Thailands Diplomatic Dance in the midst of US-China rivalry

Abstract

It has always been challenging for any small state to conduct foreign policy in a time of great power rivalry. Diplomacy in this regard is a necessary element in countering balance with any relations between nation and nation. It is foreign policy and diplomacy that creates international affairs through negotiations which may include the way to prevent major wars and violence. Hence, a state practices a good foreign policy can ensure peace and prosperity among their people. Above all these major functions, another important aspect of foreign policy is that state can establish themselves through this element; it is how other see them, therefore, justify the quality and survival instinct of that state. The purpose of this research is to analyze how Thailand has used its flexibility and pragmaticism policy to balance its relationship with the United States and China in the 21st century, especially, US-Chia rivalry. Strategic and security considerations play important roles in maintaining a bilateral relationship. Thailands diplomatic relation viewed by many scholars, however, have faced a difficult time bearing its tradition of bending with the wind. While in the last decade, Chinas rise marked a concern of its influence spread throughout Southeast Asia and the globe. The United States, on the partnership aspect, has seemed to minimize their actions of strengthening its alliance with Thailand. This led many studies to a belief that Thailand as a key strategic partner is now shifting more on Chinas side. To unpack this conventional debate, a critical analysis of the diplomatic relations between Thailand-US-China will be discussed through case studies.