In this article, the authors elaborate on why they think a democracy context matters for national service programs, provide a brief overview of national service programs in South Asia, and present a case study of Nepal’s experience with national service. In particular, the authors examine the rise and fall of the government-sponsored National Development Service and its relationship to democratic culture. The case of national service in Nepal underscores the importance of examining the social and political context of national service. Service programs can be a source of widespread societal change and a vehicle for expressing discontent with the status quo. If a significant consequence of civic service is to foster democratic citizenship, then as the authors’ case suggests, it is necessary to examine the nature and life course of service programs.
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