Thailand's security relationship with China : implications and prospects
Date
1989
Authors
Niyomsilpa, Sakkarin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Canberra, ACT : The Australian National University
Abstract
Threat perceptions or perceptions of national security are products of a
process involving various dimensions. This process involves a political and
bureaucratic process or a "structural dimension" through which foreign policy is
formulated. There are four main factors contributing to the formation of threat
perceptions and concepts of national security. First, decision-makers themselves
shape the concept of national security by influencing the formation of threat
perceptions. Second, geopolitical character differentiates threat perceptions
among states which have different geographical settings. For example,
archipelago states are likely to regard their neighbours' maritime activities as a
threat. A country like Thailand, which shares thousands of kilometres of
common borders with its neighbours cannot help but feel vulnerable to land-based
threats. Third, historical experience is another major dimension in the formation
process of threat perceptions. Fourth, the socio-cultural dimension which
comprises ethnic, religious and social values also influences threat perceptions.
Malaysian and Indonesian attitudes towards China are affected by the presence of
ethnic Chinese in their own countries, as well as by past experiences. These
variables will, to varying degrees, influence the conceptualisation of threat
perception and a state's view of its national security. Each state, like an
individual, will "perceive phenomena with varying degrees of fidelity and distortion". A state, henceforth, will react and behave according to its perception
of national security and will try to minimise those perceived threats.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Collections
Source
Type
Thesis (Masters sub-thesis)
Book Title
Entity type
Access Statement
Open Access
License Rights
Restricted until
Downloads
File
Description