Cultural Dynamics and Policy Effectiveness: An Analysis of India's Act East Policy In Nagaland's Border Villages

Abstract

This study examines the intersection of cultural dynamics and policy effectiveness in the implementation of India's Act East Policy within three border villages of Nagaland—Avangkhu, Longwa, and Pangsha. Through a purposive sampling methodology involving 60 respondents across 2022-2023, this research investigates how cultural practices influence political stability, economic development, and security scenarios in the context of cross-border policy implementation. The findings reveal mixed responses across all three dependent variables, with significant levels of uncertainty predominating community perceptions of cultural impact on policy outcomes. The study identifies a significant correlation between cultural practices—particularly shared ethnic, linguistic, and kinship bonds with Myanmar—and political stability outcomes. These findings contribute to understanding cultural response mechanisms to government policy in ethnically diverse border regions and provide insights for policy administrators seeking to enhance the effectiveness of transnational development initiatives through culturally responsive educational approaches.