In this work the Sri Lankan civil conflict and the Indian involvement at the end of the 1980s is examined by two different theoretical approaches that may fit the case and help describe patterns and actions of both sides. On the one hand two similar theories about regional power and small state behaviour in the face of a civil conflict in the small state by Benjamin Miller are taken out of their original context1 and applied to the case of Sri Lanka. In constituting India as the regional power and Sri Lanka as the small state in these scenarios, it can be examined whether this case can be seen as in accordance with Miller’s theories in the main points, and maybe even help to understand the processes around the Indo-Sri Lankan accord better. India will be checked according to its capabilities and interests in the region, which will show, if India’s peace keeping role was actually motivated mainly by a regional hegemonic ambition? And the question will be raised, if Sri Lanka accepted the accord out of its own will, or due to Indian dominace?
The second theoretical approach is the Two Level Games Theory by Robert Putnam. The Sri Lankan case actually seems to give a very fitting example for the main claims of this theory. Thus the work will look into the questions, if in both countries, India and Sri Lanka, a domestic position was present that supported an agreement like the Indo-Sri Lankan accord, but only through the combination of this inner motivations and outer pressures, made the signing of the accord - against all objectors - come reality? And further, how important were domestic factors in the signing of the accord?
The main part of the work will take the first theory, since it asks for plenty material and is also the first place to introduce the most facts and political sequences around the conflict that are not repeated afterwards.
Both theories are presented in a short overview and shortened were it was possible, giving an outlineof the theory that is understandable and makes working possible. Many facts, views and materials are only portrayed in outlines, too, and many illuminating quotes to keep the work in its frame and make the reading fluent.
Table of Contents
0. Introduction
1. The historical background of the conflict and India's Involvement
2. The Indo-Sri Lankan Accord (29. July 1987)
3. Regional Power and Small State Theories according to Benjamin Miller
3.1. Theory 1: Factors influencing the attitude of Great Power towards Small States
3.2. Application of Theory 1: Factors influencing the attitude of great powers towards Small States
3.2.1. Relative capabilities in the South Asian region at the end of the 1980s
3.2.2. Great power interests the South Asian region at the end of the 1980s
3.2.2.1. The Indian doctrine of regional security
3.2.2.2. Refugees and ethnic or religious minorities
3.2.2.3. Foreign disinterest in the region
3.3. Theory 2: Patters of regional conflict according to the capabilities and interests of the great powers
3.4. Application of Theory 2: Patters of regional conflict according to the capabilities and interests of the great powers
4. The Two Level Games Theory by Robert Putnam
4.1. Implication of the Two Level Games theory on India
4.1.1. India’s domestic game
4.1.2. International pressure on India
4.2. Implication of the Two Level Games theory on Sri Lanka
4.2.1. Sri Lanka’s domestic game
4.2.2. International pressure on Sri Lanka
5. Conclusion
7. Addendum
7.1. Important points of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This work examines the Indo-Sri Lankan relations and India's involvement in the Sri Lankan civil conflict at the end of the 1980s, specifically focusing on the signing of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord. The research aims to evaluate whether the Indian intervention can be explained through theoretical frameworks of regional power dynamics and domestic political constraints.
- Regional power and small state behavior theories (Benjamin Miller)
- The Two-Level Games theory as applied to international negotiations (Robert Putnam)
- Analysis of Indian hegemonic interests and regional security doctrines
- The role of domestic political pressures in both India and Sri Lanka regarding the Accord
- The significance of the 1987 Indo-Sri Lankan Accord in the context of South Asian geopolitics
Excerpt from the Book
3.1. Theory 1: Factors influencing the attitude of Great Power towards Small States
The article about ‘theory 1’ deals mainly with the factors that determine the approach of a great power towards a small state in the process of a regional conflict, in case that the great power seeks some kind of resolution to the conflict. These factors – so goes the argument – are mainly domestic and can to certain degree predict the kind of action taken by the great power in the peace-making role.
First, there is a differentiation, if the great power seeks to cooperate with other great powers or attempts to pacify the region on its own. Secondly there are two different possible attitudes of the great power towards the small state: If the great power strives to intervene in a conflict in acceptance and coordination with the local actors and when the contact of the great power with the small state is overall based on diplomacy, persuasion and negotiations, then this attitude is called “accommodative”. But if the attitude is termed “coercive”, the great power imposes a regional order on the small state, thus dictates an alleged solution possibly against the will of the small state.
Miller stresses that while systems theory relies more on the number of great powers and hegemonic theories would put the emphasis on asymmetries of power among the great powers, Miller suggests a more differentiated, interwoven approach, while taking into account the relative capabilities (unilateral – multilateral approach) and also the kind of attitude (accommodative – coercive) towards the small state, which he sees conditioned by the kind of domestic regimes (democracy or authoritarian regime).
Summary of Chapters
0. Introduction: The introduction outlines the two theoretical approaches used to analyze the Indo-Sri Lankan conflict: Benjamin Miller's theories on regional powers and Robert Putnam's Two-Level Games theory.
1. The historical background of the conflict and India's Involvement: This chapter provides a historical overview of the ethnic divisions in Sri Lanka and the escalation of the civil conflict, leading to Indian involvement.
2. The Indo-Sri Lankan Accord (29. July 1987): This section summarizes the signing of the Accord by Rajiv Gandhi and J.R. Jayewardene and the subsequent deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force.
3. Regional Power and Small State Theories according to Benjamin Miller: The author details Miller’s theories regarding how great powers interact with small states and how these theories apply to India's role in the conflict.
4. The Two Level Games Theory by Robert Putnam: This chapter applies Putnam's theory to investigate the domestic and international pressures that influenced the decision-making process in both India and Sri Lanka.
5. Conclusion: The conclusion synthesizes the findings, confirming that the selected theoretical frameworks effectively explain the motivations and geopolitical dynamics behind the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord.
7. Addendum: This section provides a detailed list of the key points defined in the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord and the accompanying Exchange of Letters.
Keywords
Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, Regional Power, Small State, Civil Conflict, India, Sri Lanka, Benjamin Miller, Robert Putnam, Two-Level Games, Hegemony, Indian Peace Keeping Force, Foreign Policy, Tamil Minority, Geopolitics, Security Doctrine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work examines the relationship between India and Sri Lanka during the late 1980s, specifically investigating the underlying factors that led to the 1987 Indo-Sri Lankan Accord.
Which theoretical frameworks are utilized?
The author employs two main theories: Benjamin Miller's framework on regional power and small state behavior, and Robert Putnam's Two-Level Games theory regarding domestic and international political pressures.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The study aims to determine whether India's intervention in the Sri Lankan civil conflict was motivated by regional hegemonic ambition or by domestic and international constraints that necessitated a stable, unified Sri Lanka.
What research methodology does the author use?
The author uses a qualitative case study approach, applying existing international relations theories to the specific political sequences and historical events surrounding the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body explores India's relative capabilities and interests, the "coercive vs. accommodative" nature of its diplomacy, and the domestic "games" played by political elites in both India and Sri Lanka to secure the agreement.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key concepts include the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, regional power dynamics, Two-Level Games theory, ethnic conflict, and foreign policy decision-making.
How does the "Two-Level Games" theory explain the signing of the Accord?
It highlights that the agreement was reached because both leaders (Jayewardene in Sri Lanka and Gandhi in India) faced domestic pressure and utilized the international negotiation as a tool to bolster their political standing at home.
Does the author consider India's intervention a success?
The author notes that while the Accord briefly established a process of conflict management, it ultimately led to unintended hostilities with the LTTE, suggesting that India may have miscalculated the outcomes of the intervention.
- Quote paper
- Oshrat Becker (Author), 2006, The Indo-Sri Lankan Relations at the end of the 1980s': Approaches on India's Involvement in the Sri Lankan Ethnic Conflict facing the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord (29. July 1987), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/68080
