The Rajpal Abeynayake Column

The Rajpal Abeynayake Column By Rajpal Abeynayake

The global state and the two-nation theory
The two nations theory is the most vogue theory that has come out of the discussion on the Sri Lankan conflict in recent times. Somebody even mentioned that it has been "written in stone'' ever since the so called talks in Thimpu..

The "two nation theory'' of course is simply that there is one Sinhalese nation and one Tamil nation within the geographical limits of this island. The common complaint is that the Sinhalese have not understood this two nation construct which is why there is a futile search for constitutional solutions that are not compatible with the two nation theory.

Two nations can exist in a physical space. Or they can also exist in a psychological space. If for instance, the Tamil nation can exist in the 'psychological space' of the Tamil Diaspora, it is understood that a nation can indeed exist in a psychological space. The Jewish nation for instance existed in a psychological (Zionist) space, before the state of Israel came into being.

So, when the pundits say that there are two Tamil nations, is this (what's "written in stone'' mind you) a question of the Tamil nation occupying a physical space, or is it a question of the Tamil nation occupying a psychological space?

One of the arguments of those who advocate the two-nation theory is that it cannot be accommodated within the commonly held constitutional paradigms. In other words, there can be no constitutional solution for a problem that after all involves two nations. Or so it is said.

But that's to accept the theory that these two nations are "written in stone'' - when in reality they are not. If two nations occupy a psychological space, there doesn't seem to be any reason that they cannot also be accommodated within one constitutional space.

So, when Anton Balasingham says that "there should be an internal self determination'' he is in fact debunking the idea that the two nation theory is "written in stone.'' What he says is that the two nations are not necessarily in a physical space -- and that they can easily be accommodated within the constitutional context. If that is not so - - what on earth does internal self determination mean, unless of course it has been cooked up to mislead everybody and generally obscure the issues beyond recognition?

What's interesting also is that those who say that the two nation theory is "written in stone'' are the same people who are also saying, as stated in this column last week, that the primary consideration in solving the conflict today is that it has to be solved within the context of a "global state''.

It means that national boundaries are becoming increasingly unimportant in a situation in which international realpolitik has to be considered the most important factor in evolving solutions for the problem.

The paradox is easy to see. If the Sri Lankan issue has to be solved within a global context, and within the so-called compulsions of the 'global state'' then why is it that the pundits swear by a divisive two nation solution?

Take the two Koreas for example. Today there is a burgeoning sentiment for the unification of North and South Korea, as reported in the news magazines and the international media almost on a daily basis. It is simple. Even South Korea feels today that it is increasingly coming under American influence -- because that's what the 'global state'' has increasingly begun to mean -- that nations such as Korea are increasingly drawn towards the American ambit.

The rear-guard action of the South Koreans has been to go nationalist, and to advocate with a new found voice, the re-unification of the two nations -- North Korea and South Korea. Of course the Koreans know that makes sense. If a contiguous land mass which is peopled by a population that has more commonalities than differences is coming increasingly under the influence of a foreign power ("global state'') then the wise thing would be for these "two nations" to bury their differences and get together.

Now, if two nations that are as distinct and as separate as Korea are thinking in terms of beating the "global state'' by coming together, what of the two nations in this island? Do these which have hardly been two nations in that strict sense have to think in terms of "two nations'' -- and in terms of two nations only? To say the least that would be quite ludicrous.

There may be nothing wrong in a two nation concept -- but certainly that does not mean that these two nations exist in two different physical spaces, and that any solution to our island's problem should therefore be within a strict "two nation'' construct as opposed to a constitutional framework.

Perhaps the LTTE is aware of this. In essence the fact that "two nations'' does not preclude internal self determination -- is something that even the LTTE seems to accept, at least in theory. But, those who seek to put words in the LTTE's mouth maintain that the two-nation theory is written in stone, and that therefore there can be no solution to the Sri Lankan problem within the constitutional form, through a constitutional document.

Science fiction writers often enact a commonsensical scenario. If some form of aliens from outer space invade earthlings, then there is no doubt that all earthlings will unite to combat the extra terrestrial scourge. Height of abstraction this may sound like -- but it is possible that nations will realize that there is only one real antidote to the "invasion of the global state'', which is for nations to concatenate, and not break up into fragments.

"Self-determination does not always translate into statehood and separate territory. The territory occupied by the state may remain intact, if we all chose that, however, the power relations within that territorial entity must change.''

I read that with regard to a two nations - one state argument in a different continental context. Weeks ago this column argued its credo -- that the LTTE and the government should nix the international conspiracy by achieving - against all odds - an improbable peace. Let's change our power relations, and work for "two nations'' within one country.

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