Bhutanese National Identity

Bhutan transitioned into democracy in 2008; since then, four general elections have taken place. The institution of monarchy has been one of the main driving forces for national identity formation since the early 1900s and still continues to provide shared values and national goals through the institution. However, with evolving political awareness, there is an emergent sense of agency and demand for more inclusive decision-making in state affairs. The chapter examines the shifting narratives of Bhutanese national identity from absolute monarchy to democratic constitutional monarchy. It also highlights the evolving role of the state in the change.