"Federalism leads to innovation and competition on the subnational level"

- Dr. Thomas F. Schaller

Dr. Thomas F. Schaller is an associate professor of political science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). He teaches courses in American government, including the US presidency, Congress, and interest group behavior. Recently, he was in Kathmandu to speak on the issues of federalism. He held a series of discussions with politicians, civil society activists and media on federalism and its significance. Follows excerpts of his written interview with Sanjaya Dhakal of Nepalnews:

How do you look at the current debate on federalism in Nepal ?

The healthy side of the debate about federalism is that it is happening. The real risks await in the form of federal system Nepalis choose for themselves.

Do you feel that Nepal 's lack of development can be addressed by federalism?

Federalism leads to innovation and competition on the subnational level. And that means that, over the long haul, federalism holds the promise of economic development. But local officials need to invest aggressively for this to happen.

How do you note the demands for ethnicity-based federalism in a country like Nepal where there are over 100 ethnic communities?

Geographic based federalism will unavoidably lead to culturally or ethnically-based leadership and representation. No two states or districts will be the same, and the opportunities for minority groups to express themselves will be greater than ever seen under the old, centralized system.

What about demands raised from some quarters about the need to have autonomy with right to self-determination? And how do you respond to fears raised by some that this could lead to right to secession?

Self-determination can also mean the right to determine to remain part of Nepal. Would it be better to be an independent state or small fragment of a massive Indian state? These are the questions that those who speak of self-determination as a vehicle for secession should ask themselves.

How important it is to consider factors such as availability of resources (human/natural) and financial sustainability when going for federalism?

Resource distribution—whether human talent or hydroelectric power—is never distributed perfectly across every part of any country. But a federal government can find ways to use centralized powers to partially equalize these resources without penalizing the advantaged.

There are some demands that the country should adopt or at least guarantee federal governance well before the Constituent Assembly elections. How wise will it be to make that decision beforehand? Don't you think such issues need to be raised at the Constituent Assembly itself?

I'd rather not take a position on this question, other than to say this: During my visit, I have encouraged all the political parties to decide first for themselves what their ideal federalist restructuring would look like so that they have determined their initial negotiating position. No group can reach a final, negotiated agreement without having a place to start.

Can Nepal learn from federalism as exercised in the United States?

In some ways yes, in other ways not. We have a presidential election rather than parliamentary selection of the executive, and a bicameral rather than unicameral legislature—both features uncommon to other federal systems. What's most important to be adopted about federalism is the feature that is the same in the United States and elsewhere around the globe: the separation of powers between national and subnational governments.

In your short stay, you have interacted with people from a cross section of Nepali society. How do you find the level and nature of debate on issues like federalism here?

The Nepali people seem open to discussion, but understandably still uncertain about the future and what federalist reform will mean. Given some of the problems in the post-1990 period, I understand their hopes and their apprehensions as well.

[How do you find the interview? Please send your comment/feedback to nepalnews@mos.com.np]

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