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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

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Page 1: The Abdication of the Dragon King: Bhutan, 2006 · Crisis Chair The Abdication of the Dragon King: Bhutan 2006 MSUMUN XX Junior Staff Introductions Assistant Chair - Varsh Arcota

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

Page 2: The Abdication of the Dragon King: Bhutan, 2006 · Crisis Chair The Abdication of the Dragon King: Bhutan 2006 MSUMUN XX Junior Staff Introductions Assistant Chair - Varsh Arcota

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

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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.

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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.

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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,

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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

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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

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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/.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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#.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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/

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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.

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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

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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/.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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1973. Since then he has insured the safety of Bhutanese citizens by keeping criminals off the

streets.

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