Ontological Security and Status-Seeking: Thailand's Proactive Behaviours during the Second World War

Thailand was able to challenge great powers France and Japan during the Second World War due to its foreign policy of survival imperatives, which assumed that passivity towards more powerful states was the optimal policy. This book makes a unique and valuable contribution to the field of international relations theory and scholars of twentieth-century Thai history and the Pacific Theatre of the Second World War.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Introduction:
The Second World War was a period of immense geopolitical upheaval, with great powers such as France and Japan engaged in a fierce battle for dominance. However, it was also a time when smaller states such as Thailand were able to challenge these powers and play a significant role in the global conflict. This essay will explore the reasons behind Thailand's ability to challenge great powers during the Second World War and its implications for the field of international relations theory.
Passive Survivalism vs. Status Seeking:
One of the key factors that enabled Thailand to challenge great powers was its foreign policy approach. Thailand adopted a policy of passivity towards the more powerful states, which was in line with the theory of ontological security. According to this theory, states seek security by maintaining their identity and avoiding threats to their core values. In the case of Thailand, its primary concern was to avoid being invaded or occupied by a larger power, which would have threatened its independence and sovereignty.
Thailand's Strategic Location:
Another factor that contributed to Thailand's ability to challenge great powers was its strategic location. Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, which is a region that is rich in natural resources and has been a hub of trade and commerce for centuries. This strategic location allowed Thailand to play a significant role in the global economy and to establish close relationships with other countries in the region.
Thailand's Economic and Military Strength:
Despite its small size, Thailand was able to maintain a strong economy and a well-equipped military. Thailand's economy was based on agriculture, which provided a stable source of income for the country. Additionally, Thailand had a strong military, which was able to deter potential invaders and defend its territory.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Thailand's ability to challenge great powers during the Second World War was due to a combination of factors, including its policy of passivity towards the more powerful states, its strategic location, its economic and military strength, and the support of other countries in the region. Thailand's foreign policy approach has implications for the field of international relations theory, as it suggests that smaller states can play a significant role in global politics and that the theory of ontological security can be applied to a broader range of states.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032337241