Chand writes book about buffer state

Dr. Bibek Chand, a University of North Georgia (UNG) assistant professor of political science and international affairs, has published "Reframing the Buffer State in Contemporary International Relations: Nepal's Relations with India and China" through Routledge.

Chand edited his dissertation to create the book, which is his first as a solo author. He earned his Ph.D. in international relations from Florida International University in 2018. Extensive research exists about the power dynamics of larger countries, but scant attention is paid to smaller countries. Chand was interested in adding to the limited literature on small states. Being from Nepal, Chand took a particular interest in this topic.  

Buffer states are located between larger countries that are rivals. Nepal's role as a buffer state has only been magnified since India passed China as the world's most populous nation in April and the two countries have border disputes.

The book explores two main concepts: Buffer states have agency on how to navigate relationships with nearby nations and they are dynamic spaces as their powerful neighbors seek to woo the buffer states' favor.

"The buffer state is not just a spectator but an active participant that consistently assesses and reassesses its geopolitical position in between much larger competing powers," Chand said.