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 litt...

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 an...

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 &...

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. Ou...

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...

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 fro...

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, local...

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 d...

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 c...

In this sambaad, Madhu Raman Acharya , Shiv Raj Bhatt , Kshitiz Daha l, 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...

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 ye...

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,...

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...

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. ⁠Projec...

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...

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 sta...

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...

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....

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 mea...

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...

An introduction to PODS by PEI Season 3.

Ep#111 नेपालको संविधान जारी भएको नौ वर्ष पूरा भएको उपलक्ष्यमा पोड्स बाई पि.ई.आई.को आजको भागमा पी. ई. आई.का अविनाश कर्ण र तराई–मधेश लोकतान्त्रिक पार्टीका अध्यक्ष बृषेशचन्द्र लालबीच चैत्र २०, २०७९ मा कान्तिपुरमा प्रकाशित उहाँको लेख “नागरिकता विधेयकमा अनुचित अलमल” को सेरोफेरोमा रहेको संवाद पुन: प्रसारण गर्दै छौ| यस लेखमा अध्यक्ष लालले संविधानका शर्त पूरा गरी पारित भएको नेपाल नागरिकता (पहिलो संशोधन) व...

Ep#110 Shuvangi Poudyal is a public policy researcher based in Kathmandu, with a focus on South Asia geo-economics, regional connectivity, and local governance. As the Program and Outreach Officer at PEI, she contributes to research projects like Infrastructure Diplomacy and RENT, while also coordinating programs and communicating findings through publications and an in-house host at PODS by PEI....

Ep#109 More than 15 years have passed since the end of the armed conflict between the Maoists and the Government of Nepal with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord. While the country has done a remarkable job not recoiling back into the violent conflict with which it grappled for a decade, the years after have been slow and painful for the thousands of survivors who keep waiting for a jus...

Ep#108 Dr. Sameen A. Mohsin Ali is an Assistant Professor of International Development at the University of Birmingham . Her research focuses on the impact of bureaucratic politics on state capacity and service delivery. She is particularly interested in the dynamics of bureaucratic reform, the implementation and impact of donor programs, and the intersection of party politics, citizens’ interests...