International recognition is no proof of serving global capital
Summary
An op-ed argues that international awards to Ram Sharan Mahat and Swarnim Wagle are not evidence of serving global capital, citing Nepal’s reconstruction model, climate diplomacy, and weak foreign investment performance. It says the real problem is stalled reforms and policy reversals, not obedience to Western economic priorities.
Key Points
- The article rejects the claim that international recognition for Ram Sharan Mahat and Swarnim Wagle proves they serve global capital.
- It says Nepal’s post-2015 earthquake reconstruction relied largely on an owner-driven housing model, not contractor-led extraction or strict foreign-imposed austerity.
- The piece notes that foreign direct investment fell sharply, reforms stalled, and Nepal was grey-listed by the FATF in 2025.
- It argues that scrutiny of Nepal’s leaders should be based on evidence rather than magazine rankings or ideological assumptions.
