World War 3, or any other conflict on a worldwide scale, brings with it a feeling of fear and unease. Naturally, as geopolitical forces shift and global tensions intensify, concerns over the safety of certain countries arise. Nepal’s geographical location, combined with its political views, makes it a common country to think of.
The location of Nepal in the Himalayas, between India and China – two major nuclear power countries – raises concerns over its safety in a conflict like World War III. The article discusses the various factors that impact Nepal’s security, including its geographical location, military capabilities, strategic importance, history, and neutrality.
Nepal’s geopolitical location
Nepal is located between India (the most populous country) and China (the second-most militarily dominant nation). Nepal’s borders with India are to the west, the east and the south. Its northern border is China. This pair of neighboring nations has not only complex but, at times, contentious relations with each other.
India and China have recently fought over boundary disputes. Tensions remain high, particularly around regions such as Aksai Chin and Arunachal. Because of these conflicts, Nepal’s geographical location becomes even more important.
Because of its proximity to two superpowers, it faces the risk of conflict. It is inevitable that superpowers including the United States of America (USA), Russia, China India and regional allies will take part in a war. Nepal does not have a large military, but its geographical position could cause the country to get caught in an international conflict. Nepal is close to two countries that have nuclear capabilities, raising serious security concerns.
Nepal’s foreign policy: Neutrality or Non-Alignment
Nepal’s foreign policy stance will determine its level of security in the case of an international crisis. Nepal has maintained a policy of neutrality, non-alignment for decades. Nepal’s foreign policy, including its non-alignment policies and neutrality in Cold War times, has been integral to Nepal for many years.
Nepal’s neutrality has allowed it to keep relatively stable relations despite India and China tensions. It is not part of any alliance’s military and has not taken sides when major powers are at war. In particular, the country has never been a member of NATO and has signed no important military treaties. Nepal’s Neutrality has become part of its identity. Many global organizations, such as the United Nations, have recognized this.
Nepal will likely remain neutral in an upcoming third world conflict. The nation is known for being able to stay out of wars by focusing on its own sovereignty and maintaining good relations. The neutrality of the country does not mean that it will remain untouched by the conflict. As previous wars have shown, it’s not unusual for smaller countries to be involved in geopolitical disputes through alliances with military forces or pressure from the economy.
Nepal’s Military Power
Nepal’s defense capability during World War 3 may be the key to its survival. Nepalese Forces are small in comparison with India or China. Nepalese military activities are predominantly focused on ensuring internal and international security. This country is lacking both a fully-equipped modern army as well a substantial standing force capable to wage a sustained war.
Nepal’s budget is modest and does not include any advanced weapons system, nuclear warheads or missiles. The nation’s military is meant to serve as defensive and not offensive. The Military in World War 3 would most likely be focused on protecting Nepali sovereignty and managing the country’s internal security.
Nepal does not have the military power to participate in a conflict on a worldwide scale. A foreign army near Nepal’s borders or in the vicinity could threaten the country. India and China maintain large military positions in Nepal’s respective border regions. This means that any conflict between India and China could spill over to Nepal’s borders.
Impact of India-China Rivalry
India and China’s rivalry continues to be one of the biggest factors that could affect Nepal’s safety during a World War 3 scenario. Both countriesnuclear-armed armies with large forces, but their strategic goals often collide. Nepal has a very difficult situation because of the location it is in and due to China’s and India’s proximity.
India and China have disagreed over India’s border for years. As tensions increased, the border between India and China was a source of conflict. India has had military confrontations with China in the last couple of years. These have occurred mainly along the Line of Actual Control of Ladakh and Doklam.
If hostilities between India & China intensify, this dispute, combined with regional competition, may bring Nepal to the forefront of the conflict.
Nepal’s frontier regions, for instance, could host military operations if India and China decided to get into a conflict in World War 3. There is pressure on Nepal to side with either India or China, compromising their neutral stance. Nepal might try to avoid involvement directly, but there is border skirmishes between India and China or diplomatic pressure.
What Role Does Global Alliance Play?
Nepal could face further dangers in the aftermath of World War III due to the global alliances that would be formed anthe d superpowers’ involvement. Nepal has always maintained a neutral stance. However, the landscape of the globe during a massive war may not be so clear. NATO members or countries with formal military pacts may be drawn into the conflict by their alliances. Nepal, on the other hand, does not form part of an alliance. It would, therefore, not enjoy formal security guarantees by major powers.
Nepal’s diplomacy with other nations will play an important role in its survival. Even though they are not near Nepal, nations like Russia, Japan and the United States could still offer their diplomatic or humanitarian help in the case of a worldwide conflict. The intervention of these international powers depends on changing allegiances and how power is distributed in a war.
Nepal’s Vulnerability To Economic And Humanitarian Consequences
Nepal is not immune to the effects of an international war. Even if the country avoided direct conflict with the enemy during World War 3, it would be subject to its economic and humanitarian consequences. Global conflict usually leads to disruptions in business, economic instability, or shortages of basic goods. Nepal relies on imports to meet its needs for food, fuel and other vital resources. An interruption of global supply chains can seriously impact Nepal’s economy.
Nepal is a country that has no sea access,o the conflict could have a major impact on its infrastructure. Airports, highways, and trading routes of the country may become military targets, which could disrupt transport and prevent access to crucial supplies. Humanitarian crises may arise, with fragile systems such as health care and social services struggling to cope.
Nepal’s Safety in World War 3
Nepal’s position in World War 3 will not be easy to predict because of the complicated interplay of factors. Nepal’s non-alignment or neutrality policies protect it against direct military engagement. Still, its proximity to two nuclear powerhouses, India and China, leaves it open to the impact of a global conflict. The continued rivalry and involvement of global players in this war may drag Nepal into conflict.
Nepal’s future safety will depend upon a number of factors, including the type of war and neighboring power behavior. Nepal will not necessarily play a military role, but the effects of such a conflict are still a threat. Nepal focuses its efforts on diplomacy and peacekeeping to maintain neutrality.
