question 2 - Sri lanka agreement

Why did peace fail to consolidate in post-war Sri Lanka?

Key reasons included ethnonationalism, securitization, weak transitional justice, centralized governance, and restrictions on civil society.

How did Sinhala-Buddhist ethnonationalism contribute to peace failure?

It promoted majoritarian governance and marginalized Tamil communities.

What is meant by 'triumphalist narratives' in Sri Lanka?

They celebrate the military defeat of the LTTE as a Sinhala-Buddhist national victory.

How did securitization affect post-war Tamil regions?

Tamil-majority areas remained heavily militarized, creating fear and distrust toward the state.

What role did weak transitional justice play in post-war instability?

It allowed impunity to continue, leaving grievances unresolved.

How did centralized governance contribute to conflict persistence?

It limited local autonomy and reinforced feelings of exclusion in Tamil regions.

Why is accountability difficult in Sri Lanka?

Political elites and military influence protect powerful actors from investigation.

What is the greatest impediment to accountability in Sri Lanka?

Ethnonationalism shapes state policy and legitimizes exclusion.

How did colonial history contribute to Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism?

Colonial rule intensified fears among Sinhala Buddhists of minority influence.

What was the Sinhala Only Act?

It made Sinhala the official language, marginalizing Tamil speakers.

Why did Sinhala-Buddhist nationalists argue for protecting language and religion?

They believed Buddhism and national identity were under threat.

How did ideology translate into institutions in Sri Lanka?

Sinhala-Buddhist ideology shaped language laws and military occupation.

What is Sinhalization?

It refers to policies expanding Sinhala dominance in Tamil-majority areas.

How did post-war policies affect minorities?

They experienced political marginalization and cultural erasure.

What is the 'peace triangle'?

It examines peace through conflict issues, behavior, and attitudes.

What are 'conflict issues' in the peace triangle framework?

Core disputes such as land, identity, and governance.

What is 'conflict behavior'?

Actions parties take to pursue goals, including threats and violence.

Why do scholars argue peace must be studied dynamically?

Post-war societies have residual tensions that can shift over time.

What methodological insight do peace scholars emphasize?

Translating theory into concrete tools like participatory research.

Why is local ownership important in peacebuilding?

It improves legitimacy and trust by involving affected communities.

What critiques exist regarding international peacebuilding approaches?

They are often Western-centric and overlook local traditions.

How can peace research be decolonized?

By centering local knowledge and including marginalized communities.

How did weak transitional justice affect legitimacy in Sri Lanka?

Victims distrusted state institutions and grievances persisted.

What are the human security impacts of failed reconciliation?

Continued fear, insecurity, and social fragmentation.

What institutional remedies could have improved trust and compliance?

Hybrid courts and truth commissions may have strengthened legitimacy.

Why are hybrid courts often proposed in post-conflict societies?

They improve accountability and reduce bias.

Why are confidence-building measures important in peace agreements?

They reduce fear and encourage cooperation.

What are examples of confidence-building measures?

POW exchanges, shared checkpoints, and interfaith councils.

Why do peace agreements often fail during implementation?

Lack of monitoring systems and political incentives.

What improvements strengthen monitoring and verification clauses?

Clear oversight roles and public reporting increase accountability.

Why is transparency important in ceasefire agreements?

It builds trust and increases public confidence in the peace process.

How can dispute resolution mechanisms strengthen durable peace?

Binding arbitration and independent mediation reduce uncertainty.

What risks exist with heavy international involvement in peace agreements?

Sovereignty concerns and perceptions of Western domination.

What is the connection between governance, justice, and security in peacebuilding?

Inclusive governance and credible justice strengthen trust and legitimacy.

What is the central lesson from the Sri Lanka case study?

Military victory alone does not create durable peace.