EXCERPT
Cambodia’s China Strategy: Security Dilemmas of Embracing the Dragon written by Chanborey Cheunboran (2021) endeavours to offer a thorough analysis of Cambodia’s foreign policy by delving into the historical context of the country’s quest for survival and security. It examines Cambodia’s diplomatic traditions, political and economic imperatives, as well as the worldview of Cambodian leaders regarding the future of Asia and the international order, along with their implications for the nation. The book presents eight key findings. Firstly, Cambodia’s geographical position, sandwiched between powerful and historically adversarial neighbours such as Thailand and Vietnam, has consistently influenced the country’s strategic orientation from 1431 to 1997. This geographical reality has prompted Cambodian leaders to seek support and assistance from external powers against immediate neighbours, as evidenced by the acceptance of the French protectorate in 1863, Lon Nol’s alliance with the United States (US) after the 1970 coup, and the strengthening of the Democratic Kampuchea-People’s Republic of China (DK-PRC) alliance in the late 1970s.
DOWNLOAD
