Small Countries, Big Diplomacy: Laos in the UN, ASEAN and MRC

Small countries use big diplomacy to advance national interests and global agendas, such as peace and security, human rights, and development. This book explores how Laos, a landlocked developing state, maneuvered among the big players and championed causes of international concern at three global institutions. It offers seven rules for small state diplomacy that can be useful for diplomats, statespersons, policymakers, and international civil servants.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 142 pages
\n Publication date: 15 October 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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This comprehensive book delves into the intricate strategies employed by small countries to advance their national interests and global agendas. It explores a wide range of issues, including peace and security, human rights, development, and the environment, highlighting the remarkable achievements of these nations in navigating complex international relations. Through the case study of Laos, the book sheds light on how a small landlocked developing state has successfully maneuvered among the major players and championed causes of international concern at three prestigious global institutions: the United Nations (UN), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Mekong River Commission (MRC).

The book begins by tracing the geographical and historical origins of Laos diplomacy, highlighting the country's unique position as a landlocked nation surrounded by five larger neighbors: China, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia. It explores the influence of superpower rivalries, such as the Cold War, on Laos's foreign policy decisions and the challenges it faced in navigating the complex regional dynamics.

Written from an integrated perspective, the book combines the theoretical knowledge and experience of a French-educated Lao diplomat with over 40 years of experience in senior roles in the Lao government, leading major groups and committees at the UN and ASEAN. This unique blend of perspectives bridges the theory-practice divide and provides a comprehensive understanding of Laos's diplomatic strategies.

The book offers valuable insights into small state diplomacy, highlighting the importance of leveraging strategic alliances, building trust, and pursuing common goals. It emphasizes the need for small countries to be proactive in shaping the international agenda and advocating for their interests, despite their relative powerlessness in the global arena.

Throughout the book, numerous examples and case studies are provided to illustrate the successes and challenges of Laos diplomacy. These examples range from the country's efforts to promote peace and security in the South China Sea to its advocacy for human rights and decolonization. The book also explores Laos's development initiatives, particularly in the areas of landlocked and least developed countries and hydropower development.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for diplomats, statespersons, policymakers, and international civil servants seeking to understand the complexities of small state diplomacy. It provides a comprehensive analysis of Laos's diplomatic strategies, sheds light on the country's historical and geographical context, and offers practical insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by small countries in the global arena. The book's seven rules for small state diplomacy are particularly insightful and will be of interest to scholars and experts in the fields of international relations and foreign policies of Laos and beyond.

\n Weight: 250g\n
Dimension: 297 x 163 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367646004\n \n