Eelam in the Multipolar Era
Ruben Nagesparan Chandrakumar, BS
As Eelam finds itself in a shifting landscape of international politics, it must understand the changes, the reasons they occurred, and how it must act in the new world order. As explained by Dr. John Mearsheimer, the unipolar moment that existed from 1990 until 2017—where the United States was the sole great power and was able to pursue its policy of liberal hegemony—has now shifted to a world order of multipolarity. The multipolar world was caused by the rise of China and Russia, marking an end to US domination and beginning a new chapter of great power politics. In this multipolar world, Eelam faces a new set of problems and opportunities that can leave it weak, defenseless, impoverished, and corrupt or strong, powerful, wealthy, free, and stable.
The rise of China has posed a substantial threat to the liberal worldview and ideals of human rights, economic liberty, individualism, and free speech that all decent countries should strive for. With the increased influence of China within Sri Lanka—such as the Hambantota Port and other infrastructure projects—the people of Eelam are even more vulnerable and must battle greater foreign influence. The vision of China, as described by the Belt & Road Initiative, sees Sri Lanka and Eelam as key aspects of their maritime routes. This increased influence of China provides the Eelam nation with a tremendous opportunity to serve as a bulwark against China and as a key ally to the United States in protecting liberal values, free markets, and human rights. By appealing to the United States with shared values and vision, the politicians and influential individuals of the nation could sway American policymakers in favor of strengthening Eelam and considering it a key component of their foreign policy.
Furthermore, the rise of India and the continued growth of the country make it an aspiring great power within the international system. With the largest population of any country, India will likely achieve the status of a great power soon—especially with the increasing liberalization of the market and large investments from notable foreign companies. Similar to the United States, India views China as a threat to its values, national security, and influence. By analyzing the ways in which India shares values, national security concerns, and the capacity for great economic cooperation, Eelam can communicate the need to ally itself against a rising China and counter China’s increasing influence within Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, Eelam must be wary and tactical in its approach to the multipolar world. It must insist on pursuing its own national interests and utilizing the interests of allies to maximize its power, ensuring it does not remain defenseless and vulnerable in terms of physical safety, human rights, justice, national security, property rights, and economic leverage.