Explaining small states foreign policy in contemporary Southeast Asia using structural realism theory : cases of Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam

Abstract

In mainstream International Relations theories (IRTs), the foreign policy (FP) behaviour of great powers is widely analysed because they are perceived as possessing significant power and influence in the international realm. Meanwhile, the analysis of small states FP receives little scholarly attention as their roles are considered to be insignificant during geopolitical competitions. However, through their FP choices, small states could manage their vulnerability and even influence outcomes, thus warranting the analysis of small states FP during geopolitical competitions. In Southeast Asia (SEA), disputes often involve both great powers, China and the United States (US), the regional organization, the Association of Southeast Asia Nation (ASEAN) and its member states. Over time, many IRTs have been employed to analyse the geopolitical situation in SEA, including structural realism theory. Given the current geopolitical dynamics, this dissertation aims to examine small states FP behaviour of Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam (CSV) from 2016 to 2019 from the structural realist perspective, with the use of the South China Sea (SCS) dispute as a case study.