Conclusion
摘要
This chapter concludes the book, which has sought to investigate how Nepal has navigated its landlocked status through connectivity initiatives undertaken within bilateral, regional and multilateral frameworks. It has examined a range of initiatives, from the construction of internal infrastructure, such as highways, airports, railways and waterways, to the negotiation of transit regimes and participation in connectivity projects envisioned through bilateral, subregional, regional and multilateral initiatives. This sectoral analysis evaluated the geopolitical costs and sovereignty trade-offs Nepal faced in leveraging connectivity to advance its policy objectives. While the analysis remains state-centric and influenced by geographic variables, it is not wholly constrained by these variables. The study incorporates the intervening role of domestic politics and geopolitical actors in shaping foreign policy, which distinguishes the analysis from the deterministic influence of geography as characterized by classical geopolitical thought. The research also generates several key findings regarding the behaviour and strategic choices of smaller states in relation to connectivity. It provides insights into the nature and extent of sovereignty, security and economic trade-offs that smaller states, especially those landlocked ones, may have to go through when seeking foreign infrastructure financing and attempting to assert agency. These insights may apply to other similarly positioned states. Finally, the chapter offers policy recommendations for smaller states on how to explore multilateral and regional avenues to enhance internal connectivity and integrate with regional economies while minimizing geopolitical and strategic risks, and maintaining stable bilateral relations with major powers. The study acknowledges its limitations and does not claim to be a definitive account. Rather, it offers a foundational framework for further research and invites future studies to build upon its findings.