2023/07/03 by Chanintira na Thalang · 7 citations
Social Sciences · #Agency (philosophy) #Asian Geopolitics and Ethnography #Autonomy #Cambodian History and Society #China #Democracy #Economics #Government (linguistics) #Law #Liberalism #Order (exchange) #Political economy #Political science #Politics #Position (finance) #Social science #Sociology #Southeast Asian Sociopolitical Studies #Unpacking #Variety (cybernetics)
paper · doi:10.1093/ia/iiad168
published in International Affairs 99(4), 1519-1536 (Oxford University Press)
openalex publication_date 2023/07/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Abstract Based on statements made by political and military elites and government officials, the article explores how Thailand selectively supports and capitalizes on certain elements of the contemporary world order, namely United States-led security cooperation and economic liberalism, while half-heartedly embracing the ideals of liberal democracy. Although this never caused problems with the West during the Cold War, matters began to change in the 1990s against the backdrop of systemic-level shifts. While these developments have caused sporadic tensions with the West and effectively brought Thailand closer to China, Thailand has pragmatically sought ways to maintain its autonomy from both the United States and China. Based on Thailand's experience, this article reveals how smaller states pursue a variety of strategies to enhance their agency despite their lack of material capabilities. In turn, the discussion exemplifies how smaller states are not always determined by systemic level factors but possess the ability to prioritize and actualize regime security and national ideals while navigating the evolving international and regional orders.