HANOI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
-------------------------------
Ta Thi Nguyet Trang
VIETNAM - THAILAND RELATIONS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORIES
FROM 1991 - 2019
Major: International Relations
Code: 62 32 02 06
SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Hanoi – 2020
Project completed at:
UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
HANOI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Scientific supervisor: Prof. Dr. Hoang Khac Nam
Objection 1:
Objection 2:
Objection 3:
The thesis will be defended before the National University-level Doctoral Thesis Evaluation Council.
Meeting at: University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU
at hour date month year 2020
Thesis can be found at:
- National Library of Vietnam
- Information Center - Library, Vietnam National University, Hanoi
LIST OF AUTHOR'S SCIENTIFIC WORKS
RELATED TO THE THESIS
1. Ta Thi Nguyet Trang (2019), “Impacts of Vietnam – Thailand relationship on the economic development of Vietnam from the perspective of constructivism (1991 – 2018) ,HNUE Journal of science64(11), pp.31-37.
2. Ta Thi Nguyet Trang (2019), “Evaluation of the Vietnam – Thailand international relations cooperation trend from the perspective of liberalism”,Proceedings of the International Conference on Structural Prospects in Asia-Pacific to 2025 and Vietnam's Response, World Publishing House, Hanoi, pp.274-284.
INTRODUCTION
1. Reason for choosing the topic
The application of international relations theory in research is not only aimed at generalizing and describing the practical relationship but also aims at understanding the nature of international relations, explaining different phenomena in international relations, forecasting trends and proposing principles of action to build policies or solutions for practical activities. However, each theory is a different perspective, therefore, to bring a more multi-faceted view, clarifying many influencing factors in international relations, it is also necessary to apply many theories in research.
For example, the Vietnam-Thailand relationship. Since the Cold War (1991), peace has become a dominant trend in international relations (IRR) between countries, especially between major countries. This is completely understandable if viewed from the perspective of Liberalism theory, because after the Cold War, all countries focused on economic recovery and development, so national interests were given top priority, the desire for peace, the need for economic prosperity, the promotion of democracy and freedom, the development of a market economy, the promotion of international law and the expansion of international institutions, etc., made countries increasingly interested in absolute interests with a long-term view. However, in reality, this relationship is still not completely sustainable peace. Local wars and regional conflicts continue to occur at different levels and scopes. In addition, the trend of regionalization and globalization of the world economy has created many favorable conditions for small and medium-sized countries to actively participate in the international integration process in various forms to strengthen their position. Thailand and Vietnam are also in that movement.
Based on those practical requirements, in order to evaluate and perceive the relationship between the two countries at present and in the near future, NCS has chosen "Vietnam-Thailand relations from the perspective of theories"The thesis aims to systematically study the foreign relations of the two countries, analyze the basis for the formation and development of political and economic relations and some other areas in the relations between the two countries. From those analyses, the author wishes to draw conclusions to have more theoretical and practical bases to contribute to the further development of the relationship between the two countries.
2. Research purpose and research tasks
2.1. Research purpose
The thesis systematically discusses the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Thailand from 1991 to 2019 through the arguments of international relations theories including: Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism. Thereby, it evaluates the factors affecting this relationship and provides arguments for discussion, assessment of the current situation as well as orientations in the new period.
2.2. Research tasks
The first, systematizing concepts and viewpoints that can be applied to the study of Vietnam-Thailand relations of international relations theories including liberalism, realism and constructivism.
Monday, general research on research issues in the world and in Vietnam on issues related to the topic.
Tuesday, reflecting the arguments of three theories including realism, liberalism and constructivism into analyzing the practical relationship between Vietnam and Thailand from 1991 to present.
Wednesday, analyze and evaluate the prospects of the Vietnam - Thailand relationship and from there make recommendations for the development of this relationship in the future.
3. Research object and scope
3.1. Research subjects
The research object of the thesis is the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Thailand from 1991 to 2019 under the arguments of the international relations theory system including: realism, liberalism and constructivism.
3.2. Scope of research
About time: The researcher chose the period from 1991 to present as the research time frame of the thesis.
The starting point is 1991 because this was the end of the Cold War, so countries had to re-evaluate their new international position and make adjustments in development strategies and foreign policies to adapt to the new situation. That affected the overall relationship between Thailand and Vietnam. In addition, this was the year Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun took office - he was the one who initiated economic and democratic reforms in Thailand, while Vietnam had gone through 5 years of implementing the renovation process (1986-1991) and started implementing the Resolution of the 7th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
About space: The research topic is about bilateral relations, so the main research space is the two countries Vietnam and Thailand. Besides, this relationship is also placed in the movement of Southeast Asia and the world to have an overview of the factors affecting the relationship between the two countries.
The Thailand-Vietnam relationship takes place on two levels, namely bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms, but within the scope of the topic, the thesis only focuses on bilateral relations, which means studying the two-way relationship between Thailand and Vietnam and Vietnam and Thailand. The thesis focuses on bilateral relations because this is not only the main stream but also the place where the issues of the Vietnam-Thailand relationship are most concentrated and complete.
About the content: The thesis will examine the arguments of the international relations theory system (international relations, international relations, and economic relations) to study the factors affecting the Thailand - Vietnam relationship from 1991 to 2019. These are the three theories currently considered the largest and most fundamental in international relations research. From there, it will provide discussions, analysis, and assessment of the current state of the Vietnam - Thailand relationship and its prospects and development orientations in the future.
4. Thesis research method
4.1. Theoretical basis
The thesis uses the theoretical basis of Marxism-Leninism, dialectical materialism and historical materialism; Ho Chi Minh thought and the Party and State's viewpoints on diplomacy and international cooperation.
In addition, the thesis uses the international relations theory system. Specifically: Realism, liberalism and constructivism. From the theoretical arguments, it reflects on the Vietnam - Thailand relationship from 1991 to 2019.
4.2. Approach
The thesis uses some of the following approaches to the research problem:
- Approach from the perspectives of each theory: Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism.
- Approach from the perspective of international relations history: examining the development process of Vietnam-Thailand bilateral relations along the historical axis.
- Approaching the structural system in international relations to find out the impacts from the external international structural system including the region and the world on the research subject.
- Take an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to examine bilateral relations taking place in many different fields such as economics, politics, culture and society.
Research methodsThe thesis uses 4 main groups of methods as follows:
- General methods used in social sciences and humanities: analysis, demonstration, comparison, statistics.
- Methods used in international relations: policy analysis, interest analysis, conflict, cooperation.
- Methods used in other disciplines: international economic analysis, sociology.
- Secondary document research method: to systematize theoretical and practical bases that have been published in previous studies and documents related to the topic.
5. Scientific and practical significance of the thesis
5.1. Scientific significance
The thesis is the first scientific work in Vietnam to study the Vietnam-Thailand relationship from 1991 to 2019 from the perspective of international relations theories, so the thesis will have new scientific contributions, that is, from the perspective of theories, conduct systematic and comprehensive research on the influencing factors, the progress in the relationship between Thailand and Vietnam from 1991 to 2019, draw assessments on the current state of the Vietnam-Thailand relationship and prospects and development orientations in the future.
This is also a scientific reference document for researchers and trainers of international relations when systematically projecting international relations theories into a practical relationship.
5.2. Practical significance
The Vietnam-Thailand relationship is moving towards becoming a strategic partner. Therefore, the results of the topic will also help foreign policy makers of the two countries have a more comprehensive view of the factors affecting and the prospects for developing this relationship in the future.
The thesis is also a teaching and reference document for lecturers, students majoring in international relations and readers interested in the topic of Thailand - Vietnam relations in particular and the topic of political, diplomatic and economic cooperation of ASEAN countries in general.
6. Structure of the thesis
In addition to the introduction, conclusion, list of references, list of figures, tables, list of abbreviations, table of contents, appendix, the thesis content includes 4 chapters:
Chapter 1. Overview of research situation
Chapter 2. Vietnam - Thailand relations in the field of security and politics (1991 - 2019)
Chapter 3. Vietnam - Thailand economic relations (1991 - 2019)
Chapter 4. Vietnam - Thailand Relations in the Cultural - Social Field (1991 - 2019)
Chapter 1. Overview of research situation
1.1. Overview of documents on Vietnam - Thailand relations
1.1.1. Research on the overall Vietnam - Thailand relationship
Vietnamese works, research on Thailand - Vietnam relations after 1991 are quite detailed and elaborate research works. Author Nguyen Tuong Lai published the book Vietnam - Thailand Relations in the 90s [10], conducting research on the development trends of the relationship between the two countries. From there, he summarized the meaning and importance of the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Thailand not only for national interests but also for the region. The group of authors analyzed and evaluated the 10-year status of the Vietnam - Thailand relationship in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economy... at the same time, raised the challenges and prospects in the Vietnam - Thailand relationship when entering the 21st century and proposed things to adjust and plan policies on relations with Thailand in the coming years.
1.1.2. Research on Vietnam - Thailand in specific fields
In the post-Cold War period, Thailand-Vietnam relations had many articles published in prestigious journals such as: Southeast Asian Studies, Historical Studies, Economic Studies, International Studies... In specific fields, the fields of economics, tourism, and culture are still of most interest to scholars. A typical example is the article by author Truong Duy Hoa, Thailand-Indochina Investment Relations [4]. The article studies the situation of foreign investment in Indochina, considering that Thailand-Indochina investment relations play an important role in cooperation and economic development on the basis of friendly neighbors. Thailand has many historical and cultural similarities with Indochinese countries, including Vietnam, so Thai investors increasingly have many cooperation and investment activities in Indochina to share economic benefits that all parties are interested in. Vietnam - Thailand economic relations: 20 years of development author Ha Huy Thanh [23] has studied the trade relations between Vietnam and Thailand since Vietnam applied the centralized planning management system until now. Review and evaluate Thailand's direct investment in Vietnam. Present the prospects for developing Vietnam - Thailand economic cooperation in the coming time. However. these articles mainly focus on economic issues.
1.2. Overview of International Relations theory in research
1.2.1. Realism
There are many theories in international relations. Among these theories, Realism is the most prominent. This theory has had a great influence on international relations both in theory and practice, especially in the 20th century. Realism focuses on studying international political issues, so it is also called Political Realism. Realism is also called Power Politics because of its focus on power.
1.2.2. Liberalism
Along with Realism, Liberalism is also an international relations theory with a long history. However, the initial ideas of this theory appeared much later than Realism, which dates back to ancient times. The first ideas in the liberal tradition of thinking can be found in modern times, such as Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, Hugo Grotius, John Locke or William Penn, for example.
1.2.3. Constructivism
As a relatively new approach to international relations research, Social Constructivism or Constructivism has raised questions about very basic issues in international relations research such as the nature of the state, the anarchy of the international system, national identity and interests, sovereignty, etc. At the same time, Constructivism also opens up a series of new issues that need to be researched such as the role of gender and ethnicity, which have not been fully considered in other approaches. Many opinions say that Constructivism is essentially an approach, not a system of viewpoints or a complete theory in international relations research. It is sometimes considered as “middle ground” or “theory about theory” (metatheory).
1.3. Some general comments on the research situation
It can be seen that domestic scholars have been doing a lot of research on international relations in Southeast Asia in general and Vietnam - Thailand in particular. The works are all continuations, additions and updates of the fluctuations in the relationship between the two countries from before 1991 until now. This is a large data warehouse, valuable reference for future research.
Each theoretical model contains different arguments, some of which overlap. The differences between theories are often central to academic debates on this issue. In addition, many experts in the Asian region in general do not confine themselves to a particular school of socialism, economic theory or economic theory. Therefore, to apply international relations theories in research in Southeast Asia, it is necessary to identify and discuss based on arguments that are appropriate to the practical situation of this region. In particular, international relations theories such as socialism, economic theory and economic theory are still compatible and useful in analyzing international relations in this region.
Although there are still many such controversial opinions, in each theory of international relations, there are still useful arguments for studying Vietnam-Thailand relations. The theories all try to have general arguments for the whole world. Therefore, the PhD student will only use not all but only certain arguments of each theory. These are also the core issues that this study aims at.
Chapter 2. Vietnam - Thailand relations in the field of security and politics (1991 - 2019)
2.1. Overview of Vietnam - Thailand relations in the field of security and politics
In the history of political-security relations between Vietnam and Thailand, there have been great strides marking the development of political-security relations between the two countries. That is, the shift from confrontation to active diplomatic, political-security cooperation.
In particular, since 2013, Vietnam and Thailand have officially upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. In 2014, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha visited Vietnam and the two sides signed the Action Program to implement the Vietnam-Thailand Strategic Partnership for the period 2014-2018. Implementing the agreement between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and Thailand, the first Deputy Ministerial-level Political Consultation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and Thailand was held in 2010-2015. The meetings and exchanges between the two sides took place in an atmosphere of friendship, trust and mutual understanding. Vietnam and Thailand discussed directions and measures to further strengthen the good cooperative relationship in many fields. The two sides emphasized political and security cooperation, working together to promote the early resumption of the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation and the early establishment of a Trade Committee to promote trade between the two countries. The two sides also shared many opinions on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Strengthen coordination and close cooperation with each other to promote ASEAN's goals, promote cooperation in regional cooperation frameworks such as the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC),... and in multilateral relations at international forums, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) and the United Nations,... In particular, in the context of the ASEAN Community officially established on December 31, 2015, the leaders of the two countries agreed to promote coordination to effectively promote the role of the Community, while strengthening solidarity and promoting ASEAN's central role in handling regional and international issues.
Since then, the political relationship between Vietnam and Thailand has improved significantly. Moving from confrontation to dialogue, political cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand has continued to be promoted through the exchange of high-level delegations and many new cooperation mechanisms, which have been established after the two countries upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership, such as the Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation, political dialogue, security, defense, etc.
2.2. Assessing the Vietnam-Thailand relationship in the security-political field from the perspective of international relations theory.
2.2.1. From the perspective of Realism
Under the view of Realism, world international relations are built according to many different models. One of the famous models is the Billiard Ball Model. In this model, countries are likened to billiard balls, that is, as a unified entity, thinking only of themselves and the interaction between them is mainly collision (competition, conflict). During the collision, smaller balls (lower power) can be pushed away or stopped, while larger balls (higher power) continue to move even though they may be slightly slowed down or deviated. After a period of collision, a relatively stable situation has been created corresponding to a historical period to prepare for a new collision. The power pyramid model clearly shows this, in which the most powerful countries are at the top of the pyramid, the lower powers are at the bottom of the pyramid. The greater the power differential between them, the greater the distance between countries.
On the other hand, the balance of power argument is an important indicator that CNHT has contributed to the study and analysis of the political situation in the world. Whether it is according to academic trends or political practice, realists believe that the balance of power is the main driving force in shaping Asian international relations [51, pp.295]. Accordingly, the presence of the United States in Asia in general and Southeast Asia in particular has had a significant impact on the stability and prosperity in this region due to the bipolar order in the Cold War (the United States and the Soviet Union). However, since the end of the Cold War, the United States and Russia have also had their own foreign pivot policies, along with the strong rise of China, which has been causing the balance of power between countries in the world to shift towards a multipolar trend. The presence of great powers in a certain region is for them to balance each other's influence. Accordingly, realists argue that weak states sometimes choose to attract or create institutions to attract important powers to balance power in the region, thereby ensuring the survival and security of the state.[47]
2.2.2. From the perspective of Liberalism
The application of Liberalism theory to the assessment of the security-political relationship between Vietnam and Thailand is considered on many levels, associated with the history of each country and the context of international relations. Liberalism has put forward many viewpoints on the trend of international relations towards peace, cooperation and development. In which, the reform of foreign policy and changes in political institutions play a decisive role in the stability of each country as well as in the region.
The important issue for the international relations trend that the CNTD mentioned is that non-traditional security is also identified by ASEAN in its operational objectives through specific activities to enhance the resolution of these issues, especially in combating transnational crimes and other cross-border challenges in accordance with the principles of collective security.
2.2.3. From the perspective of Constructivism
In the period from 1991 to present, both Vietnam and Thailand have common ideas in addition to their own interests. According to CNKT, the role of these interests will have an impact on the maintenance and transformation of international relations. CNKT emphasizes the role of factors forming a "common identity" in international relations.
SummaryChapter 2
Applying CNHT to the Vietnam - Thailand relationship, we can see that: In the anarchic international system, competition for power between major countries is constant. Therefore, Southeast Asia is always a competitive area between major countries. This leads to countries in the region such as Vietnam and Thailand being easily drawn into and confronting each other like in the Cold War. Applying CNTD to see that: There are individual interests but also common interests. Countries pursue both absolute interests. From there, Vietnam - Thailand cooperation increases. - Cooperation is a way to help reduce conflicts and gradually replace conflicts, especially cooperation between the military and political circles of the two countries. Regarding CNKT: Ideological differences contribute to confrontation in the CTL. When the ideological issue gradually decreases, the security-political relationship begins to develop. The perception of the two countries changes. The process of improving security and political relations between the two countries helps build trust on security issues, so security and political relations are further developed.
Chapter 3. Vietnam - Thailand economic relations (1991 - 2019)
3.1 Overview of economic relations between Vietnam and Thailand3.1.1. Bilateral economic development
Thailand and Vietnam started from a similar starting point for economic development with a similar population, and especially in the 1950s, the two countries had the same level of development. This can be clearly seen through the GDP index. According to WB statistics, in 1954, Vietnam's GDP per capita was 117 USD while Thailand's in 1952 was 108 USD. However, when studying the period from 1991 to 2019, Thailand had stronger growth steps.
3.1.2. Two-way trade and investment cooperation
Since 1991, trade relations between Vietnam and Thailand have achieved certain achievements. However, the growth rate has not been uniform, with many periods of negative growth in 1999, 2001 and 2009. In general, the growth rate of total export turnover between the two countries has always made strong progress in each period from 1991 to the present. However, the trade balance between the two sides is increasingly different. This figure in 1991 was 93.7 million USD, by 2018 it was -6.5 billion USD. Thailand is still a country with a trade surplus and Vietnam is a country with a trade deficit. In 2018, Vietnam's imports from Thailand were more than twice as much as the other way around.
3.2. Economic relations between Vietnam and Thailand from the perspective of international relations theories
3.2.1. From the perspective of Realism
If viewed from the perspective of classical realism, a country that wants to develop must escape economic and political constraints. In other words, that country must integrate, expand its commodity market, and increase interaction with other countries. However, this is governed by the interests of each country, each country takes into account the benefits gained when participating in partnerships. Thus, if we consider the economic relationship between Vietnam and Thailand from the perspective of classical realism, it shows the suitability of this theory to the practical relationship between the two countries. According to classical realists, this national and ethnic subject is characterized as a single and rational subject in its relations with the outside world.
3.2.2. From the perspective of Liberalism
The view of pluralistic subjects in international relations also explains the participation of states and enterprises in economic relations. Liberalism believes that in international relations, besides states, there are non-state subjects such as international organizations [16] and transnational corporations [17]. Non-state subjects are increasingly participating in international relations with an increasing role, making international relations intertwined with the interests of many different subjects, no longer being dominated only by the interests and calculations of the state. In general, the application of Liberalism in the study of economic relations between Vietnam and Thailand shows that the connection in economic relations between the two countries has created peace in the region, both countries are important members of economic organizations in the region and are creating good prospects in bilateral relations in many fields and have decided the regional order as well as the relationship between the two countries.
3.2.3. From the perspective of Constructivism
Constructivism argues that the social identities of states determine whether those actors will cooperate or conflict with each other. A state's social identity determines what its interests are and determines the way it acts. Constructivists argue that systems of shared beliefs or values and ideologies also have a great impact on the behavior of sociopolitical actors in international relations.
Chapter 3 Summary
Applying the new socialist economy to the Vietnam-China economic relationship, we can see that: Every country is for its own benefit. Therefore, the Vietnam-China economic relationship also needs to be seen as consistent with the national interests of the two countries. The new socialist economy emphasizes the role of the international system. The socialist economy shows that: The subject is pluralistic, so the Vietnam-China economic relationship has the participation of states and enterprises. There are individual and common interests, there are absolute interests. The Vietnam-China economic cooperation is the common interest and aims at absolute interests in addition to individual interests as the socialist economy explains. The socialist economy emphasizes the role of the economy in security and politics, there is interaction between them, economic cooperation and economic integration help reduce conflicts. The socialist economy is shown in the following main points: The role of perception when the two sides change their perception of each other from opponents to partners. The role of trust when the two sides believe in the good results of economic cooperation. The role of identity to interests. Help form a common identity Bilateral economic cooperation and within ASEAN help form a common identity.
Chapter 4. Vietnam - Thailand Relations in the Cultural - Social Field (1991 - 2019)
4.1. Overview of Vietnam-Thailand relations in the cultural and social fields
4.1.1. Vietnam - Thailand relations in the cultural field
During the period from 1986 to 1989, the Cambodian issue remained a major obstacle to improving the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Thailand. In that context, cooperation in the cultural and social fields between the two countries still faced many obstacles and did not have the conditions to develop. In 1989, a series of political events took place that changed the world situation. The end of the Cold War led to fundamental changes in the Soviet Union-US-China relationship, and these countries gradually made fundamental adjustments in their policies towards the Southeast Asian region. The normalization of relations between China and the Soviet Union in 1989 and Vietnam-China in the 1990s and the normalization of relations between the US and Vietnam were marked by the establishment of diplomatic relations in July 1995. The Cambodian issue was resolved, the above events had a positive impact on the relationship between Vietnam and Thailand, the years of confrontation ended, suspicions gradually decreased and the relationship between the two countries entered a new period, a period of cooperation and mutual development.
4.1.2. People-to-people exchange
Through these activities, people-to-people exchanges are increasingly strengthened. People of the two countries understand more about each other's history, country, people and culture. The Friendship Association acts as a bridge to mobilize and promote cooperation activities, economic, cultural, scientific and technical exchanges. Contributing to the development of friendly relations and cooperation between the people of Vietnam and the people of Thailand, for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
4.1.3. Sports cooperation
Sports cooperation not only improves physical fitness and promotes competitive spirit, but also facilitates learning exchanges between sports universities, training centers, capitals and cities of the two countries, and coordination in regional and international sports activities.
4.1.4. Cooperation in the field of education
Education and training cooperation is an important factor promoting the relationship between Thailand and Vietnam. The governments of the two countries always have a cooperation mechanism, supporting the native languages, culture and history of both sides. With the aim of wanting more and more Vietnamese people to speak and write Thai well as well as more Thai children to learn Vietnamese, education and training are always of interest and priority to both countries because this will be an important bridge to promote the development of friendly relations between the people of the two countries. Cooperation in educational development between the two countries will promote the specialized knowledge and skills of learners, strive for progress and excellence in academia, especially in the study, research and development of knowledge and technology in natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, and promote the application of modern technology and the quintessence of knowledge of Thai and Vietnamese people to the economic and social development of Thailand and Vietnam.
4.1.5. Cooperation in the field of tourism
Vietnam - Thailand tourism cooperation has achieved many results, this cooperation process not only brings neighborly friendship between the people of the two countries but also facilitates the change of the country's face. Wherever tourism develops, the appearance of urban and rural areas is improved, cleaner, and people's lives are significantly improved. Tourism activities have promoted the development of other industries, creating the ability to consume goods and services on the spot; each year, dozens of traditional festivals are restored, gradually organized in a healthy and orderly manner, promoting good customs and traditions.
4.2. Assessing Vietnam-Thailand relations in the cultural and social fields from the perspective of international relations theories.
4.2.1. From the perspective of Realism
As presented in the previous chapters on Realism in explaining the political, security and economic relations between Vietnam and Thailand. However, the application of Realism to the assessment of the cooperative relationship in the cultural and social fields between Vietnam and Thailand shows the cultural connection, cooperation towards development and minimizing conflicts. At the same time, the application of Realism in this field needs to be considered in the context of each country at each certain historical period.
4.2.2. From the perspective of Liberalism
Evaluating the relationship between Vietnam and Thailand in the cultural and social fields from the perspective of Liberalism will show the cooperation between the two countries in this field. At the same time, it also explains that cultural and social cooperation is one of the open diplomatic strategies towards stability and sustainable development in the relationship between the two countries. Applying the arguments of Liberalism will explain the basic issues in the relationship between the two countries in the cultural and social fields.
4.2.3. From the perspective of Constructivism
Evaluating the relationship between Vietnam and Thailand in the socio-cultural field from the perspective of Constructivism will show the important foundations for cooperation between the two countries in this field. On the other hand, applying Constructivism will explain the role of non-material factors in shaping the structure and institutions in the relationship between the two countries, seeing the common interests and identities of the region as well as the common values and concepts between Vietnam and Thailand. From there, common standards can be built, friendship and cooperation on the basis of socio-cultural exchange can be enhanced towards the ASEAN community.
Chapter 4 Summary
Cultural exchange is a concept that refers to a common phenomenon that regularly governs the process of movement and development in all ethnic cultures in the world. It is the result of contact and is the cause and condition for the integration of cultures, and is the process of metabolism between cultures. Each ethnic culture will degenerate without this metabolic process. This process is the dialectical interaction between endogenous and exogenous factors of ethnic culture. Cultural exchange between Thailand and Vietnam is also within that law.
CONCLUDE
The application of international relations theories to the analysis and evaluation of "Vietnam-Thailand relations from the perspective of international relations theories (1991-2019)" has shown important arguments on theoretical and practical bases associated with the historical context of the world, the region in general and the relationship between Vietnam and Thailand in particular. From there, the following main points can be concluded:
On relations between the two countries:
Vietnam and Thailand are two close neighboring countries with a long history of relations. The relationship between Vietnam and Thailand was formed very early in history. It is a relationship in the fields of politics, economics - culture and ethnicity, which has created important foundations for the close relationship between the two countries. The event of August 6, 1976, when Vietnam and Thailand established diplomatic relations, opened a new page in the process of relations between the two countries. In the face of fluctuations in the world and regional situations and internal changes in each country, Vietnam and Thailand have gradually eliminated doubts, closed past suspicions and expanded comprehensive cooperation in many fields.
Economic relations between the two countries. Economic cooperation between the two countries has really developed in the early 1990s. However, in recent years, the relationship between the two countries in the economic field has developed to a new level, becoming strategic partners in the development policies of both countries. Since 1991, the relationship between the two countries has shifted from confrontation to cooperation. The proportion of two-way trade between Vietnam and Thailand has been constantly increasing. There are many positive factors forming with strong prospects for cooperation and development. The trade turnover between the two countries has been constantly increasing and the exchange of goods has been strengthened. Vietnam and Thailand are particularly more favorable than other ASEAN countries due to the proximity in terms of geographical location, customs and habits, and the large Vietnamese community living in Thailand. Foreign investment between Thailand and Vietnam has increased rapidly through Vietnam's open door mechanism for foreign investment. From there, both countries have the opportunity to expand their markets through cooperation within the framework of AFTA and outside the ASEAN region. Participation in AFTA helps Vietnam and Thailand to rapidly increase their economic and trade development, strongly promote Vietnam's exports to Thailand and other countries in the region, and increase the volume of their goods in the Thai market in particular and the region in general.
Relations in the political field between Vietnam and Thailand. Both countries have increasingly trustworthy and substantive foreign policies and defense and security cooperation, demonstrated through the results of regular visits and contacts between the two countries' senior leaders and the regular and effective implementation of cooperation mechanisms such as the Joint Cabinet, the Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation, Political Consultation, Defense Policy Dialogue, the Joint Working Group on Political-Security Cooperation, joint patrols at sea... The relations between the two countries in the security and political fields in recent years have created a solid foundation for the relationship between Vietnam and Thailand to develop more and more well. With mutual trust and the need for cooperation for mutual development of the two countries, it will create many new driving forces for more comprehensive and solid development in the future, contributing to peace, stability and prosperous development in Asia as well as in the world. To date, the two countries have signed more than 50 agreements and cooperation agreements, creating a legal basis to promote bilateral relations in many fields. Bilateral security and defense cooperation has been continuously promoted, based on the principles of respecting each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Resolving all disputes by peaceful means, not threatening or using force, not interfering in each other's internal affairs, cooperating to exchange experiences, coordinating joint patrols at sea, visits by military and security delegations of the two countries take place regularly and are increasingly effective. The two sides also share many opinions on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Strengthening coordination and close cooperation with each other to promote ASEAN's goals, promoting cooperation in regional cooperation frameworks such as the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), ACMECS, East-West Corridor and other international forums.
The relationship between Vietnam and Thailand in the field of culture and society. The cooperation in the field of culture and society between Vietnam and Thailand (1991 - 2019) has achieved certain results, contributing to strengthening the relationship between the two countries, creating opportunities for close exchanges between the two peoples, improving the quality of human resources and moving towards a united ASEAN Community, forming common identities of the region, while each country always maintains its own identities. Both countries have changes in common awareness, implementing the policy of innovation in diplomatic relations. Aiming to form common standards, strengthen solidarity and friendship between the two countries on the basis of cultural and social exchanges towards the ASEAN community.
The trend of Vietnam - Thailand relations is increasingly developing deeply and widely in many fields and has integrated multi-facetedly in ASEAN.
On the application of international relations theories in analyzing the relationship between Vietnam and Thailand:
The application of international relations theory in research is useful in explaining the causes, conditions and impacts on the development of Vietnam-Thailand relations. In particular, the theory of historical relations helps explain the confrontation in the past and the security-political cooperation movements in the post-Cold War context. The theory of international relations helps explain the cooperation trend in both security-politics and economics and other fields. The theory of economic relations helps point out the subjective factors affecting this process, and at the same time helps assess the increasing role of cultural-social cooperation.
Each theory has aspects and arguments that can explain the conflicts between the two countries, and at the same time explain the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. The theories help provide tools to assess the trend of this relationship. From that, it can be seen that the prospect of this relationship is positive.
When applying international relations theories to evaluate the relationship between Vietnam and Thailand in three basic areas: security - politics; economic relations; cultural - social relations, it shows that each theory explains the relationship between the two countries in each area. This also means that one theory cannot be applied to explain this entire process. However, applying theory is not the right answer to all problems because theory is often generalized while reality is more diverse.
Author:ussh
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