THE IMPACT OF COLLECTIVE MEMORY ON THAILAND’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE
THE IMPACT OF COLLECTIVE MEMORY ON THAILAND’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE
Author(s): Sanyarat MeesuwanSubject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, History, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Political Theory, Political Sciences, Civil Society, Governance, Sociology, History of ideas, Military history, Social history, Economic policy, Environmental and Energy policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy, Welfare systems, Developing nations, Political behavior, Political economy, Political psychology, Politics and law, Politics and communication, Politics and religion, Politics and society, History and theory of political science, Methodology and research technology, Comparative politics, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology, Culture and social structure , Social development, Crowd Psychology: Mass phenomena and political interactions, Nationalism Studies, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Ethnic Minorities Studies, Sociology of Politics, Globalization, Geopolitics, Politics of History/Memory, Politics and Identity, Identity of Collectives, Corruption - Transparency - Anti-Corruption, Peace and Conflict Studies, Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields
Published by: Institute for Research and European Studies - Bitola
Keywords: Belt and Road Initiative; Thailand; China; Collective Memory; Foreign Policy
Summary/Abstract: This study uses the theory of collective memory in international politics to examine the connection between collective memory and foreign policy to investigate why the Belt and Road Initiative has witnessed slow progress in Thailand. Qualitative data were gathered from various sources, including books, newspapers, journals, policy documents, and textbooks. The study concludes that cooperation between states is essential for achieving shared objectives but is contingent upon establishing mutual trust. Collective memories that one country maintains concerning another country can influence mutual understanding and trust, becoming ingrained even if the situation responsible for the memories changes or no longer exists. In the case of Thailand and China, the Thai government’s push for the high-speed rail project faced criticism and concerns due to the public’s deep-seated fears and distrust of China, the result of historical events and past experiences. This paper’s findings highlight the state’s role in creating collective memory and otherness, recognizing that external variables such as major power activities play a significant role.
Journal: Journal of Liberty and International Affairs
- Issue Year: 9/2023
- Issue No: 2
- Page Range: 23-34
- Page Count: 13
- Language: English