Khmer Times, 19 Feb 2020 To realists, in foreign policy and international relations, national survival and interest come  first. Especially when survival is at stake, ends justify the means. Therefore, moral values are not relevant in foreign policy analysis. The overreactions by some countries to the outbreak of Covid-19 are cases in point. Naturally, human … Continue reading Morals matter in foreign policy

Khmer Times, 5 February 2020 Countries and societies in Southeast Asia are searching for development models that are more inclusive, sustainable and resilient given the fact that the existing development model is not sustainable, evidenced by the widening socio-economic inequality, environmental degradation and the prevalence of social injustice in some societies in the region. One … Continue reading New Economy, Civic Engagement Vital for People-Centered Asean

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen called for the restoration and enhancement of an open and inclusive multilateral system and rules-based international order at the second Asia Pacific Summit in Phnom Penh. His statement clearly illustrates that multilateralism is one of Cambodia’s foreign policy objectives and interests. The question is how this small state can allocate … Continue reading Cambodia calls for the enhancement of multilateralism

This week in Busan, the Republic of Korea (ROK) is organising two important international events, the commemorative summit with ASEAN to celebrate their 30th anniversary of dialogue partnership and the first Mekong-Korea Summit. Under the New Southern Policy, the ROK has invested significant efforts and resources to connect itself with Southeast Asia, at both multilateral … Continue reading Korea’s New Southern Policy 2.0

https://www.eastwestcenter.org/publications/economic-pragmatism-and-regional-economic-integration-the-case-cambodia  

Khmer Times, 7 November 2018 The world is embarking on a new era of high uncertainty and risks. The unfolding trade frictions between the US and China has caused unprecedented disruption to the global trade system. Such disruption was not seen since the end of the Cold War. No country will emerge victorious from a … Continue reading Global trade system is not broken yet

Khmer Times, 3 September 2018 Speculations on the members of the new cabinet aside, the main task of the new Cambodian government is to deliver what it has promised, especially in terms of raising the living standard of its citizens, delivering better public services, and improving good governance. A new Rectangular Strategy Phase IV will … Continue reading Cambodia needs to invest in public sector innovation

Khmer Times, 6 September 2018 The World Economic Forum on Asean is going to take place in Hanoi on 11-13 September, with the participation of, if nothing changes, seven state leaders from Asean member states, namely State Counsellor of Myanmar Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Laos … Continue reading WEF on Asean: Key Agenda

Khmer Times, 5 October 2018 The foreign policy of small states is constrained by the size and location of the country and its natural resources and population. Small states are more vulnerable to external changes and shocks, the level of dependency on external sources for security and development, and the perception of their national roles. … Continue reading Small States Must Play Smart

Khmer Times, 16 October 2018 The Mekong region is emerging to be a new growth center as well as a strategic frontier for Asia due to its relatively high economic performance, deepening regional integration, and complex interdependence within the region. With the intertwining of economic dynamism and geopolitical competition, Mekong countries have been largely practicing … Continue reading Mekong-Japan cooperation enters a new dimension