28 March, 2024

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President Sirisena’s World Outlook: A Foreign Policy Of Transition For A World In Transition 

By Dayan Jayatilleka – 

Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka

President Sirisena’s foreign policy, just as that of any other leader anywhere in the world, must be seen in relation to several factors. These are the success or otherwise of the policy he inherited, the character of his own foreign policy as it evolved, and most importantly, the ‘fit’ or otherwise of his foreign will policy with the national interests of the country in the external environment it finds itself in.

When President Sirisena came to office, he inherited a foreign policy from his predecessor President Rajapaksa that had been through two distinct stages, corresponding roughly to the two terms of that Presidency. In the first stage, that of the war, the foreign policy success was conspicuous in that the external environment was conceptualized, secured and managed in such a way as to obtain the necessary external support for the defeat of the most powerful terrorist militia anywhere in the world at that time; a militia which had a global network. President Rajapaksa was also able to neutralize and pre-empt and indeed win over those external actors who had earlier intervened to prevent a military victory on the part of the Sri Lankan state over separatist terrorism. The best empirical evidence of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic standing at the end of the war was the near two thirds vote obtained at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva for a resolution supportive of Sri Lanka, which pre-empted a resolution critical of Sri Lanka for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, and which sought an international probe.

In its second term, a deviation from that successful foreign policy failed to implement the crucial ‘devolution for accountability’ trade-off within the Sri Lankan Constitution that was made during wartime and  gradually eroded the broad support base that Sri Lanka enjoyed in the international arena, starting with its neighbor and radiating out to the global South. The crisis in postwar Sri Lankan foreign policy was best evidenced in the dramatic reversals suffered by Sri Lanka in Geneva three years after its 29-12 victory. Sri Lanka lost three successive votes in 2012, 2013 and 2014. 

When he was elected President Sirisena declared a policy of friendship with all countries and enmity with none. However it would be analytically dishonest not to understand the complexity of the situation he faced. He presided over a coalition government of an unprecedented character, with a changing approach to foreign policy, as seen in the relationship with China as well as the UNHRC, to give but two examples. Therefore when one assesses the foreign policy of President Sirisena, one has to carefully trace it through his own statements and actions, which have been remarkably consistent.

President Sirisena’s foreign policy has been one that is particularly suited to a Presidency and Constitution modeled on that of General Charles de Gaulle. General de Gaulle is famous for his foreign policy of “tous azimuths”, which meant in “all directions of the compass”, but was intended to maximize the autonomy of his nation in world affairs. This Gaullist policy was later developed by the famous Foreign Minister and Prime Minister of post-Soviet Russia, Evgeny Primakov (whom I was privileged to converse with when as a top Soviet Academician he visited Colombo for the NAM summit in ’76), who coined the phrase a “multi-vector” foreign policy.

President Sirisena permitted his administration to reach out to and improve relations with those players who had either been alienated or had distanced themselves, but at all times, he drew the red lines of foreign policy as well as “intermestic” policy, which is the Kissingerian phrase denoting those external matters which have internal implications and vice versa. Most importantly, President Sirisena took an early and public stand, in interviews in 2015 given to the New York Times while in New York for the UNGA sessions and to the BBC Sinhala Service in a long interview while in London. In these he made absolutely clear that the matter of wartime accountability would be entirely and exclusively a matter for the Sri Lankan judiciary which had been rendered independent on his watch, and would not entail any kind of “hybridity”, international participation or involvement. This he has stood by and enforced throughout the four years of his Presidency.

The President has defined his foreign policy as “Non Aligned and Asia-centric”. This he has practiced. He has had successful state visits to China, Russia, Japan and Iran. His meeting with President Putin of the Russian Federation was the first state visit by a Sri Lankan head of State for many years. His visit to Iran was especially striking because it not only entailed the expected interaction with his counterpart Iran’s President Rouhani, but also a rare conversation with Ayatollah Khamenei, the Spiritual leader of Iran who wields enormous influence throughout the region, and is the successor of the iconic Ayatollah Khomeini, the late leader of the Iranian Revolution which took place 40 years ago.

In conclusion I would say that President Sirisena’s foreign policy thinking and practice shows a marked pivot towards Greater Eurasia, as the main axis of his Asia-centric Nonalignment. This is in keeping with Sri Lanka’s interests in a profoundly changing world. President Sirisena’s foreign policy instincts show a preference for the newly emergent global and regional powers, and a multi-polar world order. This is consistent with Sri Lanka’s interests  in a world in which the hegemonic , hierarchic old order is dying and the new is multipolar world is being born, despite ferocious attempts to maintain the old hegemonies and hierarchies and drag Sri Lanka into alignment with them.   

Pope Francis, the leader of over a billion Catholics, and from a different civilization, Ayatollah Khamenei, the spiritual leader of hundreds of millions of Shia Muslims, both discerned a quality that is rare and special, in a leader from a small island, and responded positively to what they saw. It is History that will identify what that quality is.            

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  • 18
    1

    “President Sirisena’s….”World Outlook: A Foreign Policy Of Transition For A World In Transition “

    I read the title and started laughing… I just couldn’t control my laughing …I was out of breath …eyes watering…I fell on the floor laughing… I couldn’t pick myself up… my wife came along …and asked me what is wrong.I pointed to the computer she read the title and she started screaming and laughing…and this is a woman whose only hobby is window shopping….

    • 7
      1

      Rajash – “I read the title and started laughing…” After having read the title I couldn’t help farting through my rear! Ranil Sir is waiting for the bogus Dr, public racist #1 and warmonger to return ASAP!

      • 10
        2

        Ha ha ha ha

        If Gota and the Rajapakses had enough education to appreciated competent journalism ………. they would’ve bumped off Dayan instead of Lasantha. ……… to improve Lankan journalistic stocks.

        What good did the Rajapakses ever do for the damn country?

        • 5
          1

          What good did the Rajapakses ever do for the damn country?
          .
          To keep the most guliible people in the island nation – in dark.
          :
          Why ? in order vicious politicians to reap the harvest.
          .
          So long ballige putha et al would twist the average mindset, they can grab the votes fo the innocient people in this country.

        • 1
          3

          Where were you living all this time nimal fernando? Inside a Lavatory pit? Hahahaha

          • 1
            1

            There is nothing wrong in living in a lavatory pit ……. as long as the pit is not in the head ….. like yours! :))

            Then it’s hard to keep the foul stench down ….. as hard as you may try

            Every day you just stink up the forum …….. don’t you pal? :)))

      • 4
        1

        Already long ago I stopped using prefix to this guy – let s call him FUNNY DJ for the moment. So did I with the prefix (his excellancy whenever refering to lanken president).
        :
        My million dollar question would, What kind of mental stablity should THIS SPINN DOC JAYATHILAKA have to go for writing this piece ?:
        .
        WHom has he been fooling by this or just because the bugger feels get cornered today ?
        :
        A President who has no the slightest idea about the basics of the constitution, for which he held his oaths at thetime becoming the president, what more talks about his
        outlook of the world ?

        :
        I really dont know from what end I should start laughing – I cant help lauging about thse stupid behavours of DAYAN AKA SILVA JAYATHILAKA and his thinking patterns.

    • 7
      1

      I think DJ is bored of his current job because the self proclaimed so called analyst, and his media displays have been sunken today.
      :
      Else, he would not rise up to talk about the a foreign policy of a liar.
      :
      Sirisena has no any kind of policies whatever decision he would make. This became even clearer after the COUNTRY s high court’s verdict on the dissolution of parliment not respecting the constitution. Not to underestimate, even Sirisena was sworn in at the time he became the president by the votes of 6.2 millions in this country. However, the very same man violated the constiution as no other leaders did it in entire south asian region. Nor in entire developing world.
      :
      Today, what he has been doing makes him even more a laughter stock to the world.
      .
      But spinn doctors of DJ nation, seeking some publicity, may be bringing the kind of articles. :
      .

    • 2
      1

      Dr. DJ,
      .
      “President Sirisena’s World Outlook: A Foreign Policy Of Transition For A World In Transition “

      First bring him out of Polonnaruwa paddy fields to Colombo. At present, it is a crime to associate this kind of title with MS even for the sake of a hackwork..

    • 2
      1

      Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka

      ‘President Sirisena’s foreign policy, just as that of any other leader anywhere in the world, must be seen in relation to several factors.”

      Yes. Several Factors. What are they?

      Traitor, Quisling, Sevalaya, Mala-Peretaya, Patholaya, Pachaya, etc.

  • 18
    2

    “President Sirisena’s foreign policy thinking and practice shows a marked pivot towards Greater Eurasia”. Really??? How so reassuring no -if only Pissu Sira did not think Eurasia is a garment factory in Ja-Ela.

  • 15
    0

    It is not that hard to discern, it is called self-serving treachery, which you cannot spell out without getting fired, and I feel sorry that you have to be in that position. Good Luck

  • 13
    1

    Dayan Jayatilleka

    ” President Sirisena’s foreign policy, just as that of any other leader anywhere in the world, must be seen in relation to several factors. “

    Dayan stop tickling us.
    When has this island ever had a foreign policy?
    Even if there was what was it?

    I rather miss the following names dropping items:

    Backstop,
    pivot,
    rebalancing,
    Indian Ocean as a zone of peace,
    Indian Ocean Nuclear free zone,
    Rubber Rice barter agreement
    Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
    Indo Lanka agreement (1987)
    Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
    Southeast Asia Treaty Organization
    Globalisation

    • 6
      1

      Native Vedda

      I am debating whether I should read this…obviously skewed rubbish …

      what is your advise?

      • 4
        1

        rajash

        If you are a practising masochist, go ahead. Enjoy.

        • 2
          1

          hey Native I am not a practicing masochist.but …I read the article in full …and the pain of was excruciatingly pleasurable

  • 5
    1

    As usual, we cannot counter this lengthy flattering of his masters. So we will look only at two words “Foreign Policy” of his two masters. He claims Old had started with a good policy and changed it to defective one. In that, all what Thero trying to cover up is his May, 2009 blunder, he did in association with Sonia. Old King had told UNSG- Ban Ki Moon, who was highly influenced by India & Malayalees- that as per the UN conventions he will be taken care accountability and Responsibility of the war. This is a biggest game that guy played. So, with India’s Sonia’s effort, a group of countries voted in UNHRC 2009. The countries voted that time had three characters.
    1.) Countries which are not aware of Lankawe murderous past 60 years history; guided by Sonia and Malayalees- ME countries, mainly. Their defect on foreign policy later paved Arab Spring to flare up in their lands. Pakistan and Maldives have gone though many turmoil by the defective internal governments.
    2.) (Defeated) Communists; had knowledge of Lankawe’s murderous past and to keep up that culture, they supported Lankawe. Russia, Cuba, China
    3.) Anti- American countries who wanted to see Bush defeated, but had retained that feeling even after Nov, 2008.
    Basically May 2009 didn’t gain a policy or foreign relationship based victory, but surely and certainly indicated a trouble brewing by Democratic West was launching a policy based opposition to the “supportive” resolution. Thero used “Supportive”; so we followed, it but we didn’t had an issue to separate 2009 from 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017 resolutions. Because they all are supportive and in all of them Lankawe consent was also there. So far there is no punishment resolution on Lankawe has been passed in UHRC against Lankawe. Mangala has managed well bending IC’s opinion in 2015 and it was approved locally by EP, PM and Parliament, officially.

  • 4
    1

    Lankawe officially cosigned to Resolution 30/1. 2017’s Resolution 34/1 was passed exactly under same environment one, but only a time extension. So there is nothing Mangala missed, but Thero had achieved, for us to use the word “Supportive” to generate special meaning to May 2009 resolution. Further Mangala and Thero, both signed the Resolutions only to cheat the West, so there is also no difference between them.
    Kathirgamar had built friendship with West, specifically with Clinton Family and Bush’s administration. Later Mangala bragged it he who got Ex Sec. Condoleezza Rice to ban LTTE in EU. Anyway that was the best diplomatic relationship – the friendship with West- Chandrika and Kathirgamar had achieved. But the entire West was against to Lankawe’s 2009 Resolution. So the relationship existed with the West (taken over from CBK) at the start of the war was not there at the end of the war.
    He fell apart with all major Countries, especially India too, but China, Russia and Iran. Later China grabbed his computers and sucked from as much as it can and as quickly as it can through the Lankawe’s tiny hose. Seeing no escape route, that Modaya consulted a horoscope reader, conducted election two years earlier and was chased out of TTH by US. So Thero description of a good foreign policy before war is not true. There was no foreign Policy, but what all happened was, beyond crimes, shameful insult to the evolution’s higher species, human’s intelligence. They were such bloody bastard and idiots. There was nothing anything of Old Royals for Thero to Brag. That is because Thero is another insult to human beings, in all aspects.

    Appakaraya’s case is opposite. He was already cornered, in 2014, and was being squeezed hard by Old King. His son, the New Son Prince, was already a hostage by Old King. So New King took even a death risk to escape out of it.

  • 4
    1

    As soon as New King found out that he had safely got out of the Old Royal’s prison camp, he started to breath easily, but there no policy existed. Ranil managed it all. CBK had/has an unchallengeable influence with the West so she had introduced them the New King as their man. So West invited him to G -7 meeting. But as he is pig from a cesspool so he could not sleep on modern bed. He got up and ran away. American UN Ambassador described them as Cesspool Countries, before removing GSP + , in 2018.

    New King’s friendship with China is the weakest. There is nothing we had come to know that he having got done from China. In 2017 November Ranil negotiated the Hangbangtota Sales. Eventually New King used it to fire Ranil. China likes Old Royals best. Now his unity with Old Royals has chased away many countries. His relationship with West is well known, sour. He is a dead enemy to India. Japan and Korea are not very happy with Lankawe on its China deals. But they keep trade relations. Maldives is with CBK so with Ranil. Bangladeshis staged many protest during Old King time and brought down Lankawe computers. They apparently would like of deal with Ranil. ME has not shown much difference between, Ranil, Old King and New King

    There are some secret going in Russia. I do not mean the ship deal. Today, even in parliament MPs wanted to have fired wrong Ambassador Appointments. Thero failed in UNHRC. Thero was fired from France (forced to resign). Thero is not a desirable candidate for Old Royals and UNP. So, only very few SLFP MPs would talk in support to Thero. It would be even less than Qatar Liyanage.

  • 8
    1

    omg
    he is seeing something where there is nothing
    how can he have a foreign policy when he has no domestic one
    it is time the foreign minister pulled him up as he no business commenting on these matters without his approval he is a diplomat not a journalist getting the job only because of his constant criticism of ranil despite several civil society objections

  • 7
    1

    President Sirisena’s Foreign policy thinking ? Don’t believe he has even the capacity to “think” like any normal person.His world does not extend beyond the paddy fields of Polonnaruwa so his foreign policy if any will evolve accordingly .
    Dr.Jayatilleke,thank you for providing us with matter that at least keep us amused from time to time
    Please keep up the good work and enjoy your stay at Kremlin till next January

  • 3
    1

    Recently Bogollagama was removed from Eastern Governorship. Bogollagama has sent off a Chinese businessmen plane from a Military airport in Trinco. “News First “wrote the Chinabay Airport has been upgraded to Trinco International Airport. Then it wrote “The Civil Aviation authority today (January 8) issued a release explaining the incident.” The question is what merchandise was loaded in the plane. It appears Bogollagama did it behind the back of New King. Arjuna had no idea what happened. Ranil is going to keep silent because he taking on this may put Old Royals under suspicion. Interestingly, Lemon Puff Weeraya, Udaya Gammanpila, Vasu like people are the ones questioning this. Comedy Thamai! Extraordinarily Brave & smart Crooks!

    It is not sure if the plane really left to Singapore. Nobody asked plane to return to the Airport. Indian American or even Chinese ships around that area were not asked to intercept the plane and escort it back to Lankawe. As jewel in the crown, Appe Aanduwa did not formally inform Singapore government or customs about the stealthy behavior of the plane. You guys remember when America called and informed Old Royals about a narcotic ship coming to Lankawe from Pakistan? Lankawe immediately telexed the captain to maneuver out somewhere else to safety. Remember when 4 Countries told Mangala about the $18B looting? Now they all are secured, including the Dubai Bank’s $3B deposit. On the Son Prince’s name alone there was $500M in Dubai Bank. But America informed Thailand about a plane carrying arms and Thai stopped, entered the plane, inspected and found out that plane was going to Lankawe.

    I think Singapore – China – Lankawe free trade is already on operation now- No Passport, No Visa, No customs, same currency SLR…. Even better than EU agreement!
    So, Singapore will soon learn who we the Lankans are, and what the price of signing a free Trade deal with us

  • 1
    5

    There is an accusation by JVP against you. NGOs did not like when you were appointed as the Ambassador. AKD and Vijitha HErath Was caught in the sabotage of Peoples Sovereignity by the UNF + TNA + JVP. Now, they have put forward Bimal Rathnayake. I think biaml Rathnayake is a NATIONAL LIst MP. So, What ever happens they will re appoint him again. It is corruption at best. I am pretty sire JVP was paid heavily for their services.

  • 2
    2

    Dear Dr. Dayan, it is refreshing indeed to express your views in public and yet remain secretive. This happens because many do not understand your intellectual musings. So be it.

    So be it, I will enter this private conversation: yes, President Sirisena appears to value the sovereignty of Sri Lanka at heart, and is also catering to Nationalism ( Sinhala Nationalism?) but whether he will succeed depends not only on him but on our Western adversaries, who are skilled at making wars and not winning them, creating revolutions that only work in retrograde motion, and generally making a mess of countries in general. Higher intelligence would have been more successful, if not so brutal, so we can only be thankful that the West tries to make up in brute force what it lacks in cunning.

    I ask the question: is foreign interference not a violation of our constitution, and can someone please go to the Supreme Court with this? We all know we cannot win all the time, that goes for our adversaries as well. An SC decision will get the people on our side.

    Has the President sat down with these higher powers and asked them what they want, and make some sort of a temporary deal, or are we past that now?

    We will always be an island but we may not be a country much longer.

    • 4
      1

      Vanguard

      “This happens because many do not understand your intellectual musings.” .

      Amusing.

  • 8
    1

    DJ,
    you can boast about the UNHRC Resolution that you pull it off while deceiving the naive representatives of other Member Countries who had no clue on the SL games; but remember the reason why they hurriedly brought about the next Resolution critical of SL, and in addition, the UNSG’s Panel of Expert stated: “Council may have been acting on incomplete information when it passed its May 2009 resolution on Sri Lanka”, and recommended to the Council to reconsider that Resolution. Now the whole world knows better on what SL has done and its deceptions. Don’t worry, tell your friends, it may be slow, but surely their days are coming! All those war criminals will be spending their last days you know where ! And, BTW, how is your friend Jaliya Wickramasuriya is dealing with the US actions against him?

    • 2
      1

      Wizaran

      “you can boast about the UNHRC Resolution that you pull it off while deceiving the naive representatives of other Member Countries who had no clue on the SL games; “

      It was Hindians and Yankees pulled the strings from behind and let this public racist to gloat.

  • 3
    1

    There is about another one ambassador’s case. You guys all know about it but. This is a good opportunity to regurgitate it.
    Once upon a time there was Kleptocracy country. It sent its ambass to US. The King’s Nephew. He was appointed officially with diplomatic immunity to misappropriate the Lankawe government’s (people’s) money. The ambass, during his assignment to US, was a fully employed merchandiser in the day time and MR. Hide in the night time. So Mr. Hide took money in SLR to US, converted, sent it back to Lankawe as dollar and converted again to SLR and deposited to his account, directly or indirectly. The dealings were black and white, paying all banking fees and exchange purchasing and selling rate & commissions. But this is recognizable income for IRS. So they were looking for their share or their commission, or if like to call with a different technical terminology, their tax. Investigation revealed, though the daytime merchandise trader was black and white in his dealing, night time Mr. Hide was misappropriating Lankan’s people’s money. As US considers committing crimes against one its friendly nation is a crime, USA requested the Kleptocracy country to promptly withdraw Mr. Hide. This is how US wanted to do a light deal with Mr. Hide’s diplomatic immunity. That way the things could have been lighter, but Mr. Hide is not a person, by his own life, to take easy the things. He retuned back to US to willingly to face the case. Sorry, don’t blame me. Please blame Mr. Hide, who he returned to USA. (What do you think about these Brave (grave) brains- IQ below 79!
    Anybody looks at Mr. Hide would readily recognize with their DNA instinct that how would a thief’s face would look like. Exactly that is how it looks like. No Arraignment needed in court.
    Kleptocracy Country spread its impunity Iron Dome as “diplomatic Immunity “in USA to protect Mr. Hide. Lankawe didn’t appoint ambassadors to USA for a year hoping to reinsert Mr. Hide.

  • 3
    1

    If somebody is confused by the lengthy story, the brief is “USA wanted to punish a thief stealing Lankawe people money, but the patriotic Appe Aanduwa was struggling to protect the thief” The name of the game for Modayas is Sovereignty of Lankawe!
    1). US had asked to withdraw Mr. Hide because it didn’t wanted abide with diplomatic protocol to protect Mr. Hide.
    2). Mr. Hide had forgone his diplomatic immunity by signing a deal with USA to get US citizenship.
    3). Kleptocracy Country’s boss had officially removed the diplomatic immunity at certain point.
    4). Mr. Hide had filed a case at Court of Appeal to reinstate his lordly birth right, the diplomatic immunity. CoA refused to do that.
    5). He appealed to SC.
    6). But there is a pending case against Mr. Hide.
    7). Mr. Hide broke the SC’s bail condition and had run to USA. But now he is demanding the SC to consider his appeal.
    8). In the meantime (in last November) The Kleptocracy country’s coup government was trampling again to withdraw the immunity release letter.
    9). Now the situation is, US will have to wait for Kleptocracy Country’s SC’s Sinhala Only Jury’s verdict to see if Mr. Hide can escape with reinstated diplomatic immunity.
    Lankaweyans are the only the guys in the world knows how handy & useful the Vienna Diplomatic Convention is.

    • 4
      1

      Mallaiyuran – you are wasting too much time on this….save your energy for Dr.DJ’s next comedy of errors article

      • 3
        1

        Rajash

        Have you heard of “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” ADHD in toddlers?

        Symptoms:
        “”inability to focus on one activity””
        “”trouble completing tasks before getting bored””
        difficulty listening as a result of distraction
        problems following instructions and processing information
        being overly fidgety and squirmy
        having an inability to sit still for calm activities like eating and having books read to them
        “”talking and making noise excessively””
        “”running from toy to toy, or constantly being in motion””
        displaying extreme impatience with others
        refusing to wait their turn when playing with other children
        interrupting when others are talking
        “”blurting out comments at inappropriate times””
        having difficulty controlling their emotions
        being prone to outbursts
        “”intruding when others are playing, rather than asking first to join in””
        healthline.com

  • 5
    1

    Dude take a look at your future. JVP has raised questions in parliament in taking action against you for writing that wonderful letter to MR , giving advise on illegally overthrowing a ruling government. We already know about MS outlook from his temper tantrums and acting outs. He needs a day care center. Sure MS him self is confused and we need you to explain his international out look. One thing is for sure his domestic out look seems to be bleak. Have you seen a pattern in your writings. . You keep giving excuses for Cardinal, MR, Wimal and MS, when they dont. Your PhD is worth only for this .SHUT THE F—- UP.

  • 6
    1

    Putting it simply, you see eye to eye with Sirisena’s foreign policy. It is enlightening to know that even a frog in the well that can read, write, speak and understand only Sinhala can formulate foreign policy. In other words, knowledge of English language, the law, political science, international relations, and kindred subjects is not essential for one called upon to determine foreign policy. Can I get a job in the Foreign Ministry?

  • 5
    1

    OMG, at last there is one person (in CT , did you guys go to same school for your PhD) seems to understand your intellectual musings. Definitely not MS. Rajash and Mike thanks guys, you made my day.

  • 4
    1

    Dayan,
    What is Sirisena’s internal policy: Illegal Political Coup?
    What is Sirisena’s foregin policy: Appointing Dayan to work on illegal Politcal Coup.

  • 4
    0

    DJ,

    Please don’t make fun of our Prez.

  • 4
    1

    A Foreign Policy Of Transition! My foot! We just witnessed the transition from the Polonnaruwa paddy fields to the Presidential Seat! A demonstration of Dayan’s Political Science theories!

  • 4
    1

    Look at the title of Dayan Jayatilleka’s article ~ “President Sirisena’s World Outlook: A Foreign Policy Of Transition For A World In Transition”.
    Pretty impressive? The world has been in transition since the time of Lucy. (Some 3.2 million years ago, homo-erectus Lucy wandered around in what is now Ethiopia).
    .
    Dayan assembles sentences to impress. For example [“This Gaullist policy was later developed by the famous Foreign Minister and Prime Minister of post-Soviet Russia, Evgeny Primakov (whom I was privileged to converse with when as a top Soviet Academician he visited Colombo for the NAM summit in ’76), who coined the phrase a “multi-vector” foreign policy”].
    He does not elaborate. He is telling us that he spoke with Evgeny Primankov. He uses the word ‘multi-vector’.
    Further down he uses the Kissingerian phrase ‘intermistic’ – denoting those external matters which have internal implications and vice versa.
    External matters always affects internal policies.
    .
    What is the following for? [“…………. the hegemonic , hierarchic old order is dying and the new is multipolar world is being born, despite ferocious attempts………….”]
    Come off this Dayan. You may be able to impress fellow diplomats but lay-Lankans are smarter!

  • 6
    0

    DJ writes that, “Pope Francis, the leader of over a billion Catholics, and from a different civilization, Ayatollah Khamenei, the spiritual leader of hundreds of millions of Shia Muslims, both discerned a quality that is rare and special, in a leader from a small island, and responded positively to what they saw. It is History that will identify what that quality is”

    Why must we accept that Pope Francis and Ayatollah Khamenei were correct with their alleged discernment in President Sirisena, of a “quality that is rare and special”? The fact that they are spiritual leaders of billions and millions does NOT invest them with a special gift of discernment. And why is DJ so coy in telling us what that grand quality they discerned was?. No, we are told “It is History that will identify what that quality is”. How clever – or how bloody sneaky?

    Oh, come on! It is understandable if, like Little Tommy Tucker, DJ has to sing for his supper but it is an insult to our intelligence to ask us to accept this piffle. A political scientist DJ may be but logic is certainly not one of his outstanding attributes.

  • 3
    1

    Oh what I would give for the legendary foreign policy enforcer, Slapper Sajin De Vassi Gundawardena, and his supporting bint Kshenuka-ka-ka.

    Now, if he wasn’t in enforced retirement, waiting for a summons that could be coming forever, he would be doing wonders for our small country. He would have sorted out DJ right proper by now.

  • 0
    0

    The Brittionwood Accord was founded in 1945 immediate after second world war. It has give born out of that IMF, World Bank and GATTE.(now WTO) .Current unipolar of that mode of hegemony of USA UK EU and Japan headed Old world order operated by multi-nations of private Empires as leading monopolies of USA’s.
    This is base of foundation of that Old World Order, By and large all UNO and other international organization subjected dominated by USA hegemony. This pattern of politics of cold war led by USA has been change gradually since 1990….1991!

    Well read that properly in look at ground reality of Globe that last 29 years since 1990 an emerging nation and countries has rise and their presents order has New outlook in political economic era has emerged….the world. Step by step unipolar has shifted multipolar world. That is reality of modern Democracy order that we are seeking .

    In the Western term ology reading of modern politics that has given that new uprising in Developing countries or Arab Spring or Rise of China or domination of world by China created different politics in globally.
    It seems to be progessiving of new social forces, which is nexus rise of civilization of large portion of world. World has come to point that western hegemonies an advocated by ideology of GOD CREATED Universe ( Judaism Christens and Islam ) has shifted to that new school of thought .
    That is a Cause and effects of theories of Buddhist school of thought that has been played vital role of that by Eastern ideological outlook . Well Buddhism is that.
    In spite of that whatever the politics needed philosophical outlook. Indeed that MS lack of that?

  • 1
    0

    Sirisena and his World outlook eh?
    The bugger cant think beyond the Tip of his nose!

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