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The Abdication of
the Dragon King:
Bhutan, 2006
Chair: Jillianne Carrasco
Assistant Chair: Varsh Arcota
Crisis Director: Kate Miller
Assistant Crisis Directors: Beau Garner, Katie Franz,
Zack Sneed
Table of Contents Letter from the Crisis Director ………………………………………………………….….2
Letter from the Chair …………………………………………………………………………....2
Staff Introductions ………………………………………………………………………...3
Rules of Procedure ……………………………………………………………………………….4
Letter from King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck ………………………………....4
Bhutan: Historical Background ……………………………………………………………......6
Country Profile
Pre-Theocratic Government (600-1616)
Theocratic Government (1616 - 1907)
Tibetan Invasions
1870s Civil War
The Monarchy (1907-2006)
Religion in Bhutan ……………………………………………………………………………….12
A Buddhist Kingdom in the Mountains
Political Issues …………………………………………………………………………………….13
Military
Environmental Issues
The Economy ……………………………………………………………………………………..16
Sectors of the Economy
Agriculture
Services and Industry
Hydroelectricity: Bhutan's Top Export
Gross National Happiness
Social Issues ……………………………………………………………………………………….20
Tourism
Education
Religious Minorities
Foreign Relations ………………………………………………………………………………....23
India
China
Nepal
Bangladesh
Character List/Bios (currently have 17 - going to have 18) ………………………………….......27
Jigme Choedra - Leader of Monastic Affairs
Muhammad Julmat Ali Khan - Bangladeshi Ambassador to Bhutan
Batoo Tshering - Chief Commandant to the Bhutanese Royal Army
Sangay Ngedup - Minister of Agriculture and Forests
Norbu Tshering - Minister of Education
Khandu Wangchuk - Prime Minister of Bhutan
Sudhir Vyas - Indian Ambassador to Bhutan
Kinzang Dorji - Minister of Works and Human Settlement
Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu - Minister of Finance
Lyonpo Jigmi Y. Thinley - Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs
Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji - Speaker of the National Assembly
Khyentse Norbu - Minister of Information & Communication
Lhendup Dorji - Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Daw Penjo(r) - Ambassador to the United Nations
Joginder Jaswant Singh - Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army
2
Sonam Tobgye - Chief Justice of the High Court of Bhutan
Sonam Thondup - Chief of Bhutanese Police
Letter from the Crisis Director
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to the tiny mountain kingdom of Bhutan! I am so excited to bring this
committee to life as the 4th king of Bhutan abdicates his throne and the country is forced to build
a democracy - and quickly. My name is Kate Miller and I will be the Crisis Director. I am a
senior, studying International Relations and Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, with
a minor in Political Economy. When I’m not busy trying to explain my majors, I enjoy visiting
my friends’ moms, the Speedway F’real machine, and short to moderately long walks on the
beach with my duck, Clipboard. He is my inspiration for all I do.
Bhutan has been a special place to me. I had the amazing opportunity to visit the country
in 2015, and the experience has stuck with me ever since. The small kingdom is culturally rich,
decisive in policy and so committed to environmental protections; they have some great food
too. So I am personally very invested in bringing their fascinating history to the MUN arena.
Being the only country in South Asia that has never been colonized, Bhutan is a case
study in what it would have been like if India or Bangladesh had gotten to create their own
governments in the modern industrialized world after centuries of isolation. And when the 4th
king abdicated his throne to his son, that was an unprecedented incident. No other king in history
has ever abdicated under no political pressure - in fact the Bhutanese people were sad to see this
king go, and revere him now more than ever. He wanted Bhutan to become a democracy, that
was his stipulation for giving up power to his son, and that is what you are tasked with: creating
the democracy and then seeing if it can flourish.
As a word of advice, please look up how to pronounce your characters names. I
understand that they look intimidating, but these romanized names are manageable once you get
the idea.
I hope to see some fascinating notes from you, and look forward to this committee. If you
have any questions, please email [email protected]. Good luck, and as you think of crisis arcs
and directives, ask yourself: What Would The Dragon King Do?
Best,
Kate Miller
Crisis Director
The Abdication of the Dragon King: Bhutan 2006
MSUMUN XX
Letter from the Chair
Dear Delegates,
I hope that you are all excited to join us as a part of MSUMUN XX! On behalf of the
staff of The Abdication of the Dragon King: Bhutan 2006, I would like to welcome you all - we
are excited to meet you and work together the weekend of conference!
My name is Jillianne Carrasco, and I will be your Chair for this committee. I am a Senior
here at Michigan State University studying International Relations and Social Relations &
Policy, with minors in Spanish, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, and European Studies.
When I’m not busy with MSUMUN, I like watching bad horror movies, listening to Reggaeton,
and doing NYT crossword puzzles.
3
I love Bhutan because it is a fascinating case study in how traditional culture can coincide
with modernity if allowed to remain and adapt. I hope you all as delegates have as much fun
researching this topic as I had. There are so many different ways that you all will be able to
affect the outcomes of the committee, and I can’t wait to see how your creativity and research
comes through the weekend of MSUMUN.
This committee takes place just after the abdication of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk in
2006, leaving the throne to his son Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk. Each member of this
committee is an important asset to the new king as he instills democracy in Bhutan for the first
time in its history. It is my hope for all of you that you demonstrate your engagement with this
topic in debate, your collaboration with other delegates in drafting directives, as well as your
creativity with the crisis staff through your notes. If at any point prior to the conference you have
questions or concerns, please feel free to send us an email at [email protected].
Happy researching - I look forward to working with you all this Spring.
Best,
Jillianne Carrasco
Crisis Chair
The Abdication of the Dragon King: Bhutan 2006
MSUMUN XX
Junior Staff Introductions
Assistant Chair - Varsh Arcota
Varsh is a freshman majoring in criminal justice and minoring in Spanish. This is her third year
participating in MSUMUN, the first two as a delegate with this year being her first time as a
staffer. In her free time, Varsh listens to music, collects memes, doodles and rides her bike. She
can talk all day about social reform, astrology and ZAYN.
Assistant Crisis Director - Beau Garner
Beau is a senior with more majors than there are stars in the sky, three of which are International
Relations, Spanish and Russian. This is his fourth time junior staffing the MSUMUN conference;
he keeps coming back to the best MUN conference out there. In his free time, he enjoys losing at
ultimate frisbee, losing at card games, and winning at making friendships.
Assistant Crisis Director - Katie Franz
Katie Franz is a Sophomore majoring in International Relations with minors in Spanish and
Economics. This is her second year as an assistant crisis director. Katie loves musical theatre and
likes to embroider. She also works as an event planner for the MSU University Activities Board.
Assistant Crisis Director - Zack Sneed
Zack Sneed is a junior at MSU, studying Linguistics and Arabic, and this is his first experience
with MUN. He's interested in language, politics, and religion. He hopes to work somewhere,
doing something.
4
Rules of Procedure
This committee will operate according to MSUMUN rules of procedure found on their website
under delegate resources. You can find them on MSUMUN’s official and beautiful website at
https://www.msumun.org/official-committee-rules.html.
Letter from King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
My Valued Ministers,
Kuzoozangpo la tashi delek - hello and welcome to all. I would like to personally extend
my deepest gratitude to all of you for joining together for the good of our great and beloved
Kingdom of Bhutan. Each one of you have been personally selected to serve our Kingdom based
on your fierce devotion, superior intellect, and good judgment, which have shown themselves to
be exceptionally promising. This is a critical time in Bhutan's history as we brace for great
changes to come with our transition to democracy. This change, however, is nothing to be feared
- I trust you all to make decisions with sound judgment and a sober mind.
The Kingdom of Bhutan has shown herself to be incredibly resilient following times of
great testing and tribulation, and we shall demonstrate that this new era will be no different. I
would like to express my deepest gratitude not only to you, my ministers, but to all of the
Bhutanese people for graciously welcoming me as their new Druk Gyalpo. I know the abdication
of my father came as a great shock to everyone, however I trust you all understand the value in
what our former king desired for Bhutan through these changes. Beyond democratization, my
father wished for national unity going into modernity.
The previous cabinet, as a final act under their beloved king and my father, wrote the
preamble to our country’s new constitution. They wrote,
5
Our predecessors went on to outline the first article as a base of understanding for our
current mission here today:
1. Bhutan is a Sovereign Kingdom and the
Sovereign power belongs to the people of
Bhutan.
2. The form of Government shall be that of
a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy.
3. The National Day of Bhutan shall be the
Seventeenth Day of December of each year.
4. Dzongkha is the National Language of
Bhutan.
5. This Constitution is the Supreme Law of
the State.
6. The Supreme Court shall be the
guardian of this Constitution and the final
authority on its interpretation.
7. The rights over mineral resources,
rivers, lakes and forests shall vest in the
State and are the properties of the State,
which shall be regulated by law.
8. There shall be a separation of the
Executive, the Legislature and the
Judiciary and no encroachment of each
other’s powers is permissible except to the
extent provided for by this Constitution.
With these foundations in mind, we as a country must move forward. It is our job, my
excellent council, to bring forth a new era in Bhutanese history that will both allow us to be
considered a force to be reckoned with on the global stage while keeping our own rich cultural
values. We have a chance that not many other countries have been given: to build a democracy
that fits our country.
The future of Bhutan is bright. While these changes may seem extreme, I trust you all to
prioritize our people over all else. Our Buddhist culture and history is rich and must be preserved
even as we make strides toward conventional modernity. My father wished for a democratic
Bhutan such that the nation’s future lay in the hands of its everyday people, in order to more
effectively represent all of the diverse interests and wishes of the population at large. Please
know that your king has chosen you all for a reason. I have put my whole trust in you.
Although we are currently facing challenges that may seem great, the Kingdom of Bhutan
has the power within her to overcome. We must seek, untiring, the path that leads to true
happiness and peace for our people. Pursue cooperation among one another. I am grateful to each
of you - your decision to help shape the future of our country will not be without great reward.
Cordially,
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
6
Bhutan: Historical Background
Country Profile
Tucked between two giants, Bhutan has no access to the ocean. It is bordered by the
autonomous region of Tibet to the North, and by India to the South, East, and West1. Nestled
among the Himalayan range, Bhutanese terrain consists mostly of the craggly, massive
Himalayan mountains passing through the northern and central areas, which flatten out to fertile
valleys where most of the population resides, and finally down to almost subtropical lowlands in
the southern edge of the country. In the southern plains there are tropical forests with a relatively
warm climate, while the central valleys tucked between mountains experience cool winters and
hot summers. The north of Bhutan is consistently cooler than the rest of the country as it gets
blasted with Himalayan weather, with severe winters and cool summers2. Forests cover a
staggering 85.5% of the entire area of Bhutan; compare that to the US forest cover which hangs
at around one third3. Due to the nations
varied topography, agriculture and farming
is difficult and only account for around
13.6% of Bhutanese land use. The most
prominent natural hazard in Bhutan is the
occurrence of violent thunderstorms near
the Himalayas, which cause frequent
landslides during the rainy season. These
storms, and the booming landslides that
they cause, explain the origin of the
Bhutanese name for the nation, Druk Yul,
the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”4.
The capital city of Thimpu houses roughly one-seventh of the entire Bhutanese
population. The total population of Bhutan is around 700,000, consisting of a diverse range of
1 “The World Factbook: Bhutan.” Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency. Accessed December 3,
2019. 2 Ibid. 3 Becker, Andrea. “Rates of Deforestation & Reforestation in the U.S.” Education, September 29, 2016.
https://education.seattlepi.com/rates-deforestation-reforestation-us-3804.html. 4 Tourism Council of Bhutan. “Our People, Society & Religion.” Tourism Council of Bhutan, 2019.
https://www.bhutan.travel/page/our-people-society-religion.
7
ethnicities, religions, and languages5. The main ethnic groups are the aboriginal Tshanglas to the
East, the Tibetan Ngalops to the west, and the Nepalese Lhotshampas to the south. The official
religion of the nation is Vajrayana Buddhism, accounting for three-fourths of the Bhutanese
population. Other religious groups within Bhutan include Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and
smaller, local religions. The Bhutanese people also differ in their many languages across the 20
dzongkhags with the most widely spoken ones being the national language of Dzongkha, along
with Tshanglakha and Lhotshamkha6. All of these diverse demographics have constantly been a
source of great struggle throughout the kingdom, as past kings have historically sought in vain to
attain national unity through the homogenization of society. It is common among the Bhutanese
to equate shared history and values with subsequent peace, as can be seen in the unique myths
regarding the origin of Bhutan itself.
Much of the kingdom’s origin story stems from Buddhist mythology, including the
explanation for how Buddhism became so widespread throughout the region. As the legend goes,
in 746 AD a Buddhist saint by the name of Guru Rinpoche, often referred to as the “Second
Buddha”, visited the Himalayan Mountains on a flying tiger in order to rescue a king7. The king
was being possessed by a demon, so the saint was quick to rush to his aid. Guru Rinpoche
performed an exorcism and, amazingly, converted the demon himself to Buddhism. Following
this, Rinpoche proceeded to convert all of the inhabitants of the beautiful mountain kingdom,
creating widespread peace across the land8. This myth is a good example of how important the
Buddhist religion is to the Bhutanese, as well as the impact it has had in shaping the conception
of modern Bhutan.
Pre-Theocratic Government (600 -1616)
The region that is today known as the Kingdom of Bhutan was not always recognized as
such. Prior to the year 1616, Bhutan was under the control of Tibet led by the Dalai Lama9. It is
5 “The World Factbook: Bhutan.” Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency. Accessed December 3,
2019. 6 Ibid. 7 Tourism Council of Bhutan. “History & Myths.” Tourism Council of Bhutan, 2019.
https://www.bhutan.travel/page/history-myths. 8 Tourism Council of Bhutan. “History & Myths.” Tourism Council of Bhutan, 2019.
https://www.bhutan.travel/page/history-myths. 9 Joomla. “Bhutan.” WorldGenWeb Project, 2019. https://www.worldgenweb.org/bhutan.
8
generally accepted that it was Tibet that introduced Buddhism to Bhutan beginning in the 7th
century, evidenced by the construction of two major temples in Bumthang and Paro that date
back to that era. During this time there was no central government, rather the region was ruled by
various different kings across dozens of dzongs, or fortresses, each claiming divine ascendency
and ruling semi-autonomously10. These kings welcomed many Tibetan monks who were seeking
refuge from religious conflict primarily stemming from the Gelugpa subsect of Buddhism in
Lhasa.
These Tibetan emigrants greatly influenced the manner in which Buddhism was practiced
in Bhutan, and led to the creation of distinct sects of the religion, ranging from the more rigorous
and ascetic Kagyupa to the more lenient Drukpa11. By far the most historically significant
Tibetan monk refugee was the Drukpa monk Ngawang Namgyal, whose goals included unifying
and consolidating Bhutan into one autonomous region, separate from Tibet. Namgyal succeeded
in gaining the trust of the kings in Western dzongs through their shared support of the expansion
of Drukpa Buddhism, and was permitted to build “a chain of dzongs in all the main valleys of
Western Bhutan”, which quickly became the “focal points for civil and religious authority for
each region, and remain one of the great features of the landscape and life of Bhutan today”12.
Theocratic Government (1616-1907)
Ngawang Namgyal became the nationally recognized first leader of the independent
Bhutan, as he protected the nation from further invasions by Tibet in their attempts to get the
region back under their control13. Namgyal used his power to unite the kings as well as the
leaders of influential families to unify under a system of religious dzongs, or Buddhist
fortresses14. It was under this system that monastic rule became the norm for Bhutan, with the
dzongs ruled by various important monks who reported to the larger State Council, led by
Namgyal15. It became well known that the State Council, also known as the shabdrung, was the
10 Ibid. 11 Lonely Planet. “History in Bhutan.” Lonely Planet, 2019.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bhutan/background/history/a/nar/e52bbaea-ebd0-42bf-8483-eab3f4aa4c98/355819. 12Ibid. 13 “Consolidation and Defeat of Tibetan Invasions, 1616-51.” Bhutan - Theocratic Government, 1616-1907. U.S.
Library of Congress . Accessed December 3, 2019. http://countrystudies.us/bhutan/6.htm. 14 Ibid. 15 Ibid.
9
ultimate authority in all matters pertaining to the state, not limited to solely religion16. Located in
the Western Bhutanese dzong of Thimphu, this shabdrung remains the modern capital of Bhutan
today. It is in Thimphu where the royal palace is located and where the monarchy presides.
During its rule, the theocratic monastic kingdom of Bhutan was separated into three
ruling regions: the eastern, central, and the western. In each of these regions sat a governor,
known as ponlop, who reported directly to the druk desi (the elected head of the theocratic civil
government) and were bound by the Buddhist law of Tsa Yig17. Tsa Yig “described the spiritual
and civil regime” and set the “laws for government administration and for social and moral
conduct.''18 These laws were based in Buddhist
dharma, or Buddhist religious code for conduct
and life. Modern Bhutan is still a product of its
religious foundations. Buddhism is infused into
the people and the structure of the government
itself.
Tibetan Invasions
The dzongs that were established around the country functioned not only as
administrative authorities, but also as strongholds of defense against invaders. Throughout
Bhutan’s theocratic history, invasions by Tibet were common and were fought against fiercely19.
One motive for these military incursions was an effort to regain their power over Bhutan, as
Bhutan had previously been “on the periphery of Tibetan military and political influence.''20
Another large motivating factor was religion. Tibetan Buddhism was different than the
Buddhism practiced by the majority of Bhutanese, leading the Tibetans to continually embark on
raids in Bhutan to get the country back under their control and by extension, under their
understanding of the correct way to practice Buddhism. Bhutanese dzongs equipped themselves
well against these affronts, effectively warding off Tibet until an armistice was signed in 1759
16 Ibid. 17 “Consolidation and Defeat of Tibetan Invasions, 1616-51.” Bhutan - Theocratic Government, 1616-1907. U.S.
Library of Congress . Accessed December 3, 2019. http://countrystudies.us/bhutan/6.htm. 18 Ibid. 19 Lonely Planet. “History in Bhutan.” Lonely Planet, 2019.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bhutan/background/history/a/nar/e52bbaea-ebd0-42bf-8483-eab3f4aa4c98/355819. 20 Ibid.
10
that ended the conflicts21. These conflicts are a part of Bhutanese history and affect present-day
Sino-Bhutanese relations.
1870s Civil War
Following these various international conflicts came tense internal struggles for domestic
power. The core internal conflict revolved around a rivalry between the valley regions of Paro
and Trongsa, and centered in this conflict was the question of where the new ruler for Bhutan
should be chosen from. One ponlop leader from Tongsa stood out in this conflict, defeating his
political opponents violently and sparking discussions of unity as an end to this violent civil
rebellion22.
The Monarchy (1907-2006)
Following this civil war in the 1870s, Bhutanese leaders looked for a way to unify the
country. It was decided by the Buddhist leaders that establishing an absolute monarchy would be
the best way to protect Bhutan as a country as well as their cultural values. In 1907, a council of
current political and religious leaders voted for Ugyen Wangchuk as the first King of Bhutan23.
He was seen as the strongest, most charismatic ponlop and had proven himself a fit leader.
Ugyen was given the title Druk Gyalpo, which translates to Dragon King, a reference to the
Vajrayana sect of Buddhism24. This was to be a hereditary position, so his eldest son was
established as the heir at the same time25. The Wangchuck family has been in charge since the
establishment of the monarchy with four Wangchuck men having held the title of King. His
21 Lonely Planet. “History in Bhutan.” Lonely Planet, 2019.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bhutan/background/history/a/nar/e52bbaea-ebd0-42bf-8483-eab3f4aa4c98/355819. 22 Ibid. 23 “The World Factbook: Bhutan.” Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency. Accessed December
3, 2019. https://www.cia.gov/librarY/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/print_bt.html. 24 “Bhutan Profile - Timeline.” BBC News. BBC, February 14, 2018. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-
12641778. 25 Ibid.
11
Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is now the fifth King in the line upon the abdication
of his father26.
King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck, the third King of
Bhutan, is considered the Father
of Modern Bhutan due to the
reforms that were undertaken
during his reign (1952-1972)27.
During this time, Bhutan opened
itself to tourists, joined the
United Nations and underwent internal political reform28. The 130-seat National Assembly was
created in 1953 to provide a forum for new ideas to be brought to the King, who remained in the
seat of power. He also ended the practice of serfdom and established hospitals and a secular
school system. He survived an assassination attempt in 1965 and continued to promote these
reformist ideals29.
These reforms were continued by King Jigme Dorji’s son, King Jigme Singye starting in
1971. Bhutan’s position within the international community had been established as a small,
mostly isolationist kingdom that did not , and the new King wished to abide by international law
and the treaty it had signed with India30. He also protected Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage by
putting in laws that ensured all citizens would adhere to Buddhist traditions, like the Citizenship
Act of 198531. This alienated Bhutanese Hindus, who were mostly of Nepalese descent and
known as the Lhotshampa. Many fled to Nepal seeking the freedom to practice Hinduism, and
were met with horrible living conditions in refugee camps. Up to 100,000 Lhotshampa were
forced out of Bhutan and fled to Nepal because of this new law32. Even with this failure on his
26 “The World Factbook: Bhutan” 27 “The World Factbook: Bhutan.” Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency. Accessed December
3, 2019. https://www.cia.gov/librarY/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/print_bt.html. 28 “Bhutan Profile - Timeline.” BBC News. BBC, February 14, 2018. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-
12641778. 29 Ibid. 30 Fong, Pau, and Hannah Lazatin. “How Bhutan's Modern Monarchy Came To Be.” Townandcountry.ph.
Town&Country Philippines, November 26, 2018. https://www.townandcountry.ph/people/heritage/house-of-
wangchuck-facts-a00184-a2214-20181126-lfrm. 31 Ibid. 32 “Bhutan Profile - Timeline.”
12
record, King Jigme Singye is still remembered as being dedicated to governmental reform
towards democracy and less authoritarian rule. He relinquished absolute authority in the late
1990s, further empowering his Council of Ministers33. He also accepted a reform that would
allow a vote in the National Assembly requiring his abdication if there was ever cause for such
an event. At his urging, a written Constitution was also established. King Jigme Singye signaled
with his abdication in 2006 the final step in democratization reforms34.
Religion
A Buddhist Kingdom in the Mountains
Approximately 75 percent of Bhutan’s population practice Buddhism, specifically the
Vajrayana path1. At its core, Buddhism focuses on overcoming the cycle of death and
reincarnation through teachings of the Buddha, meditation, and prayer. Monasticism, or the
“Sangha”, is considered a “jewel” of the religion and is held in high regard. Core tenets of
Buddhist teachings include “Ahimsa” (nonviolence), karma, and abstaining from various earthly
pleasures. The Vajrayana tradition as is practiced in Bhutan included the beliefs in a pantheon of
deities as well as a focus on Tantra (secret teachings)2. Vajrayana historically developed in the
Tibetan Basin from a combination of traditional
Buddhism and the indigenous animist religion
Bon, and has been present in Bhutan since the
7th century AD.
Bhutan is the world’s only de jure Buddhist
nation, with the Je Khenpo as leader of
Monastic Affairs being one of the highest
positions in government. Buddhism is also
present in Bhutan’s implementation of the Gross National Happiness Index; the revolutionary
economic indicator measures collective happiness and statistics like “prayers per day” and a
“karma score” are apparently vital to the country’s score3. In addition, Buddhism believes that
ones environment and natural beauty are vital to achieving “nirvana” or spiritual enlightenment
which is the ultimate endgoal of the religion and breaks the cycle of reincarnation. The
33 Ibid. 34 Ibid.
13
government, as seen later, places enormous emphasis on preserving Bhutan’s natural wonders.
Bhutan claims to have religious freedom, however they have faced accusations of giving
preference to Buddhism against Hinduism in temple building, and missionary work is illegal.
Also, as seen with the exile of the Lhotshampa, other religions are not always allowed to remain
within Bhutan’s borders.
The second largest religious group in Bhutan are Hindus, mostly comprised of ethnic
Lhotshampa people of Nepalese descent in the southern part of the country. Hindus make up
roughly a quarter of the population and have historically faced harsh religious persecution.
Ethnic cleansing of Hindus and Nepalese people began under the Citizenship Act of 1985,
resulting in mass deportations and violence. The remaining 2% of people follow the indigenous
Bon religion, Chrisitanity, and Islam. Pressure is mounting on the new king and his council of
ministers to try and bridge the gap between the Buddhist majority and religious minorities, and
many wonder how the Lhotshampa especially will benefit from the new democratic government.
Religion is woven into the Bhutanese way of life and the country’s politics.
Political Issues
Military
The Bhutan Royal Army was created in the 1950’s after the People’s Liberation Army of
China invaded Tibet in 195035. As the Chinese threat grew, trying to annex Bhutan into part of
its Tibetan territory, India became increasingly involved in the defense of Bhutan. The treaty
does not explicitly require India to defend Bhutan, but Prime Minister Nehru has since declared
that India would view an attack on Bhutan as an act of aggression on India itself. Nehru’s act of
diplomacy has now grown into a strong military alliance between the two South Asian countries.
The Bhutan Royal Army imports the majority of their arms, munitions and other military
equipment from India including; rifles, bayonets, machine guns and 81mm mortars36. The Indian
Military Training Team is responsible for a large portion of the training of the Royal Bhutan
Army and has a military base in the Ha district. The headquarters of the Royal Bhutan Army is in
the capital city, Thimphu. There are four operational wings found in Changjukha, Damthang,
35 “Nepal and Bhutan : Country Studies.” The Library of Congress. Accessed October 26, 2019.
https://www.loc.gov/item/93012226/. 36 Ibid
14
Goinichawa, and Yonphula. In 1990 the Bhutan army was comprised of 6,000 men, a number
that has remained stable in the last sixteen years37. Rather than a draft, the army relies on cultural
norms to promote enlistment. In families with two or more sons, one son is expected to serve in
the army; this is enough to keep a decently strong
force relative to the Bhutanese population. While
the primary goal of the Royal Bhutan Army is to
protect international borders, the army is also
responsible for providing security to Paro airport.
Also under the Royal Bhutan Army are the Royal
Bhutan Police and the Forest Guards.
The second branch of military that is used
more often is the Royal Bhutan Police, which is
subordinate to the Royal Bhutan Army and was created in 1965 by reassigning army personnel38.
Many Indian Police advisers and instructors have helped train the Bhutanese police. Starting in
1975, Bhutanese officers began training in India to become instructors, so the Indian-Bhutanese
relations are responsible for the Bhutanese military, a fact that some government officials take
issue with. Some argue that Bhutan’s military looks like India’s military that controls a base in
Thimphu instead of New Delhi.
The last vital branch of Bhutanese military is unique to the kingdom: the Forest Guards.
They are a uniformed government agency with paramilitary capabilities, they are responsible for
protecting the forest resources of Bhutan39. They are officially under the jurisdiction of the
Department of Forestry, but receive small arms training from the Royal Bhutan Army.
Additionally, Forest Guards are trained at the Forestry School, they are required to go through
two six-month courses in first-aid, forest-fire fighting, marksmanship, physical training, and
traditional Bhutanese customs40.
Bhutan’s military force is small, no question. However, it carries huge symbolic value for
the nation’s sovereignty. The military’s strength largely lies with Bhutan’s strong alliance with
India, which the new government should seek to maintain and even grow.
37 Ibid 38 Ibid 39 Ibid 40 Ibid
15
Environmental Issues
One of the four pillars of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness index, which the previous
king introduced and the government continues to abide by, is environmental conservation. Being
environmentally sustainable is a top priority and is strictly enforced by the government. Over
70% of the mountainous nation is covered by forest, which the new king plans to ensure in the
future41. Bhutan boasts the position of being the only carbon-negative country in the world--it
absorbs more carbon than it produces42. The country has positioned itself as a leader in
environmental issues, holding sway in the international debates on climate change. Unlike many
Western countries where climate action is hotly contested, Bhutan’s monarchic government has
been unified in its goals of keeping
Bhutanese natural resources protected
while also attempting to modernize.
Since 1961, Bhutan has run on a
continuous cycle of 5 year plans
towards national development--a key
feature of which is developing
environmental protection policies43.
Instead of focusing on economic
growth, Bhutan prides itself on the
happiness of its people and Buddhist values, which is also reflected in the country’s commitment
to keeping the land beautiful and livable.
Bhutan has an incredible international reputation for being environmentally friendly,
running on hydroelectricity from it many rivers that flow down from the glaciers atop the high
Himalayan peaks to the arable lowlands in the south. Other countries look to Bhutan as an
41 “Bhutan: Country Profile.” Bhutan | UN Environment, September 30, 2013. https://www.unpei.org/what-we-
do/pei-countries/bhutan. 42 Climate Council. “Bhutan Is the World's Only Carbon Negative Country, so How Did They Do It?” Climate
Council, July 17, 2019. https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/bhutan-is-the-world-s-only-carbon-negative-country-so-
how-did-they-do-it/. 43 “Background of GNHC.” Gross National Happiness Commission. Accessed December 8, 2019.
https://www.gnhc.gov.bt/.
16
example of climate action. Will the new government live up to the expectations set by the kings
before, can Bhutan continue to grow and stay green?
Economy
Sectors of the Economy
Bhutan’s economy is unique in many aspects. The tiny mountain kingdom swings
between having open borders and technology to facilitate its deliberately slow-paced
modernization, as well as trying to maintain its culture, its environment, and its traditional
economy. Bhutan’s economy is mainly comprised of traditional agriculture, forestry, and
hydropower exports to neighboring India44.
Agriculture
Although agriculture only makes up around 16% of Bhutan’s Gross Domestic Product
(GDP), it employs almost 60% of their labor force, meaning it is heavily labor intensive and
highly decentralized. Farmers grow mainly rice, corn, citrus, various dairy products, and eggs, all
of which are commodities that are not exceedingly competitive on the global market45. Bhutan’s
mountainous topography makes traditional farming and agriculture extremely difficult, which
effectively drives up prices and in turn forces the government to keep the vast majority of
Bhutan’s agricultural products within the nation’s domestic market, resulting in a relatively
closed off market from the rest of the world. Going forward, the new democracy is grappling
with the difficulties of opening up their farming markets in an effort to increase their
international presence and adopt more globalist policies.
Services and Industry
Greater in prominence than agriculture, by far the largest sector of the economy lies
within the services industry. This industry functions to include teachers, construction workers, as
well as state-employed public servants. These state-employed public servants make up the vast
proportion of total employment in all of Bhutan, accounting for 20% of all careers being centered
44 World Bank. “Bhutan Development Report, January 2019,” January 2019. https://doi.org/10.1596/31236. 45 “The World Factbook: Bhutan.” Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, February 1, 2018.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bt.html.
17
around the state46. As a result of this disproportionate amount of state-owned enterprises (SOEs)
in the country, as well as the government employing such a large portion of the population, the
private sector in Bhutan is weak47. There are few privately owned business, and almost no
foreign businesses. There isn’t even a single McDonalds in the entire kingdom48. This
unbalanced proportion of government businesses and employees with private business opens the
way for the new government to pursue greater economic development within the private sector.
In contrast to the services, the industry sector is relatively large in terms of GDP
percentage, at around 40% of Bhutan’s entire GDP49. Interestingly, despite this seemingly large
employment opportunity, the industry sectors employs only around 20% of laborers50. Bhutan’s
main industries include timber products, processed fruits, cement, as well as tourism. The
Himalayan mountains that cut the nation up into small habitable valleys play a large role in how
the industry sector has remained underdeveloped. It is both incredibly difficult and highly costly
to create the kind of factories that massive manufacturing such as China and the United States
have been able to establish. Simply put: there isn’t enough flat land for traditional-scale industry
and capital in Bhutan.
Bhutan’s economy is, in short, mostly rural and domestic. There is a relatively large,
educated workforce--due in large part to the educational reforms under the previous king--that
struggle with few employment opportunities aside from state-employed civil service. Therefore,
most educated Bhutanese people return to their hometowns to farm, as agriculture remains the
most consistent and reliable employer in the country.
Hydroelectricity: Bhutan’s Top Export
Even greater than the domestic industries, the largest source of revenue for Bhutan is
currently its hydropower exports. The hydroelectric SOEs are the only ones in the nation that
receive foreign direct investment (FDI), and—much to the distaste of the Bhutanese workforce—
46 Ibid 47 Ibid 48 Bhutan, the Mountain Kingdom. Youtube, 2016.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=h5T6j3xLSls&feature=emb_logo. 49 Ibid 50 “The World Factbook: Bhutan.” Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, February 1, 2018.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bt.html.
18
foreign construction of the dams and subsequent upkeep of the mechanisms51. The rivers in
Bhutan are a great source of this hydroelectric power; they are capable of producing over 30,000
megawatts of hydroelectricity every year52. While that is the predicted maximum output
capacity, under current conditions Bhutan is only able to produce less than one thirtieth of that
amount and subsequently harness only a fraction of that. Even only harnessing a fraction of the
rivers’ max capacity, the nation is able to provide energy to 99% of their citizens through
hydroelectricity53.
India is the main investor of FDI in
Bhutan’s hydroelectricity industry, and in
turn benefits as the main beneficiary of its
export. Beginning in 1961, India and Bhutan
struck up a deal that would set off one of the
largest sources of income for the tiny
Himalayan country. Through this deal, an
Indian company began to finance, build,
staff, and harness the Jaldhaka river that runs
along the Bhutanese border with India for 18,000 kilowatts of energy, of which Bhutan only
receiving 250 kilowatts. The deal set up a long-running precedent of export to India, of which
Bhutan benefits mostly by profiting off of the export of hydroelectricity. Because of this deal, the
amount of revenue accrued by the Bhutanese government rose significantly, with
hydroelectricity exports accounting for 40% of the entire government revenue. Currently,
hydropower exports also account for a quarter of its GDP54. The success or failure of the
hydroelectric sector going forward will have massive ripple effects, and is a powerful source of
revenue for the new government. This council is tasked with the surmountable task of promoting
51 Shah, Sukhdev. “Developing Bhutans Economy: Limited Options, Sensible Choices.” Asian Survey 29, no. 8
(1989): 816–31. https://doi.org/10.1525/as.1989.29.8.01p0299e. 52 Ranjan, Amit. “India-Bhutan Hydropower Projects: Cooperation and Concerns.” International South Asian
Studies. Accessed December 4, 2019. https://www.isas.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Working-Paper-No.-
309-India-Bhutan-Hydropower-Projects.pdf. 53 “Bhutan: Country Profile.” Bhutan | UN Environment, September 30, 2013. https://www.unpei.org/what-we-
do/pei-countries/bhutan. 54 Ranjan, Amit. “India-Bhutan Hydropower Projects: Cooperation and Concerns.” International South Asian
Studies. Accessed December 4, 2019. https://www.isas.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Working-Paper-No.-
309-India-Bhutan-Hydropower-Projects.pdf.
19
the economic welfare of its citizens on their own terms in this new democracy. Whether the
future of the Bhutanese economy is agricultural, industrial, measured in their own new Gross
National Happiness index, or lies within their main export of hydropower, shall remain to be
seen.
Gross National Happiness
Gross National Happiness is an index of collective happiness and wellbeing utilized by
the Bhutanese government since 1972. Former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck first popularized
the idea during his reign, explicitly declaring that Bhutan’s position on development was one that
was to prioritize sustainability and cultural preservation over purely focusing on economic
growth through Gross Domestic Product1. This is incredibly significant because it demonstrates
the plan that the former King has for the future of Bhutan, one that places greater importance on
happiness than growth. GNH is distinguished from GDP by placing the national focus on such
virtues as harmony with nature and traditional values rather than money. The core of the index is
represented by their Four Pillars:
1. Sustainable and Equitable Socio-Economic Development
2. Environmental Conservation
3. Preservation and Promotion of Culture
4. Good Governance2
Bhutan currently ranks 97th out of 156 countries on the World Happiness Report3. Going
forward, this committee is tasked with unholding the basic tenets of GNH as outlined by the
former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in all aspects of modernization. This tricky dichotomy is
one that is incredibly important to the culture of Bhutan; GNH prides itself on being based in
Buddhist dharma of respect and tradition.
Despite the optimistic aims of measuring progress through GNH, there remain criticisms.
GNH was implemented around the same time that the Lhotshampa ethic cleansings (see
Religious Minorities section) began in the country, leading some, specifically non-Buddhists, to
believe that the project is little more than a propaganda piece4. The fact that the index is also
consistently Buddhist, asking participants how many times they pray each day and calculating a
“Karma Index”, also remains a concern for some of its opponents 5.
20
Social Issues
Tourism
Two years after the former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck declared GNH as more
important of an indicator than GDP, Bhutan opened its doors to non-citizen tourists for the first
time in its history55. Up to that point in time, the nation had been closed off from tourists in
efforts to preserve the natural environment of
the Himalayan country. The decision to begin
accepting tourists was one borne from state-
sponsored efforts to modernize, leading
Bhutan to “adopt ecotourism [and]… decide to
pursue a ‘high value, low impact’ policy”56.
Bhutan can be viewed as an example of a
nation that has earnestly worked toward
reflecting conventional development ideals, while also putting significant emphasis on
preserving their unique cultural values and maintaining a self-prescribed cultural identity. This
‘high value, low impact’ tourism strategy is one not often taken among developing nations, as
many in these situations typically put emphasis on economic development at any cost.
Bhutan put in place a model of travel pricing that is reminiscent of the full-cost pricing
model typically reserved for assessing the price of ecosystem services. Through this model,
tourists in Bhutan are required to pay a $200 daily fee for each day they plan to spend in the
country, in an effort to mitigate the negative environmental and cultural effects of their visit57.
The paradox of Bhutan’s tourism industry lies within the ambiguity of its goals. It pushes a
modern tourism concept consistent with conventional Western modernity, while at the same time
markedly limiting the travel of its visitors and following a full-cost pricing model for each day of
travel in an effort to preserve their environment.
55 Shrotryia, Vijay Kumar. “Happiness and Development — Public Policy Initiatives in the Kingdom of Bhutan.”
Happiness and Public Policy, 2006, 193–208. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230288027_9.
56 Rinzin, Chhewang. (2006). On the Middle Path: The Social Basis for Sustainable Development in Bhutan.
Netherlands Geographical Studies. Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation. 57 Ibid.
21
Since opening their borders, tourism has grown immensely58. Bhutan’s location in the
foothills of the Himalayas makes for beautiful picturesque views which attract foreign citizens.
There are plenty of opportunities for tourists to enjoy Bhutan’s natural beauty, as 42% of the
country’s area are nature preserves, national parks or wildlife sanctuaries59. Bhutan’s values of
Gross National Happiness can be clearly seen in their approach to sustainable tourism. In their
aim to protect the environment with sustainable tourism the Bhutanese government hopes to
have “high value, low volume”, which means they hope to give valuable experiences to a limited
number of tourists.60 The Royal Government of Bhutan defines ecotourism as “Responsible
travel to natural areas and habitats, which conserves the environment, respects the culture and
traditions of its people, and improves the wellbeing of citizens within the overall concept of
Gross National Happiness”61. Surely, managing the still-emerging tourism sector will be an
important challenge for this new government to tackle.
Education
Another important aspect of Bhutanese society that strongly shapes its current systems is
their approach to education. The Ministry of Education of Bhutan oversees the provision of
general education for children through primary education from the pre-primary level to Class
XII. The ministry is also responsible for training teachers and for developing the educational
curriculum. The first six years of primary-level education is provided for free to reach the
government’s goal of universal access to education62. Secondary-level education lasts another six
years, being separated into lower, middle and higher levels, each with a duration of two years.
Higher education in Bhutan compromises of 3-year Bachelor’s and 4-year technical
degree programs. Some institutions offering higher education programs include the National
Institute of Education, Institute of Language and Cultural Studies, National Institute of Health
58 “Bhutan Profile - Timeline.” BBC News. BBC, February 14, 2018. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-
12641778. 59 Tourism Council of Bhutan. “National Parks.” Tourism Council of Bhutan. Accessed October 26, 2019.
https://www.bhutan.travel/national-parks. 60 Gurung, Dhan B., and Klaus Seeland. “Ecotourism in Bhutan.” Annals of Tourism Research 35, no. 2 (2008):
489–508. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2008.02.004. 61 Ibid. 62 “Bhutan.” UNESCO IBE - World Data on Education, 6th edition - Bhutan, August 2006.
http://www.ibe.unesco.org/fileadmin/user_upload/archive/Countries/WDE/2006/ASIA_and_the_PACIFIC/Bhutan/
Bhutan.htm.
22
Sciences, and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine63. These various levels of education
in Bhutan are evidently focused on shaping generations for public sector employment, as these
would be the desired positions which reflect the nation’s values of devoting their lives to the
well-being of their people. However, this leads to a lack of availability in positions of the private
sector, also being due to no adequate programs offered to make one qualified for pursuing such
careers. The high proportion of educated people in Bhutan poses an employment problem, as
there are not enough university-degree requiring careers outside of the public sector.
Although the Bhutanese government has a promising system in place to ensure the
improvement of quality of education of its people, there are several obstacles hindering this from
occurring. For the most part, primary schools are inexpensive but some parents cannot send their
children to school due to financial difficulties. To address this issue, the government has
published the Bhutan Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper to improve access to and quality of
primary education with the assistance of the International Monetary Fund64.
The literacy rate of the Bhutanese population is roughly 53%65. To improve this, the
Royal Government of Bhutan releases Five Year Plans to acknowledge societal issues and
present solutions66. The Ninth Five Year Plan Education Sector (established in 2002) in
particular, for the first time, explicitly mentions “human happiness” to be incorporated into
education policies, in order to instill values in children of the way of life based on the principle
of achieving human happiness67. Implementing this change would also be beneficial for the
government’s aim of increasing Gross National Happiness68. Additionally, this FYP pushes for
the inclusion of adult literacy programs to increase the value of education in the lives of citizens.
Basic skills training programs in secondary schools are designed to make education relevant to
63 “The Education System in Bhutan.” SpainExchange. Accessed November 27, 2019.
https://www.studycountry.com/guide/BT-education.htm. 64 “Bhutan - Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and Joint Staff Advisory Note.” Bhutan - Poverty Reduction
Strategy Paper (PRSP) and joint staff advisory note (English) | The World Bank, April 15, 2005.
http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2004/12/5508169/bhutan-poverty-reduction-strategy-paper-prsp-joint-
staff-advisory-note. 65 “Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) - Bhutan” The World Bank. Accessed December 3,
2019.
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.LITR.ZS?locations=BT&view=chart 66 “Ninth Five Year Plan (2002-2007).” WayBack Machine Internet Archive, n.d.
https://web.archive.org/web/20041022215558/http://www.dop.gov.bt/fyp/09/5yp09_main.pdf. 67 Ibid. 68 Ezechieli, Eric. Beyond Sustainable Development: Education for Gross National Happiness in Bhutan, 2003.
23
the needs of the government and society69. However, the problem remains of finding careers for
highly educated Bhutanese people in this new government.
Religious Minorities
One of the largest social issues in Bhutan shows itself in the poor treatment of its
religious minorities. The Government has historically preferred Buddhism because it is the state
religion. There are reports that Christians have been discouraged from practicing their faith. The
state would not give building permits to places of worship outside of the Buddhist faith. In rural
areas Christians usually practice in private, due to fear of authorities70. In the early 1980’s some
Bhutanese elites viewed the growing Nepali population as a threat to Bhutanese culture, as well
as feared their growing influence. The Bhutan Citizenship law of 1985 declared the ethnically
Nepalese, Lhotshampa people illegal aliens71. In 2005, A draft constitution was released to the
public that prescribed freedom of religion72. However, this has not been practiced in the past.
Approximately 10,000 foreigners mostly Nepali were forcibly removed from Bhutan73. Many
more have left in fear, there are now thousands of Lhotshampa living in refugee camps in
Nepal.74 The former King has expressed a strong desire to address this issue, however little has
been done historically to heal the wounds of the past.
Foreign Relations
India
Aside from these internal domestic issues, there are also various foreign relationships
Bhutan works to manage. The history between India and Bhutan is older than either country,
since technically India wasn’t an independent nation until 1947 and the kingdom of Bhutan was
69 “The Education System in Bhutan.” SpainExchange. Accessed November 27, 2019.
https://www.studycountry.com/guide/BT-education.htm. 70 Ibid 71 United Nations. “Bhutan Citizenship Act, 1985.” Refworld. UNHCR, June 10, 1985.
https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b4d838.html. 72 U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State. Accessed October 26, 2019. https://2001-
2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90227.htm. 73 United Nations. “Chronology for Lhotshampas in Bhutan.” UNHCR | Refworld | Chronology for Lhotshampas in
Bhutan, 2004.
https://web.archive.org/web/20121016143502/http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,MARP,,BTN,,469f386a1e,0.
html. 74 Frelick, Bill. “Bhutan's Ethnic Cleansing.” Human Rights Watch, April 17, 2015.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2008/02/01/bhutans-ethnic-cleansing#.
24
created forty years earlier. In 1865, British India and Bhutan went to war over the Duars region--
one of the few fertile foothills in Bhutan that are farmable--bordering the two countries, and
Bhutan lost, signing the Treaty of Sinchula that promised peace between Britain, India and
Bhutan75. When India was still under British rule but Bhutan had finally been organized into an
official country, the first leader of the kingdom of Bhutan, King Ugyen Wangchuck, signed the
Treaty of Punakha with the British government in 1910. This agreement meant that Bhutan
allowed British control of their foreign relations in exchange for a British guarantee of Bhutan’s
independence76 In 1949, the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and Prime Minister Jawaharlal
Nehru signed the Treaty of Friendship between the two nations. It called for peace and
friendship, free trade, and gave Bhutan duty-free transit into India in order to access Indian ports.
When China annexed Tibet in 1950, Bhutan strayed even further away from relations with China
and strengthened their economic and political ties to their southwestern neighbor77. Bhutan is
heavily dependent on Indian exports of manufactured commodities, like kerosene. In fact, 90%
of Bhutan’s imports are Indian goods. In return, India receives all of the hydroelectric power
from Bhutanese dams and plants78. Bhutan makes most of its export money from its
hydroelectricity partnership with India, and to lose that would be detrimental.
In addition, the cultural ties between the countries are strong. Bollywood movies are
popular in Bhutan. The cultural, economic, and political ties between these two countries are
incomparably strong. India is Bhutan’s closest ally, politically against China and economically
with the enormous volume of free trade and giving Bhutan access to their warm water ports.
China
Bhutan and China have not had official diplomatic relations since 1959,79 after China
invaded Tibet in response to the Tibetan Uprising. Bhutan had long been connected to Tibet
75 Sherpa, Sherpem. “Bhutan: Between Two Giants.” World Policy Journal 30, no. 4 (2013): 41–44.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0740277513517645. 76 “University of Central Arkansas: UCA.” Political Science. Accessed December 7, 2019.
https://uca.edu/politicalscience/dadm-project/asiapacific-region/60-bhutan-1907-present/. 77 Sherpa, Sherpem. “Bhutan: Between Two Giants.” World Policy Journal 30, no. 4 (2013): 41–44.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0740277513517645. 78 Mitra, Debamitra. “‘Yam’ Between Two Boulders: Re-Assessing India–Bhutan Relationship.” Jadavpur Journal
of International Relations 17, no. 2 (2013): 185–203. https://doi.org/10.1177/0973598414535059. 79 “Bhutan-China Relations.” Bhutan-China Relations: Bhutannewsonline.com, July 5, 2004.
https://web.archive.org/web/20091227142229/http://www.bhutannewsonline.com/bhutan_china.html.
25
societally as previously mentioned, so it cut off ties with the PRC as a reaction.80 Approximately
6000 Tibetan refugees fled into Bhutan, only to have Bhutan close off the border soon after, for
fear of being overwhelmed by refugees. Relations were further harmed by the PRC releasing a
map in 1961 showing its territorial claims to traditionally Bhutanese lands.81 The border had
never fully been demarcated before, but the border given by the Chinese was different from the
traditional border used by each country. Incursions of Chinese soldiers into these disputed areas
led to Bhutan imposing a cross-border trade embargo and closing the border entirely. In order to
fend off more potential Chinese movements, Bhutan allowed the Indian military to begin moving
through their lands. There are still four disputed areas between China and Bhutan: Doklam, the
ridges from Gamochen to Batangla, Sinchela, and the area around the Amo Chuu river. While
these border disputes are ongoing, China and Bhutan began bilateral talks to discuss them in
1984 and have since met nearly 20 times. In 1998, a peace agreement was signed, affirming
China’s assertion that Bhutan is, in fact, a sovereign state.82 Despite this agreement, there have
been multiple reports of the Chinese government building roads in what is Bhutanese territory.83
This is one of the key priorities for the new government under the new king.
Nepal
Nepal and Bhutan, both being monarchies until 2008, landlocked, and highly religious
countries, have historically attempted to cooperate. Both countries were founding members of
the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, a geopolitical union promoting economic
and regional integration 1. The two countries operate several million dollars of trade each year2.
The main point of contention between the two nations regards Lhotshampa refugee crisis
however. Beginning in the 1990s, the Bhutanese government began to classify many Nepali-
speaking, Hindu, Bhutanese citizens as “voluntary emigrants”, and began expelling many of
them from the country, sometimes violently3. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees opened
80 Karan, Pradyumna P., and Dawa Norbu. “Bhutan.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc.,
November 28, 2019. https://www.britannica.com/place/Bhutan/Education. 81 “Bhutan-China Relations.” Bhutan-China Relations: Bhutannewsonline.com, July 5, 2004.
https://web.archive.org/web/20091227142229/http://www.bhutannewsonline.com/bhutan_china.html. 82 Ngawang. “Press Release.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 29, 2017.
https://web.archive.org/web/20170630023420/http://www.mfa.gov.bt/press-releases/press-release-272.html. 83 “Proceedings and Resolutions of the 4th Session of the National Assembly,” November 20, 2009.
https://web.archive.org/web/20151006225630/http://www.nab.gov.bt/assets/uploads/docs/resolution/2014/4th_sessi
on_eng.pdf.
26
seven refugee camps in eastern Nepal, which held more than 100,000 refugees as of 20064.
Insurgent groups rose in those camps, primarily Communist groups, which have been growing in
arms and could potentially pose a problem in the democratic process5. After several years of
talks, other countries agreed to take some of the refugees, such as 60,000 being absorbed to the
United States6.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a nation to the south of Bhutan, separated by Eastern India. Bhutan was the
first to recognize Bangladesh as a sovereign nation, setting them up for a long-lasting positive
relationship that has grown to be mutually beneficial both Bangladeshis as well as Bhutanese84.
Bangladesh is one of the only countries to have an embassy in Bhutan, India being the only
other85. Together they have numerous shared trade agreements as well as a strategic development
partnership that includes shared hydropower and free transport of cargo86. They granted each
other “most favored nation” status in terms of trade in 1980, and Bhutan granted duty-free access
to 90 of their commercial products to Bangladesh87. Bangladesh allows Bhutan to utilize their
seaport in Chittagong, Mongla, and Paira, which is of major help to the small landlocked
nation88. Bangladesh is a focus nation for Bhutan in terms of air travel, serving 7 flights every
week to the international airport in Dhaka89. They have diplomatic education agreements as well,
with Bhutan having a scholarship for their army (the RBA, Royal Bhutanese Army) to take
courses of study in Bangladesh90. Overally, Bhutan and Bangladesh are great friends that aim to
help each other in whatever way possible.
84 “Bhutan and Bangladesh – A Story of Two Nations Connected by a Shared Destiny.” KuenselOnline.
KuenselOnline, August 4, 2018. http://www.kuenselonline.com/bhutan-and-bangladesh-a-story-of-two-nations-
connected-by-a-shared-destiny/. 85 Ibid. 86 Ibid. 87 Acharya, Gopilal. “Bhutan and Bangladesh to Intensify Relations.” southasianmonitor.com, April 12, 2019.
http://southasianmonitor.com/bhutan/bhutan-and-bangladesh-to-intensify-relations/. 88 Ibid. 89 Ibid. 90 “Bhutan and Bangladesh – A Story of Two Nations Connected by a Shared Destiny.”
27
Characters
*Please note: All of these characters are based off real Bhutanese people. If you decide to
research further beyond this background guide, you may find anachronisms in terms of where
these people may have worked or the years in which they worked in a particular position. For
the purposes of this committee, we ask that delegates research the committee position itself and
the responsibilities associated with it -- separately, that they research the character themselves
and their history, opinions, and how they would realistically react in the situations they may find
themselves*
Jigme Choedra - Leader of Monastic Affairs
Jigme Choedra was born in the Mongar district of Bhutan in 1955 and
from the age of 3 is reputed to have recalled vivid memories of former
lives, making him a “Trulku”, or incarnate of 4 historically prominent
Buddhist sages. He is believed to be a reincarnation of the king Jigme
Wangchuk’s spiritual advisor, as well as other divine personalities.
With this potential, he joined the monastic life at the age of 8 and rose
over time to become a high ranking monastic official. In 1996 he was
assigned to the role of Je Khenpo, or Leader of Monastic Affairs. In this council he represents
the powerful Buddhist interests of the majority of the Bhutanese population.
Muhammad Julmat Ali Khan - Bangladeshi Ambassador to Bhutan
Born in 1942, Sylhet, then British Raj, now Bangladesh, Muhammad
Julmat Ali Khan found early success in civil service. Having graduated top
of his class from the University of Dhaka, he began to work in the Pakistani
Department of International Affairs. This position was quickly interrupted
by his service in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, in which he fought for
Pakistan against India. After ceasefire, Khan was able to continue his work
in international affairs, having served in the embassies of Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan on behalf
of Pakistan and, following the 1971 liberation of the country, Bangladesh. Tensions exist
between Khan and Indian Ambassador Sudhir Vyas as they fought on opposing sides of the 1965
conflict. He is expected to fight to maintain Bangladeshi-Bhutanese relations in any way possible
28
in this new era along with being the voice of the Bangladeshi government and its interests, along
with working closely with the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan.
Batoo Tshering - Chief Commandant to the Bhutanese Royal Army
Born 1951, Thimphu, Bhutan, Batoo Tshering has spent most of his life
in the service of the Bhutanese Royal Army. Joining in 1971, Tshering’s
formal education was through the Indian Military Academy, in which he
distinguished himself from his peers in various commando training
courses. He served as a lead commander in Operation All Clear in 2003,
the sole conflict of the BRA, in which seperatist insurgents were expelled
from southern Bhutan. In 2005 he was selected by King Jigme Singye
Wangchuck as chief commandant of the Bhutanese Royal Army. He has
been called to this council to advise on security matters and be an intermediary between the
military branches and this new government, working especially closely with the Chief of Police.
Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup - Minister of Agriculture and Forests
Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup was born in July 1953 in the Nobgang village in Punakha, the former
capital of Bhutan and the current administrative center91. Ngedup comes from a financially well-
off family; his father, Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji, was the founder of a private boarding school in
Bhutan and is currently the Speaker of the National Assembly92. Four of his sisters are currently
married to the king’s father, former king Jigme Singye Wangchuk93. These close ties to the royal
family have surely aided in his becoming the Prime Minister of Bhutan for one year, from July
1999 until July 2000, as well as his appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Forests in 200394.
Ngedup continues to hold that position as minister, where he is tasked with ensuring Bhutan is
pursuing sustainability in all aspects of society, including the economy. He has many department
subsections under his purview, including the department of livestock, food regulatory authority,
91 Wangchuck, Ashi Dorji Wangmo. Of Rainbows and Clouds: the Life of Yab Ugyen Dorji as Told to His
Daughter. London: Serindia Publications, 1999. 92 Ibid. 93 Ibid. 94 “Recognising Lyonpodep Sangay Ngedup.” KuenselOnline. KuenselOnline, September 9, 2015.
http://www.kuenselonline.com/recognising-lyonpodep-sangay-ngedup/
29
agricultural marketing and cooperatives, as well as the rural development
training center95. A true Bhutanese, he is passionate about leadership,
archery, and happiness.
Norbu Tshering - Minister of Education
Norbu Tshering was born c. 1961 in Thimpu, Bhutan. He received
an MBA degree from the Maastricht School of Management in the
Netherlands. Prior to his political career, Tshering was the finance
officer of the Royal University of Bhutan. He was also affiliated
with the National Referral Hospital, located in the capital city. He
was sworn into his current position by the Prime Minister of
Bhutan himself, Khandu Wangchuk. Tshering is married to a distant cousin of the Minister of
Agriculture, Sangay Ngedup, and has three children. He is on the council to enforce the stringent
education policies of his predecessors and continue to fight for the future of Bhutan through
educating the youth.
Khandu Wangchuk - Prime Minister of Bhutan
Khandu was born and raised in Paro. He graduated from St. Stephens
College in New Delhi, India. He enjoys playing cricket. Wangchuk served
his first term as Prime Minister from August of 2001 to August of 2002.
He began his second term in September of 2006. He has held many
different positions within the Bhutanese government. As the prime minister
Wangchuk is the head of the Lhengye Zhungtshog, this Council of
Ministers, at a crucial time when every decision can have major ripple
effects on Bhutan’s legacy.
95 Wangchuck, Ashi Dorji Wangmo. Of Rainbows and Clouds: the Life of Yab Ugyen Dorji as Told to His
Daughter. London: Serindia Publications, 1999.
30
Sudhir Vyas - Indian Ambassador to Bhutan
Sudhir graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
Shortly after, he switched direction and joined the Indian Foreign
Service96. Sudhir is currently the Indian ambassador to Bhutan. Before
accepting this position he also served as the Indian ambassador to the
United Arab Emirates as well as Egypt and Algeria. He has many
connections in the Arab world and can speak Arabic. In 1991 he served
as a member of the Indian delegation to the UN security council97. He works closely with the
Bangladeshi Ambassador to ensure the region’s peace and unity and to communicate Indian
interests in Bhutan.
Lyonpo Jigmi Y. Thinley - Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs
Hon’ble Lyonpo Jigmi Y. Thinley was born in Bumthang, one of the most historic districts in
Bhutan. He graduated with a master’s degree in public administration from Penn State in 1976
and immediately returned home to join the civil service98. Working his way up, Thinley became
a secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1992 and then the Deputy Minister of the same
ministry in 1994, and was awarded the orange scarf. The same year, he was appointed Bhutan’s
Permanent Representative to the United Nations office in Geneva99. In addition, he has also been
prime minister twice, from 1998-1999 and from 2003 to 2004, and right before becoming the
Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Long story short,
Thinley has been one of the most influential politicians in Bhutanese government history, and
should have a large role to play in instituting the new government. He was also instrumental in
creating the Gross National Happiness indicator100. His ministry is the equivalent of the US civil
service. Thinley will be fighting for the preservation of Bhutan’s culture, to promote local
96 “Sudhir Vyas Profile.” Dean, Resources & Alumni. IIT Kanpur. Accessed December 6, 2019.
https://www.iitk.ac.in/dora/sudhir-vyas-profile. 97 Ibid 98 Thinley, Lyonpo Jigmi, and Penn State. “Penn State Alumnus to Lead Bhutan.” Penn State University. Accessed
December 4, 2019. https://news.psu.edu/story/189532/2008/03/25/penn-state-alumnus-lead-bhutan. 99 Ibid 100 Ibid
31
governance and work closely with the Chief of Police and Ministry of Justice to keep Bhutan
safe and orderly.
Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu - Minister of Finance
Hon’ble Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu, one of the four newly
elected ministers, was awarded the Orange scarf by His
Majesty the King on July 9, 2003 and appointed as the Finance
Minister on the 1st of August 2003101. Educated abroad, he
graduated from the University of Western Australia with a
bachelor’s degree in economics, making him extremely qualified to run
the Ministry of Finance under the new king. A civil service man through and through, before he
was elected finance minister he served as the Royal Finance Secretary and the Auditor
General102. Norbu is in charge of setting the fiscal policy of the kingdom: taxing the Bhutanese
citizens and spending the revenue on projects that will benefit the young democracy.
Kinzang Dorji - Minister of Works and Human Settlement
Hon’ble Kinzang Dorji was born in Chhali Gewog, Bhutan. He has
already served as Prime Minister of Bhutan, and before he was a
speaker of the National Assembly. Dorji has been a part of Bhutanese
politics for a long time and is a respected voice in the council. He
enjoys golf. His primary focuses are national security, resource
mobilization, employment of youth and supporting the political
changes of the 4th king103. His ministry is in charge of the economic development of Bhutan
through infrastructure, like roads or hydroelectric dams or hiking trails, which follows the social
and cultural values of the Bhutanese people.
Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji - Speaker of the National Assembly
101 Ministry of Finance. Accessed December 4, 2019. https://www.mof.gov.bt/about-us/finance-ministers/. 102 Ibid 103 Palden, Tshering. “Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji Is Swiss Honorary Consul.” KuenselOnline. KuenselOnline, August
2, 2018. http://www.kuenselonline.com/lyonpo-kinzang-dorji-is-swiss-honorary-consul/.
32
Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji was born in 1925 in Kungacholing within the
historic town of Paro, Bhutan104. He is the father of the Minister of
Agriculture and Forests, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup. He became widely
regarded as one of the first businessmen of Bhutan when he opened a
retail store in Paro that sold textiles and groceries105. In doing this,
Dorji inspired many other entrepreneurial-minded Bhutanese to open
their own stores in various urban centers around the nation, establishing
a robust private sector where there was previously none. In his private
life, Dorji is a devout Buddhist and is regarded as a sort of spiritual leader. He has been a key
sponsor in the reconstruction of various monasteries across the country, Sangchokhor being the
most notable project106. As the first Speaker of the National Assembly of the first bicameral
parliament of Bhutan, much is expected of Dorji in terms of representing the interests of the
Bhutanese people107. His role in the government is similar to that of the United States Speaker of
the House in that he is to be the representative of the varied interests of the other assembly
members while still working to advance his own agenda. He is rumored to be a skilled cricket
player.
Khyentse Norbu - Minister of Information & Communication
Khyentse Norbu was born in June of 1961 in Bhutan to Tibetan Buddhist
parents108. He is most famously known as a filmmaker and writer,
although he is also commonly known as a religious ‘lama’, or teacher of
Tibetan Buddhist dharma109. Norbu has written and directed numerous
award-winning films, and has authored numerous books including What
Makes you Not a Buddhist and Not for Happiness: A Guide to the So-
104 “Tribute to Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji (1925-2019).” Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, May 29, 2019.
http://www.bcci.org.bt/tribute-to-yab-dasho-ugyen-dorji-1925-2019/. 105 Ibid. 106 Dem, Kinley. “Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji Passes Away.” BBS, May 15, 2019. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=114215. 107 “Tribute to Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji (1925-2019).” Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, May 29, 2019.
http://www.bcci.org.bt/tribute-to-yab-dasho-ugyen-dorji-1925-2019/. 108 Baker, Dorie. “Tibetan Lama and Filmmaker Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Will Visit Yale.” Yale Office of
Public Affairs and Communications. Yale University Press , January 10, 2008.
https://web.archive.org/web/20110720122729/http://opac.yale.edu/news/article.aspx?id=2323. 109 Ibid.
33
Called Preliminary Practices110. He is extremely honored to be appointed as the Minister of
Information and Communication of Bhutan and to add it to his already impressive media
resume111. As the Minister of Information and Communication, Norbu has under his purview the
department of Information and Media, the state-run Bhutan Post, as well as Royal Bhutan
Airlines operating through Druk Air. He loves eating Ema Datshi and is afraid of heights.
Lhendup Dorji - Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Lhendup Dorji was born in October of 1935 in Bhutan House, India, which is an estate belonging
to the Dorji family that serves as the administrative dzong for
the South of Bhutan112. He was educated at Cornell
University in the United States, and maintains positive
contacts from his time there. Lhendup is a part of the Dorji
family, an incredibly influential and prominent family within
the country that has a history of producing great leaders and
changemakers. In fact, Lhendup’s sister is married to the now
former 3rd king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, making
him the great-uncle to our current king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck113. These royal
connections serve him well and greatly aid him in his constant quest for upward mobility.
Lhendhup is also known to have a great appreciation and respect for the natural environment that
surrounds Bhutan, and brings this passion forth through his post as Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources. In this new position, he is tasked with monitoring and overseeing the nation’s
hydroelectric output as well as its subsequent trade internationally. Lhendup is proud of Bhutan’s
status as the only carbon-negative country in the world, and has expressed a strong desire to
dedicate his work to maintaining it.
Daw Penjo(r) - Ambassador to the United Nations
110 Ibid. 111 Colman, Tashi. “Khyentse Norbu Biography.” IMDb. IMDb.com. Accessed December 3, 2019.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0634897/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm. 112 Dorji, Khandu-Om. “A Brief History of Bhutan House in Kalimpong.” Journal of Bhutan Studies.
Bhutanstudies.org. April 2002. http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/pubFiles/v19_2.pdf 113 Ibid.
34
Dasho Daw Penjo has served as a career officer in the Foreign Ministry since 1980114. Prior to
joining the Foreign Ministry, Penjo attended the University of Delhi
and Tufts University for his Master’s115. He has served in various
roles in Bhutanese embassies in India and Bangladesh as well as in
the lower ranks of the Permanent Mission of Bhutan to the UN in
Geneva116. He maintains good connections with diplomats from
these countries, which is helpful in his posting as Ambassador to the
UN, which he has held since November 2003. In this role, he serves
as the primary advocate for Bhutan on the international stage, having direct lines of contact to
ambassadors from around the world. Since 2004, Penjo has also served as the Ambassador to
Canada, which allows him a special connection to the Canadian people. Dasho Daw Penjo is
happily married and has three kids.
Joginder Jaswant Singh - Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army
A third-generation soldier, Joginder Jaswant Singh was born into a life of service. From a young
age, he looked to join the army as his grandfather and father had.117 After being commissioned,
Singh, also known as JJ, served in Algeria, becoming fluent in both Arabic and French.118 He
also has combat experience, having led a Mountain Brigade in the battle against the insurgency
in Kashmir in 1991, where he was gravely injured.119 He has climbed the ranks since then, now
serving as the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, a role that puts him not only in charge of
India’s defense, but Bhutan’s as well due to the peace agreement set out between the two nations
that allots the majority of Bhutanese defense to India’s army. In the event of any incursion into
Bhutanese territory by a foreign power, he has the responsibility to defend Bhutan. Though not a
Bhutanese citizen, Singh maintains good connections with his military counterparts in Bhutan
114 “NEW PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF BHUTAN PRESENTS CREDENTIALS | Meetings Coverage
and Press Releases.” United Nations. United Nations, November 26, 2003.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2003/bio3543.doc.htm. 115 Ibid. 116 Ibid. 117 General J.J. Singh, December 10, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20051210131749/http://www.bharat-
rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Army-Chiefs/Chiefs-Army24.html. 118 Ibid. 119 Ibid.
35
and often works hand-in-hand with them, which is why he has been
invited to take part in this council. Jogander Jaswat Singh is happily
married and has a son and daughter.
Sonam Tobgye - Chief Justice of the High Court of Bhutan
Sonam Tobgye has long served as the Chief Justice of the High Court
of Bhutan, having been appointed to his position in 1991.120 His
life of public service extends even before then, however, having
been named the Master of Household to King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck in 1971.121 In addition to having extensive legal
connections due to his primary role, Tobgye remains connected to
some of King Jimge Dorji’s advisors from the time of his role as
Master of Household. He has received various honors during his
lifetime, including the Royal Red Scarf in 1974 and the Royal
Orange Scarf in 1991. Before his time on the High Court began, Tobgye also served as Secretary
of the Royal Civil Service Commission, a role in which he was able to implement many reforms
to the civil service.122 He is known for his loyalty to Bhutan and commitment for justice to
Bhutan, as well as for all people around the world.
Sonam Thondup - Chief of Bhutanese Police
Sonam Thondup was born in 1947 in Damthang. His father served in the Royal Bhutan Army
and he grew up near the military. Most of Sonam’s childhood was spent on the military base in
Damthang. When the Royal Bhutan Police was created he saw an opportunity to help the citizens
of Bhutan. Sonam was one of the first Bhutanese officers to receive Indian police service
training. His training in India has given him close ties to many high ranking Indian police
officers. He was promoted to the rank of colonel in 1969 and was appointed district police
officer of the Gelephu region. Thondup was then given command of the Royal Bhutan Police in
120 “Sonam Tobgye | Innovations for Successful Societies.” Princeton University. The Trustees of Princeton
University. Accessed December 8, 2019. https://successfulsocieties.princeton.edu/interviews/sonam-tobgye. 121 “Hon'ble Mr. Justice Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye.” National Law University Delhi. Accessed December 8, 2019.
https://nludelhi.ac.in/pep-fac-new-pro.aspx?Id=2113. 122 “Sonam Tobgye | Innovations for Successful Societies.” Princeton University. The Trustees of Princeton
University. Accessed December 8, 2019. https://successfulsocieties.princeton.edu/interviews/sonam-tobgye.
36
1973. Since then he has insured the safety of Bhutanese citizens by keeping criminals off the
streets.
37
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