Understanding the Role of Ethno-Territorial Movements in Challenging Political Exclusion: The Case of the Madhesi Uprising in Nepal

This article questions whether sub-national movements seeking ethno-territorial empowerment can effectively challenge political exclusion. Examining the cultural, economic and spatial logics that shape ethno-territorial organising, the article discusses the case of the Madhesi movement in Nepal and its campaign for ethno-federalism and political inclusion. The case study demonstrates the power of ethno-territorial identity in enabling cross-class mobilisation to challenge centralised political control and gain greater rights and representation. However, the study finds that ethno-territorial organising is limited if the political interests and economic structures giving rise to a movement undermine its ability to challenge redistributive injustices.