Critical Appreciation – Constructive Criticism
Hari Bangaley Adhikari is based in Cincinnati, OH. He was resettled from Bhutanese refugee camp as part of the third country resettlement of the Bhutanese refugees. He lived in exile in Nepal for 18 years, during which he championed political and social activism overcoming the uncertainty, deprivation and psychological troll that define life as a refugee. Adhikari continues his advocacy for justice, recognition, and historical accountability post his resettlement in the US. Read Full
Bhutan has quietly emerged as a significant player in the cryptocurrency space. This article presents a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and digital currency mining in Bhutan, addressing its history, infrastructure, economic impact, geopolitical implications, and current usage at both national and consumer levels. I shall explore how global trends in Bitcoin and digital currencies compare with Bhutan’s unique journey, and how Bhutan’s strategic approach – harnessing renewable energy for crypto mining – has led it to hold a substantial digital asset reserve. The analysis covers major milestones from Bitcoin’s inception to Bhutan’s recent ventures, and provides insight into why Bhutan embarked on this path, what it means for its economy, and how digital currencies are being used on the ground. Read Full
Bhutan is internationally recognised for its political stability and Gross National Happiness philosophy but its long-term detention of the mostly Nepali-speaking Bhutanese activists raises serious human rights concerns. This article examines Bhutanese political detention based on latest UN, EU and INGO reports, media coverage, and civil society advocacy. It explores state’s policy of denial, the nature of international engagement (including the Universal Periodic Review), and diaspora-led campaigns such as by GCRPPB. The article provides comprehensive insight through case studies, and UN legal opinions. The persistent state denial impedes accountability and reform. Individual case studies highlight legal and human impacts, while regional comparisons and UN opinions place Bhutan’s situation in a broader context. Read Full
Over the past decade, Bhutan has experienced a marked rise in lifestyle-related health problems as traditional patterns of living give way to modern habits. This paper examines emerging non-communicable diseases and risk factors in Bhutan from ~2015–2025, drawing on government data, surveys, and academic studies. It reviews Bhutan’s traditional active, agrarian lifestyle and diet, then detail how rapid socio-economic development has altered lifestyles. Sedentary behaviour, processed diets, and other changes have led to increasing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The causes of these shifts – urbanisation, globalisation, and changing socio-cultural norms – are explored. The paper analyses the geographical distribution of lifestyle diseases and the age groups affected. Health expenditure trends are reviewed, showing growing government spending on non-communicable disease prevention and treatment. Read Full
Bhutan and Nepal share similar geographical complexities, population dynamics, religious heterogeneity, cultural beliefs, and global challenges. They are compared here for being the neighbors with the same neighbors, and similar challenges. Bilateral relationships date back to ancient days and written records are available after the 8th Century AD when Guru Padmasambhava visited Bhutan and Nepal and connected the two countries with religion and migration of people. Read Full
Our editorial and management team is changing. But the future mission of The Bhutan Journal will not change. We will continue to publish research, policy-relevant analyses, and reflective essays that elevate underrepresented perspectives and inform public deliberation. Read Full