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by Afreeha Jawad

As parties in conflict go on a federalism shopping spree from Switzerland to Canada, Belgium and what not - thirsty for the best suited governance model, external power wielders - seemingly on a policy adjustment drive show tendencies towards greater accommodation of the marginalized Tamils.

power apex knows for certain the nation state's discrepancies and its negative impact on the populace in those states. The more intense the nation state's centralisation of the administrative gamut, the greater the chances of 'splinter groups' dubbed as 'terrorists' and 'rebels' in the offing - a vehement exercise of root consciousness.

The big powers now more comfortable with federalism are tapping their toes thinking of how best they could work out their economic agenda into the next millennium or so.

Fully aware of the indigenous communities' positioning worldwide, now gathering momentum, these powers feel it is with these federal states that their future dealings will be compelled into - a sort of neo-colonialism phase II.

The phase I endeavour of mapping out nation states globally - a structural functioning with centralized power - more often than not indiscriminately exercised in majoritarionism and bureaucratic rigidity is fast losing its grip on the people. Extreme majoritarianism, minority frustration, class structure, divisiveness and economic gradation - all glaring attributes of social chaos have pushed the nation states into recession. Highly bonded and secure communities became heavily individualized with the State security provision itself becoming remarkably questionable.

If the State cannot guarantee citizens' security of what use is that State? - some even question.

So with the floor cracking under their feet, global agenda holders now seem to be hitching on to the federalism bandwagon - the cry for peace becoming increasingly significant if not alarming. Some even say when there was war no one clamoured so much for peace.

But now, suddenly it is like waking up from some deep slumber - peace criers - cheaper by the dozen. But then all this is part and parcel of careful observation of global politics and adopting policy measures accordingly.

Roots are buried deep down. However, unearthing such is every man's thirst. This is why perhaps individuals show concern over family trees to see who their forebears have been.

Not surprising then the collective effort on the part of ethnic groups - to "track down" their ancestors and lifestyle, increasingly gathering momentum.

Though the colonial ancestry went round the world establishing a common form of governance, education, jurisdiction, health, transport and even a common game - cricket - wiping out almost all that was indigenous, they failed in effacing in toto the varied ethnic groups in the global scene, partly due to failure of their own administrative system where majority rule was deemed right always - most unpalatable to minority palate.

"Victory breeds hatred" said the Buddha. So, when it's a zero sum game all the time for one whole section of the people coupled with injustice and discrimination towards the excluded, conflict is inevitable - yet "terrorism" is the key word in such circumstances for reasons best known to whom it may perhaps be of no concern - something which trickles down from the international nucleus of power and control.

Adjusting towards more recent trends in social development - of human dignity, equality and justice sounds comfortable yet unattainable for in its implementation class, power and control will erode - a state of avalanche.

Such attributes go well with mental finesse - the attainment of which is not even remote to say the least considering the chances of what is often described as 'human failing' - a status quo friendly two words. Super power attitude of wielding the big stick and getting the 'ducks in a row' is unworkable all the time. The ducks themselves are of varied colour and nature with a preferred lifestyle of their own - each wanting to swim on its own.

This is what anthropology is all about while the social constructs, of later times gave rise to sociology. The world in its original state was 'divide free'.

As long as power and control remain the exclusive right of a nation at international level or community at local level and while pluralism and equality are kept at bay, social chaos is inevitable.

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