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Nepal-India Territorial Dispute and National Identity: A Qualitative Study of the Understanding of Nepali Youth Living in the United States

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This qualitative study explores the impact of the Nepal-India territorial dispute on the national identity of Nepali youth residing in the United States. The dispute originated from the Treaty of Sugauli (1816) and has been exacerbated by the Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950). This research investigates how Nepali youth understand the dispute and how it affects their sense of national identity while living abroad. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews with six Nepali youths in the U.S., the study reveals varying degrees of awareness about historical and current aspects of the dispute. Findings indicate that while participants are informed about the Treaty of Sugauli and the historical conflict, fewer are knowledgeable about the Treaty of Peace and Friendship and its implications. The study highlights how the dispute influences their national identity, with perceptions differing by gender and personal experiences. Male participants often view the conflict through a realist lens, comparing it to other international disputes, while female participants express concerns about the impact on cultural heritage and future relations. The research underscores the necessity of enhancing educational resources for diaspora communities and suggests that the territorial dispute continues to shape the national identity of Nepali youth even in a global context.
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