Thailand's security relationship with China : implications and prospects

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.