On Centrism and Dualism

This book aims to provide an analysis of Cambodia-Thailand diplomatic relations over the past seven decades, specifically from 1950 to 2020. While other academic publications have focused on particular aspects of Cambodian-Thai relations (e.g. border conflicts or cultural ties), this book is the first to cover a comprehensive history of diplomatic relations between the two countries starting from the establishment of official diplomatic ties in 1950 to the present. In addition to empirical discussion, it seeks to explain why Cambodian-Thai relationships have fluctuated and what primary factors caused the shifts during the period discussed. In doing so, it employs the "social conflict" analysis, which views states not as unitary actors, but within which are comprised of different societal forces competing with one another and pursues foreign policies in accordance with their own ideology, interest, and strategy. As such, it is postulated that Cambodia-Thailand diplomatic relations should not be seen simply as relations between two unitary states cooperating with or securitizing against one another, but rather as a matrix of intertwining relationships between various social and political groups in both states harboring competing ideologies and/or interests to advance their power positions at home.

ABOUT THE SERIES
Developments in the field of area studies, above all the analytical deconstruction of world regions in their geopolitical sense, deeply affect the knowledge production on and from societies and cultures located in these formerly commonsensical as well as politicized compartmentalizations of the globe. With this series the editors and authors wish to contribute to a reformulation of area studies which emphasizes the epistemic value of contextualized knowledge production. Starting from the notion of Southeast Asia, books published in this series will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of regionality based on a multidisciplinary approach. The series represents an outlet for young scholars intending to publish their excellent degree theses and established scholars, looking for a place to republish overworked and out of print books. We are also encouraging scholarly collectives from the region to publish collaborative works or edited volumes on topics that usually won't attract the attention of big presses due to their transdisciplinary character in this series.

EDITORIAL BOARD
Prof. Vincent Houben
Prof. Boike Rehbein
Prof. Barend Terwiel
Dr. Benjamin Baumann
Dr. Daniel Bultmann