Thailand: Shifting Ground between the US and a Rising China

Benjamin Zawacki, a Bangkok-based human rights researcher and advocate, will present his recently-published book on Thailand’s evolving foreign relations and their geo-political implications in Southeast Asia.  After many post-World War II years as a key strategic ally of the United States, Thailand has begun a sharp pivot toward China.  Consistent with US policy drift since the turn of the century and Thailand’s deepening adoption of China’s model of “authoritarian capitalism”, the country is increasingly within the orbit of Beijing.  Zawacki will describe the factors and forces behind this shift, and what it means for a Trump administration finding its way in Asia. Joining Zawacki in discussion is Ari Levine, University of Georgia History Professor and expert in China. Co-sponsored by the Department of History and the International Law Society.