Cambodia’s China Strategy: Security Dilemmas of Embracing the Dragon

Cover
Half Title
Series Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication Page
Contents
List of acronyms
Acknowledgements
Introduction
	Scope and method
	Plan of the book
1 Conceptual frameworks: small states and strategic options
	Key characteristics of small states
	Strategic options of small states
	Conclusion
2 History of Cambodia’s search for survival, 1431–1997
	The rise and fall of the Khmer Empire
	Cambodia and its bigger neighbours: an antagonistic history
	Cambodia under French protectorate
	Sihanouk’s foreign policy choices
	Cambodia’s strategic illusions during the Cold War
	Cambodia: a pawn of the great power politics
	Post-UNTAC Cambodia: the return of neutrality and regional engagement
	Conclusion
3 Cambodia-China ties, 1997–2008: hedging against risks
	Cambodia in China’s foreign policy
	Hun Sen’s policy shift towards China
	The strengthening of Cambodia-China ties
	Constraints on China’s Cambodia strategy
	Conclusion
4 Revived threats from bigger neighbours: Cambodia’s increasing alignment with China since 2008
	Cambodia’s mistrust of Thailand
	Unease in Cambodia-Vietnam relations
	Conclusion
5 China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia: implications for Cambodia’s strategic direction
	The rise of China and Southeast Asian strategic paradoxes
	Cambodia’s hard choice: between ASEAN and China
	Conclusion
6 Cambodia and major powers: limited strategic options
	Japan in Cambodia’s strategic configuration
	The US: why it cannot be a hedging power for Cambodia?
	Cambodia’s strengthened ties with other major powers: France and Russia
	Conclusion
7 China and the legitimacy of the Cambodian ruling party
	The China model: inspiration for Phnom Penh
	China and performance-based legitimacy of the ruling party
	Hun Sen’s concern over Western interference
	Conclusion
8 Potential risks and costs of Cambodia’s alignment with China
	China and regression of democratic values in Cambodia?
	Socio-economic and environmental costs
	Risks from Cambodia’s growing dependence on China
	Potential security risks of Cambodia’s alignment with China
	Conclusion
9 Overall assessments and policy recommendations
	Compelling factors shaping Cambodia’s relations with China
	Conceptualisation of Cambodia’s strategic direction towards China
	Risks and challenges from Cambodia’s increasingly tight alignment with China
	Way forwards for Cambodia’s diplomacy: a loose alignment with China
Conclusion
Index