The Need for Eelam to Develop Soft Power
Ruben Nagesparan Chandrakumar, BS
Soft power—a theory developed by American political scientist Joseph Nye—explains the capacity for a nation to project influence through persuasion and diplomacy. The essence of soft power is easily detectable when contrasted with hard power, which depends on military prowess, economic leverage in sanctioning, and the threat of force. On the other hand, soft power relies on the absence of force, using the mechanisms of cultural exchange, shared philosophies, shared economic interests, and diplomacy. Soft power not only builds long-lasting alliances but also harnesses the capacity within nations to flourish by striving to provide the maximum benefits to other nations. In a world that has become increasingly globalized and connected, soft power has continued to ascend as a key component in both the national strategy and foreign policy of nations. By focusing on soft power, populations can shape the perception of the world, create and develop their alliances, and pursue their national interests. The opportunities granted by pursuing this form of power are myriad, and the capacity for Eelam to develop this—especially with an international diaspora—can transform the country. However, there are two fundamental questions which arise from this proposal. Why should Eelam pursue it, and how would it go about doing so?
There are multiple reasons why the pursuit of soft power would improve the nation, its foreign relations, and its internal motivations. For Eelam, this power would offer a chance to challenge the mainstream Sri Lankan narrative of the conflict, improve its international alliances and support, and provide a stronger voice for the nation—all increasing the likelihood of independence, justice, freedom, and prosperity. There are several routes Eelam could take to increase its influence in this manner. The first objective Eelam must focus on is to display its vast and vibrant culture, which spans back thousands of years and encompasses history, language, traditions, arts, literature, cuisine, and more. By doing so, Eelam can strengthen its bonds with countries that share similar beliefs, such as India, and begin to have conversations about both the shared values reflected within different global traditions and the mutual benefits accrued from cultural exchange, reflecting a deeper point of the Jungian collective unconscious that permeates all of humanity. Additionally, Eelam has the capability to demonstrate its commitment to both liberal-democratic principles and human rights, explicitly rejecting autocracy, fascism, communism, and totalitarianism. This commitment, or covenant, to act in the interests of the ideal values of the country would dramatically affect the standing of Eelam as a moral, trustworthy, and honest nation. Contrasting with the way Eelam has been perceived for decades as the mere tainted idealism of terrorists, this vision would serve as a genuine mode of reconstruction toward an earned reputation of ethical stature.
The second objective Eelam should emphasize is diplomacy. The art of diplomacy has prevented wars, facilitated international cooperation and collaboration, aided in the defense and enforcement of international law, and promulgated trade agreements that laid the groundwork for economic intercourse. By utilizing the resources of the diaspora and the local population of Eelam, the country could highlight its realistic and idealistic interests and work to establish communication with hundreds of nations. This would include establishing a sophisticated network of political entities, international organizations such as nonprofits, and influential individuals that would assist in the pursuit of Eelam’s interests.
Lastly, the decentralization and democratization of media from the significant technological evolution that has occurred in recent decades have given Eelam unparalleled opportunities to promote its narrative and vision to shape the public opinion of individuals globally. Instead of being blocked out of traditional media sources and institutions, members of the nation can communicate directly with audiences from around the world, presenting a counter-narrative to the powerful Sri Lanka propaganda machine. By combining content, campaigns, activism, and in-depth discussions, the falsehoods presented by Sri Lanka in the Eelam conflict will come to light, exposing the darkness and lies which the oppressive regime depends upon to maintain their grip on power. This stark reality also provides a compelling message to those in free societies to remain committed to all that enables their lives to be minimally affected by such evils.
There are numerous examples displaying the different ways in which this power can manifest. As described by Shashi Tharoor, an Indian Member of Parliament, soft power can, and often does, occur without government guidance and aid. He described the success of Bollywood films throughout the world as a testament to this truth. The rise of stars like M.I.A. within the music industry and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as a famous actress are exemplary cases of this phenomenon. Similarly, the impressive scientific, medical, and engineering accomplishments within the diaspora have made a marked difference in the perception of Eelam globally. As described earlier, technological innovations have become a substantial factor in the development of soft power through countering the narrative presented by Sri Lanka; however, this does not include the cultural influence that Eelam has built up from the influx of influencers that have attained success in various fields, ranging from makeup artists to comedians to dancers. While this may seem like a trivial aspect of a nation’s power, the strength provided by a balanced and truly diverse range of individuals and achievements cannot be underestimated.
Eelam can continue to build upon these capacities by investing in institutions, diplomatic initiatives, and media to promote the unique culture of the nation, facilitate communication with different political entities and individuals, and counter the commonly held beliefs about the Eelam conflict and War of Independence. By continuing to develop its soft power, the country has the best chance at receiving justice for historical and current crimes, attaining independence, and becoming a world leader through influence instead of solely military might.