INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION IN INTRA-STATE CONFLICTS: THE CASE IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

This thesis attempts to understand various factors involved with the intervention of powerful countries in the affairs of weaker countries, taking the Indian intervention in Sri Lanka as a case study. It examines shifts in Indias intervention decisions during the period between the contemporary independence of both countries and the end of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka in 2009. The thesis primarily focuses upon four significant incidents that triggered intervention by India in Sri Lanka, and explores how Indias domestic concerns and strategic interests affected Indias intervention decisions under various socio-economic and geo-political situations. By analyzing both strategic and domestic concerns and how they impacted Indias intervention in Sri Lanka during the concerned period, this thesis argues that the Indian decision for intervention in Sri Lanka is deeply shaped by its strong domestic concerns. Indian governments adjusted their intervention decisions to maintain the domestic stability of the country, irrespective of the strategic impact of intervention. Even though Indian governments preferred to maintain a cordial relationship with Sri Lanka, domestic pressure could compel Indian governments to intervene in Sri Lanka. Sometimes, India decided not to intervene when the pressure on the central government was weak, or when more important domestic concerns arose which favored non-intervention. As far as Indias intervention decisions in the future are concerned, domestic factors will constrain Indias flexibility in shaping decisions to intervene in Sri Lanka.