Tibet in China and on the south by the Indian states Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, it was a late starter in the [read more...]
Sonam Tobgye & Thrimchi Lyonpo (2012), ‘The Making of the Constitution and Democracy in Bhutan’, five-part article published in Kuensel on 04, 06, 07, 08 September 2012.
2012 – THE MAKING OF THE CONSTITUTION AND DEMOCRACY IN BHUTAN
Abstract:
His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck astounded the nation and bewildered the Council of Ministers, the Chief Justice of Bhutan, the Speaker and the Chairman of the Royal Advisory Council on 4th of September 2001 by the pronouncement of the need to draft a written Constitution[1]. Sitting on a simple wooden chair behind the plain table, which were inherited from his late father, His Majesty commanded that:
“Bhutan, through good fortune and fate, [read more...]
Sonam Tobgye & Thrimchi Lyonpo (2012), ‘Law and the Making of Law’, four-part article published in Kuensel on 11, 13, 14, and 15 August 2012.
2012 – Law and the making of law
Abstract:
Dynamic intelligence, speculative minds, misery of pain and shared anguish prompted the search of humans for law and justice[1]. Law has been defined in different ways by various religious leaders and prolific philosophers[2]. His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo said that “law is not confined to the courts or the legislatures that draft them. Law is like the air that every person breathes at every moment. Its presence is unnoticed but its absence will be lethal”[3]. [read more...]
Hanasz, Paula (2012), ‘The Food, Energy and Water (FEW) Nexus and Gross National Happiness in Bhutan’, FDI Associate Apaper, 13 September 2012.
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Abstract:
The complex interplay of food, energy, and water demand and supply poses numerous policy challenges, especially in the context of expanding population sizes, rising standards of living, and resource management constraints due to sustainable environmental practices.[1] Bhutan provides an interesting illustration of how these issues can be addressed holistically, in a relatively socially responsible, economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable way.
Bhutan is unique in the world for its Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, which has been the guiding set of principles for [read more...]
Gallenkamp, Marian (2012), ‘When Agency Triumphs over Structure: Conceptualizing Bhutan’s Unique Transition to Democracy’, in Heidelberg Papers in South Asian and Comparative Politics, Working Paper No. 68.
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Abstract:
There a few absolutes in political science, but the historical observation that democracy does not just evolve without any form of struggle or demand for it, and the theoretical assumption that countries do not simply embark on the path of transition to democracy without a crisis of legitimacy for the old regime, are closest to being universally accepted. However, this paper will demonstrate how historic precedence can prove theory wrong by analyzing Bhutan’s transition to democracy. [read more...]
A very interesting article by Cathy Scott-Clark and Adrian Levy about the impact of television on Bhutanese culture and society, published in The Guardian on 14 June 2003.
Click here for a redirect to the original website.
Fast forward into trouble
Four years ago, Bhutan, the fabled Himalayan Shangri-la, became the last nation on earth to introduce television. Suddenly a culture, barely changed in centuries, was bombarded by 46 cable channels. And all too soon came Bhutan’s first crime wave – murder, fraud, drug offences. Cathy Scott-Clark and Adrian Levy report from a country crash-landing in the 21st century The Guardian, Saturday 14 June 2003
April 2002 was a turbulent [read more...]
John Helliwell, Richard Layard and Jeffrey Sachs (eds.) 2012, World Happiness Report, The Earth Institute, Columbia University.
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Especially interesting is the chapter on Bhutan by Karma Ura, Sabina Alkire and Tshoki Zangmo (pp.108-148) on Gross National Happiness and the GNH-Index.
Introduction:
We live in an age of stark contradictions. The world enjoys technologies of unimaginable sophistication; yet has at least one billion people without enough to eat each day. The world economy is propelled to soaring new heights of productivity through ongoing technological and organizational advance; yet is relentlessly destroying the natural environment in the process. Countries achieve great progress in economic development as [read more...]
Brassard, Caroline (2008), ‘Decentralization, Democratization and Development in Bhutan’, SPP Working Paper No. 9, School of Public policy, Singapore national University.
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Abstract:
This chapter analyses the recent developments in Bhutan on the political and economic fronts, especially in the last fifteen years. It examines the impacts of the administrative and political reforms as well as the policy implications on socio‐economic development and good governance in the country. The chapter contains six parts and is organized as follows.
The first part of the paper focuses on the decentralization and democratization processes that have taken place since the early 1980s. It overviews the [read more...]
Evans, Steve (2008), ‘Bhutan National Values Assessment’, in Journal of Bhutan Studies, Vol. 18, pp. 95-115.
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Abstract:
His Majesty King Khesar, The 5th Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, recognised in his coronation address on November 7, 2008 that core values form a common thread that binds and guides the nation, especially in the wake of current democratic processes. His deepest concern, he said, is that as the world changes Bhutan may lose its fundamental values on which rest its character as a nation and people.
Tashi, Tshering (2008), ‘Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck’s Twenty Points Proposal to the British India to Modernise Bhutan’, in Journal of Bhutan Studies, Vol.19, pp. 1-8.
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Abstract:
In 1921, His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck the first Druk Gyalpo, wrote a letter to Rufus Isaacs, the Earl of Reading, who was then the Governor-General and Viceroy of India, in which he submitted a 20 points proposal to modernize Bhutan, and requested for Rs 1,30,000.00.
On 18 November, Major F.M Bailey, the British Political Officer based in Gangtok, Skkim, wrote a favourable cover letter to his Secretary in Delhi, advising his government to act favourably [read more...]
Bisht, Medha (2012), ‘Gross National happiness in Bhutan: A Policy in Making’, IDSA Comment, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi, 15.03.2012.
The full-text-version of this article is also available here.
Gross National Happiness in Bhutan: A Policy in Making Medha Bisht
March 15, 2012
Gross National Happiness (GNH), a concept largely identified with Brand Bhutan, is set to become a key referent point in shaping Bhutan’s economic and development policies. This became evident during a recent speech delivered by Prime Minister Thinley on February 10, 2012. The speech was on the relevance of GNH and in response to the publication of a new study titled “Initial Estimate of [read more...]
Gallenkamp, Marian (2012), ‘Indo-Bhutan Relations as a Model for Cooperation between Small States and Big Powers’, in FPRC Journal, No. 9, Focus : India and South Asia, Foreign Policy Research Centre, New Delhi, 251-256.
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Abstract:
The bilateral relationship between the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Republic of India is a truly exceptional example of how mutually beneficial cooperation is possible between two countries that dispose of starkly different power resources. On the one hand there is India, the world‘s largest democracy, second most populous nation, fourth most powerful military and fifth largest economy, on the other hand there is Bhutan, one of the world‘s youngest and [read more...]
Bisht, Medha (2011), ‘India-Bhutan Power Cooperation: Between Policy Overtures and Local Debates’, IDSA Isuue Brief, October 2011.
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Abstract:
Since 80 per cent of Bhutan’s total trade is with India, the resulting macroeconomic environment makes it largely dependent on its southern neighbour. Hydro-power perpetuates this economic dependence as it constitutes 45 per cent of Bhutan’s total exports to India. Promising as this figure is for Bhutan’s national economic growth, India and Bhutan have embarked on a second phase of power cooperation, with the aim of generating 10,000 MW of power by 2020. The decision to expand power trade was originally announced after the first bilateral Empowered Joint [read more...]
Pfaff, Tobias (2011), ‘Das Bruttonationalglück aus ordnungspolitischer Sicht ‒ eine Analyse des Wirtschafts- und Gesellschaftssystems von Bhutan’, in RatSWD Working Paper Series, No. 182, July 2011.
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Abstract:
In den späten 1970er Jahren erklärte der König des südasiatischen Kleinstaates Bhutan, dass für sein Land nicht das Bruttoinlandsprodukt wichtig sei, sondern vielmehr das Bruttonationalglück. Dieser Beitrag analysiert das Bruttonationalglück in Bhutan aus ordnungspolitischer Perspektive. Definitorisch kann das Bruttonationalglück als multidimensional und nachhaltig ausgerichtete Ordnungsstruktur Bhutans verstanden werden, die eine Ausgewogenheit von Wirtschaftswachstum und anderen Entwicklungszielen anstrebt, den Erhalt der nationalen Identität und Umwelt sicherstellen soll und auf buddhistischen Prinzipien und Werten basiert. Letztendlich ist das Bruttonationalglück „ein Mandat [read more...]
Mathou, Thierry (2008), ‘How to Reform a Traditional Buddhist Monarchy: The Political Achievements of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan (1972-2006)’, Centre for Bhutan Studies.
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Abstract:
His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck acceded to the Golden Throne at the age of 17 in 1972 after the sudden death of his father His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Third King of Bhutan. When he was formally crowned on June 2, 1974, he became the youngest monarch in the world. O December 14, 2006, at the age of 51, he announced his immediate abdication and the transfer of the throne to his eldest [read more...]
Kaul, Nitasha (2008), ‘Power to the People’, in CSD Bulletin, 15(2), 1-2,20.
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Abstract:
In 2008 Bhutan completed a peaceful transition to a parliamentary democracy. Initiated by the monarch, the process was unique: a voluntary abdication of power in the face of public opposition to democracy. (Indeed, had a referendum on the desirability of a transition to democracy been held at the time of the elections it would have failed). On 24 March, 79.4 per cent of a total of 318,465 registered voters, in 47 constituencies in 20 provinces, cast their ballot in a general election. Some had taken out bank loans to finance [read more...]
Gallenkamp, Marian (2011), ‘The long way of consolidating and learning Democracy: Bhutan’s Local Government Elections 2011′, openDemocracy, 13.09.2011 .
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Abstract:
In 2008, the Kingdom of Bhutan successfully made its transition to democracy by electing representatives to the newly formed parliament (47-member National Assembly (Tshogdu) and 25-member National Council (Gyelyong Tshogde)) and by adopting the country’s first constitution. Now, more than three years after these historic events, democracy has finally been expanded to the local level. With two rounds of Local Government Elections on 21 January and 27 June 2011, Bhutan’s democratization has now reached the level of district, block, and municipal administration.
The [read more...]
Gallenkamp, Marian (2011), ‘Kommunalwahlen im Königreich Bhutan’ [Local Government Elections in the Kingdom of Bhutan], published at www.suedasien.info, 28. August 2011.
This article is only available in German. Click here to read the full-text-version of this article.
Abstract:
Mehr als drei Jahre nach den ersten demokratischen Wahlen hat Bhutan 2011 auch auf lokaler Eben eine Demokratisierung vollzogen. Ende 2007 waren zunächst die 20 Mitglieder des Oberhauses des Parlaments als Vertreter der 20 Verwaltungsdistrikte gewählt worden; wenige Monate später wurden die 47 Abgeordneten der Nationalversammlung gewählt. Mit den Kommunalwahlen im Januar und Juni 2011 hat der Prozess der demokratischen Bestellung von Repräsentanten und Abgeordneten nun auch auf der Distrikts- und Gemeindeebene Einzug gehalten.
[read more...]
Santos, Maria Emma and Karma Ura (2008), ‘Multidimensional Poverty in Bhutan: Estimates and Policy Implications’, OPHI Working Paper No. 14.
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Abstract:
This paper estimates multidimensional poverty in Bhutan applying a recently developed methodology by Alkire and Foster (2007) using the 2007 Bhutan Living Standard Survey data. Five dimensions are considered for estimations in both rural and urban areas (income, education, room availability, access to electricity and access to drinking water) and two additional dimensions are considered for estimates in rural areas only (access to roads and land ownership). Also, two alternative weighting systems are used: a baseline using equal weights for every dimension and another one [read more...]
The Centre for Bhutan Studies (ed.), (2002), Globalization: The Argument of Our Time (Thimphu: The Centre for Bhutan Studies).
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Content:
Globalization as Seen by Developing Countries Lyonpo Jigmi Y. Thinley 1
Global Civil Society Comes of Age Marlies Glasius 14
Making and Respecting the Rules (An interview with Maria Livanos Cattaui by Anthony Barnett and Paul Hilder of openDemocracy) 23
Violence and Justice in a Global Age David Held 42
What Should Europe Do About Globalization: A Socialist View Harlem Desir 47
Is Globalization Good for The World? (Discussion between Peter Sutherland and Shirley Williams moderated [read more...]
Butan Centre for Media and Democracy (ed.), (2010), Monarchy & Democracy in the 21st Century (Thimphu: Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy).
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Description:
The origins of the conference which gave rise to these papers derive from several different directions. First, a one-day conference was held at Stanford University in California in the spring of 2008, which took as its focus the supposed opposition between “monarchy” and “democracy”. As was pointed out by some members of the conference, this opposition made no sense either in contemporary political theory or in practice. Indeed, many monarchies are democracies (for example, Great Britain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and even Japan). While [read more...]
Choden, Tashi, Takayoshi Kusago, and Kokoro Shirai (2007), Gross National Happiness and Material Welfare in Bhutan and Japan (Thimphu: The Centre for Bhutan Studies).
Click to download part 1, part 2, and part 3 or here for part 1, part 2, and part 3
Description:
The purpose of this project is to take a closer look at Bhutan and Japan’s experiences and outlook in terms of subjective wellbeing and economic growth. While the two countries contrast in many respects, in particular with respect to geography and the stage of economic development, they also share common features. Both are largely Buddhist countries, and both can be said to be at a critical stage [read more...]
Aris, Michael and Michael Hutt (eds.) (1994), Bhutan: Aspects of Culture and Development (Stirlingshire: Kiscadale Publications).
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Content:
Michael Aris — Introduction 7
Karma Ura — Decentralisation and Development in Medieval and Modern Bhutan 25
Thierry Mathou — The Growth of Bhutanese Diplomacy 1961-91: Opportunities and Challenges 51
George van Driem — Language Policy of Bhutan 87
Sonam Chhoki — Religion in Bhutan I: The Sacred and the Obscene 107
Michael Kowalewski — Religion in Bhutan II: The Formation of a World-View 123
Marc Dujardin — Bhutan’s Human Settlements: The Dynamics of Tradition and Modernity 137
Francoise Pommaret — Textiles in Bhutan I: Way of Life and Identity Symbol 173
Diana K. Myers — Textiles [read more...]
Bhutan and Nepal : The Himalayan Kingdoms in the Perils of Democracy -A Regional Stake between India and China- by Thierry Mathou, Research fellow to the CNRS
At a time when China and India have embarked on a ‘strategic partnership’, the stability of the Himalayan states, faced with an unprecedented social and political transformation, is a cause for concern. Bhutan and Nepal, the last kingdoms of the region, are the sole state survivors of an old regional order that has seen the incorporation of Tibet into the People’s Republic of China and that of Sikkim into the Indian Union in the course of the 20th century. These two comparable but nevertheless different monarchies, kept out of [read more...]
Council on Foreign Relations Interview with Jigme Y. Thinley, Prime Minister of Bhutan
In March 2008, Bhutan held its first parliamentary elections (BBC), shifting away from a century-old absolute monarchy. The largely Buddhist country of around 700,000 people is nestled in the Himalayas between Asia’s giants, India and China. The head of country’s first democratically elected government, Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley, tells CFR.org in an interview that the Bhutanese people were apprehensive about democracy because of the poor state of democracy in South Asia. He says he is confident, however, that democracy will work in Bhutan. Thinley also discusses Bhutan’s relations with its neighbors, China and India. He says relations with India have shown continued growth [read more...]
Article by Patrick French, published 13 April, 2009, Vanity Fair
For more than three decades, the fourth Dragon King of Bhutan steered his people into the modern world, while keeping their traditional culture intact. His recent abdication, at 53, in favor of his 29-year-old, Oxford-educated son, was another stroke of Realpolitik, strengthening the throne even as he moved the country to a parliamentary democracy. In a rare privilege for an outsider, the author joins the royal family at the coronation of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the new ruler of the world’s last Himalayan kingdom.
On a bitterly cold day last winter, high in the eastern Himalayas, the king of Bhutan voluntarily gave up his throne. Watched [read more...]
Article published 10 November, 1952, TIME
Stretching for some 190 miles along the southern slopes of the Himalayas, north of India and south of Tibet, lies the most remote kingdom in the world. The upland valleys of tiny (18,000 sq. mi.) Bhutan are as green and inviting as those of Shangri-La, and the passes that lead into them just as forbidding. Icy winds howl along the snowswept plains behind the mountain passes to discourage the traveler. Rugged barriers of snow and ice rise as high as 24,000 ft. Dense semitropical growth clogs the lower valleys. Fever haunts the forests, making them uninhabitable to all except endlessly prowling tigers and rhinos.
read more…
Article published 17 June, 1974, TIME
With its sparkling air, snow-capped mountains and countless whitewashed Buddhist temples, the tiny Himalayan country of Bhutan is probably the world’s closest real-life equivalent to James Hilton’s Shangri-La. The 1,100,000 Bhutanese, most of whom are illiterate peasants, sense that they live in a uniquely calm and contented country, which they call “the end of the rainbow land of desires.” Last week Bhutan gave itself another distinction by publicly crowning the world’s youngest monarch, 18-year-old King Jigme Singye Wangchuk. He will henceforth be known as “the dragon king.”
Royal astrologers in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, had delayed the ceremony until they were satisfied that all the signs were in order, [read more...]
Article published 14 May, 1956, TIME
Among the visitors who flew in to Katmandu for King Mahendra’s coronation last week (see above) were three sturdy men wearing swords, embroidered knee-length felt boots and striped wrap-around coats. They were from tiny (18,000 sq. mi.) Bhutan, a state perched in the Himalayas between India. Sikkim and Tibet. Although King Mahendra’s close neighbors, they had traveled eight days—on foot and by pony to India, and then by plane to Nepal.
In the 20th century only 20 foreigners (not including Tibetans and Nepalese) have visited the big, rambling mountain fort at Punakha that serves as Bhutan’s capital. So rugged are Bhutan’s passes and so formidable its mountains that the Indian [read more...]
Article by Somini Sengupta, published 23 April, 2007, The New York Times
THIMPHU, Bhutan — Can “Desperate Housewives,” free trade and multiparty elections deliver happiness?
The people of Bhutan, the tiny Buddhist nation once known as the hermit kingdom of the Himalayas, pondered these questions this weekend, as they undertook a sort of fire drill for democracy and set down an important marker on their carefully ordered journey toward modernity.
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who recently announced his plan to abdicate, has ordered parliamentary elections for next year. In preparation for the real thing, more than 125,000 Bhutanese citizens participated Saturday in what the government called “mock elections,” lining up at polling booths across the country [read more...]
Article by Barbara Crossette, published 12 July, 1998, The New York Times
Bhutan, one of two remaining absolute monarchies in Asia, has taken a major step toward constitutional government with the election of a new Cabinet and a decision by the King to test his rule in periodic votes of confidence.
Although the King will still be head of government — there is no Prime Minister or President — the National Assembly now has the right to demand his abdication.
Bhutan is the last of a group of independent Buddhist kingdoms in the Himalayas, which once included Tibet, Ladakh and Sikkim. All the rest have been swallowed up over the last century by China and India.
[read more...]
Article by Sanjoy Hazarika, published 06 June, 1993, The New York Times
Tens of thousands of people of Nepalese origin have left this remote Himalayan kingdom, many of them accusing Bhutanese officials of driving them out.
Bhutan says many of the migrants were illegal settlers who were identified in a census a few years ago. The migrants now live in crowded refugee camps in Nepal and with friends and relatives in neighboring India.
read more…
Article by Barbara Crossette, published 23 March, 1991, The New York Times
“The flaw in monarchy,” the King of Bhutan said, “is that you reach that very high and important position not due to merit, but due to birth. Too much depends on one individual.”
His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Druk Gyalpo, or Precious Ruler of the Dragon People, and the last of the Himalayan Buddhist kings, has been thinking a lot about monarchy and its role in a world swept by democracy movements. On the shoulders of this 35-year-old basketball-playing ruler rests the responsibility of modernizing Bhutan, an exotic land sealed off from the the rest of the world for most of [read more...]
Article by Barbara Crossette, published 07 October 1990, The New York Times
The small Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan has become the target of a well-organized campaign, based in India, to stir up violent opposition to the country’s moves to protect itself and its culture from illegal immigration.
Waged largely on behalf of Nepali and Indian citizens denied the right to settle in the small kingdom, where standards of living are relatively high and business opportunities plentiful, the militant campaign has been appealing to international human-rights groups to recognize it as a ”pro democracy” movement.
read more…
Article by Barbara Crossette, published 14 April, 1991, The New York Times
The last of the once-isolated Himalayan Buddhist kingdoms is fighting for survival, victim of a South Asian population explosion that is changing demography on the roof of the world.
Over the last six months, a campaign of violence and terror by small bands of ethnic Nepalese guerrillas in southern Bhutan, most of them Hindus based in India, has shattered the peace of this small mountainous nation.
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Nishimizu, Mieko (2008), Portrait of a Leader – Through the Looking-Glass of His Majesty’s Decrees (Thimphu: The Centre for Bhutan Studies).
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Preface:
On 14 December 2006, His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Druk Gyalpo IV, shocked the nation by announcing his abdication. The transfer of power to His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, Druk Gyalpo V, had already taken place on 9 December 2006 – simply between the two Kings, in the small office of the Druk Gyalpo at Tashichho Dzong.
If the people of Bhutan were stunned by the announcement, so was the rest of the world [read more...]
Mc Donald, Ross (2010), Taking Happiness Seriously: Eleven Dialogues on Gross National Happiness (Thimphu: The Centre for Bhutan Studies).
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Contents:
Introduction v
Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley 1
Dr. Ron Coleman 12
Khenpo Phuntsok Tashi 24
Professor Ruut Veenhoven 34
Dasho Karma Ura 51
Dr. Nic Marks 62
Dr. Helena Norberg-Hodge 74
Siok Sian Pek 90
Dasho Kinley Dorji 103
Dasho Neten Zangmo 110
Namgay Zam 128
Dorji, Lham and Sonam Kinga (2005), Youth in Bhutan – Education, Employment, Development (Thimphu: The Centre for Bhutan Studies).
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Abstract:
Youth development should entail the views of young people who can offer a perspective that is unique to them. What they express about their experiences, challenges, expectations and outcomes can bear so much on the policies and programs pertaining to them. This monograph contains the papers that relied heavily on young people’s views, valuing what they have to say about wide-range of problems that our youth are facing today. Organizations and programs can be more cost effective and responsive by ensuring that the problems [read more...]
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