Thailand: Shifting Ground Between The US And A Rising China

Since World War II, Thailand has positioned itself as a key strategic ally of the United States, serving as a bulwark against communism in Southeast Asia and as a base for American troops during the Vietnam War. In return, the United States has provided military and economic aid, supporting the country’s regimes. However, recent decades have seen a reversal, with China now treated as a valued ally by the Thai junta. This shift reflects China's growing status as a world power and represents a setback to American efforts to curb Chinese influence in Asia. It has also impacted Thailand, as its ruling elite seeks to follow the Chinese model of authoritarianism combined with neoliberalism. Benjamin Zawacki provides an account of Thailand’s modern history and its changing role in the world order, from the beginning of its alliance with the US in 1945 to the 2014 coup and beyond. Featuring interviews with over seventy high-level figures, the book offers insight into the Thai elite's dealings with the US and China. As Sino-American rivalry escalates, Southeast Asia will be an increasingly important theater in global affairs.