| ID | 161045 |
| Title Proper | Troublesome peace making |
| Other Title Information | How American views on terrorism affected Norwegian mediation in Sri Lanka, 2000-2009 |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Nissen, Ada |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Weak mediators normally need to borrow leverage from more powerful players to provide efficient mediation. This situation requires strong co-operation between the weak mediator and more powerful actors or coalitions involved in a peace process. But what if this co-operation fails? This analysis demonstrates how lack of productive co-operation with the United States negatively affected Norway’s 9-year-long attempt to mediate in the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam between 2000 and 2009. More specifically, it explores how the United States views on terrorism in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 limited Norway’s room for diplomatic manoeuvre. Based on a unique set of classified sources from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and interviews with key actors, the analysis demonstrates how diverging perceptions of a conflict can make mediation painfully challenging. |
| `In' analytical Note | Diplomacy and Statecraft Vol. 29, No.3; Sept 2018: p.522-542 |
| Journal Source | Diplomacy and Statecraft Vol: 29 No 3 |
| Key Words | Terrorism ; LTTE ; Sri Lanka ; America ; Peace Making ; Norwegians ; 200-2009 ; Sri Lankan Government |