“Stray Dogs and Gross National Happiness:  Bhutan’s Modernisation Challenge”

Dr Michael de Percy FRSA FCILT MRSN
Canberra Press Gallery Correspondent, The Spectator Australia and
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy

Date: Thursday, 17 July, 6.30–7.30 pm AEST
Venue: RSL Mittagong, Carrington Room
Entry: Members, $5; Non-members, $10 (cashless payments only)
All are welcome

Summary: Bhutan, a nation that transitioned from a decentralised theocracy to a monarchy in 1907 and is currently developing a democracy in the 21st century, is globally renowned for its unique pursuit of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a measure of prosperity. Since opening its doors to foreign tourists in 1974, Bhutan has faced the complex task of integrating with the global economy while preserving its deeply rooted cultural and spiritual values. This presentation examines the challenges of stray dogs in Bhutan, highlighting the tension between modernisation and the traditional Bhutanese ethos. As urban development and tourism increase, the stray dog problem highlights issues of public health, animal welfare, and environmental harmony — core components of GNH. By leveraging Bhutan’s Buddhist principles of compassion and coexistence, this study examines the socio-cultural and economic factors driving the stray dog issue, alongside innovative solutions that align with Bhutan’s commitment to balancing progress with cultural preservation. Reflecting on his experience teaching in Bhutan over the last three years, Michael considers the broader implications for Bhutan’s cultural preservation while integrating with the global economy.

Michael de Percy is a political scientist, journalist and political commentator. He is the Canberra Political Correspondent for The Spectator Australia and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy. A graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, he serves on the Australian Research Council’s College of Experts, and he is a member of the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery.

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