This book identifies the factors that either encourage or discourage participation and deliberation, thereby demonstrating the potential and reality of deliberative democracy in Nepal at the local level.

Focusing on the local level planning process in two municipalities, Buddhabhumi and Dhanushadham, the book examines whether decentralized elements introduced by federalism encourage participation and deliberation or they continue to remain a challenge. Throughout this exploration, the author explores how the debate between “common good” and “self-interest” unfolds within the context of deliberative democracy in Nepal. A blend of empirical and theoretical investigation, this book addresses the concept of common good and self-interest in deliberative democracy in the context of unequal societies in South Asia.

A pioneering contribution on Nepal, this book will be of interest to researchers studying political science, federalism, participatory democracy, deliberative democracy and local governance in Nepal and South Asia.