Could we set aside politics & just focus on development in countries like Nepal?
Early in my career, an abrupt decision was made top-down and handed over to us. I asked a senior colleague why was it so. He replied, “It isn't logical it's just politics”. His answer was short but left a lasting impression on me. It felt as if decisions instead of being logical could be just political and we had to accept it. During the decade of my professional life, I saw it more and more, anytime decisions didn't make sense it was termed political.
In a developing economy like Nepal, I have to admit, politics & the policies politicians deploy play a major role. I returned to Nepal without this understanding of how deep-rooted politics is here. I assumed political awareness/interest would be less but I was wrong. Both in villages & urban areas, there seems to be high participation and interest in politics (more so about political parties). With the elections coming this winter, many friends and intellects in Nepal are running for office.
I understand that we need capable people in power & contesting in politics is a right of an individual in any democratic society.
However, if building a nation is the question then is just building a party or a person the answer?
For the topic of parties and political philosophies, most of us are aware development can happen through different political ideologies. China with communistic tendencies, Rwanda with dictatorial regimes, Bhutan with monarchy & western societies with capitalistic structures all have been developing. So why fight for political ideologies when the fight should be about poverty, hunger, injustice, exploitation, and how to create a better future for all?
Nepal's nation-building needs leaders who talk less and do more. Most of us who have studied developed economies know that the focus has to be on building the foundations and strengthening the institutions that run a nation (executive, legislative, judiciary, central bank, educational institutions, and various ministries & departments to just name a few). If institutions are strengthened, individuals can come and go but the work continues. With this in mind can individuals or just one party entirely build various sectors?
Neighbouring Pakistan is a prime example, one savior, one sports hero, can’t possibly solve all the challenges in society, frankly expecting that was a mistake. Challenges of a nation go beyond an individual, ethics & morals go beyond an individual. Except for Rambo movies, can a one-man army destroy all the problems that exist in complex societies? Sometimes the problems are outside, sometimes the problems are within. Anyone who has managed to build and lead teams knows that big missions need big efforts from various members, so it can’t be about an individual.
Furthermore, if politics was an industry, it attracts a certain profile of recruits.
Thankfully psychologists have been analyzing it. One question that many of us ask is why high-ranking politicians lie or engage in immoral practices. In his article, Why No One Should Be Surprised by Politicians’ Scandals, Dr. Weinberger discusses a few personality traits observed in politicians. The traits are narcissism, need for power & false self. With this in mind, there has to be an effort in building systems and not relying on individuals.
To build an aircraft we can’t rely on just the brilliance of one engineer, his/her personality, or ideas. What happens after the engineer retires or leaves the company? Similarly to build a nation we can’t rely on just a few individuals, their brilliance, or political ideologies. Nation building is a complex multi-generational task. I humbly make an appeal for us to work on the long-term institution building of Nepal. Not only where do we want to reach in 100 years but how exactly do we reach there? What institutions have to be empowered? How can we from various sectors create strong institutions that last even after we are long gone? It's not just for political honchos to determine it but for all of us to think & work in sync for a better future.