When choosing reading materials, Brigadier General (Retd) Keshar Bahadur Bhandari, a defense and security analyst, prefers to go for books and essays on national security. Hence, it is no surprise that when it comes to writing, his preferred topic is national security. His second book, ‘National Security and the State’, is also about national security, as the name suggests.

In this interview with the Post, Bhandari shares why he felt the need to write ‘National Security and the State’, why Nepal needs more writers to write on national security, and the genres he likes to read.

When did you start developing a reading habit?

I started developing a reading habit right after I finished SLC.

The first book you read that left a lasting impression on you?

It has to be Harrold Robin’s ‘The Carpet Bagger’.

Which genres do you especially enjoy reading? And which do you avoid?

I am more of a random reader and do not have a specific favourite genre. For casual reading, I like to go with fact-based historical books and thrillers—especially those from the 70s and 80s.

Is there a book that you wish your younger self had read?

Shiva Khera’s ‘You Can Do It’.

Is there a Nepali book that you enjoyed reading?

I enjoyed reading Narayan Wagle’s ‘Palpasa Café’.

Your new book, ‘National Security and the State’, is out now. Tell us a little about the book.

It is a one-of-a-kind book. It gives a comprehensive knowledge of the national security of small states with a theoretical background on the subject. In the book, readers will find an exhaustive discussion on Nepal's multidimensional aspects of national security. There is also a dedicated chapter on Nepal Army.

Why did you feel the need to write the book?

Books on national security, national security policy, and national security of small states are scarce in Nepal. This has resulted in a knowledge gap in these subjects. This book is my attempt to fill that gap.

Is there a topic you wish more Nepali writers would write about?

We do not have many people writing on national security issues, and people in general still consider this a field exclusively belonging to military or police personnel, which is not true. We need more Nepali writers to write more on national security and multidimensional aspects of national security; moreover, I shall advocate for more female writers to come out in this field.

Three books that you never tire of recommending and why?

I usually read/study research essays, reports, and parts of books related to security, primarily on South Asian security. Besides, being a random reader, I really cannot recommend a specific book, but I would still like to suggest that people read historical fact-based books.