Political Geography: Bhutan / Topic: Authority

Author:: Brian C. Shaw
Publication Date:: 05-2019
Content Type:: Journal Article
Journal:: Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:: Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:: The original Tibetan concept of kidu (skyid sdug 1 or more informally kidu) has been variously considered as welfare, selfhelp and assistance. In the context of Bhutan, the concept has closely linked the moral authority of the monarch with the economic needs of the public. The paper considers both the politicisation of kidu (the competition for political space and authority by politicians of the First Parliament, against the received authority of the monarchs) and the de-politicisation of kidu (by the monarchs, notably through land-grant authority reaffirmed in the 2008 Constitution, the establishment of the Kidu Foundation and in other practical ways). Kidu rights and the authority of the monarch is reviewed, with especial attention to the future prospects of either diminution or extension of these rights in the future, as the kingdom endeavours to establish “Democracy with Bhutan Characteristics.”
Topic:: Politics, Democracy, Economy, Monarchy, and Authority
Political Geography:: South Asia, Tibet, and Bhutan

Author:: Katsu Masaki
Publication Date:: 03-2013
Content Type:: Journal Article
Journal:: Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:: Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:: This paper seeks to make an alternative translation/ interpretation of Bhutan’s democracy, in place of the mainstream view that the country has recently made a decisive transition toward democracy. It calls our attention to the country’s time-honored ‘natural democracy,’ which rests on monarchical authority and cohesive rural communities. Both of them represent vernacular forms of freedom and equality, contrary to their widely held image as being averse to democracy. This research was made possible by funding from the Japanese Government's Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research.
Topic:: Government, Politics, Democracy, Monarchy, and Authority
Political Geography:: South Asia and Bhutan

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