Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45715551
Analysis
Tourism in Bhutan may be gaining popularity due to the Tour of the Dragon (TOD). TOD is a cycling event known for its difficult terrain and sights of wild tigers, leopards, and boars. This new sporting event could possibly attract tourists to Bhutan.
For many years, Bhutan has limited tourism to a select wealthy few. These regulations restricted travelers by including daily visa-fees.This is an attempt by the government to maintain their pristine environmental conditions and cultural identity. However, after a partnership with India, there has been an increase in visa-free travel the past few years. Their other connections with the outside world, mobile phones, only arrived in 2003 and not only began connecting the country, but broadcasted suffering.
This increase in tourism could have regional effects, especially in terms of globalization. There could be changes in terms of cultural identity. Their attempt to limit travelers kept them reliant on forming their own distinct culture. However, the tie to their strict identity could cause some people to leave if they discover they’d enjoy a more urban lifestyle through tourists and social media. There is a possibility, though, that their ties to Buddhism may mitigate some of this loss. However, it could still be significant. After all, cultural identity means unity.
This globalization could also change how Bhutan interacts politically. Although it’s a member of the UN, an intergovernmental organization, diplomatic relations between the permanent members are almost non-existent, and the country limits foreign embassies within its borders. A shift in power is always possible if someone new decides to join the political sphere, but that is not the government’s expressed intention.
This could be an interesting application under a realist’s perspective, since realists claim that states act like humans. Bhutan could be an example of someone who isn’t interested in getting involved. A realist may also say this demonstrates a state attempting to survive by self isolating. Yet, without highly developed security and alliances there is also danger in staying separated. States that work to maintain power in the anarchy of society have theoretically improved survival.