Based on interviews with journalists, political party leaders and civil society activists, this article examines and illustrates the strategic capacities of leadership in Nepalese efforts to bolster the movement for democracy. With the help of Bourdieu’s concepts of social, cultural and symbolic capitals, the article provides insights into the crucial role of key individuals as leaders and examines their skilful use of activist synergies to spearhead significant political change in Nepal. The study demonstrates how a seemingly resource-poor movement can nevertheless mobilise the popular masses against an autocratic ruler.
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