Japan-Thailand World War Two Alliance and Bamboo Diplomacy
摘要
This chapter applies the new balance of alignment model developed in the book to the case of Thailand’s short-lived alliance with Japan during World War II. The case is assessed within the context of the country’s overall foreign policy approach sometimes characterized in the contemporary context by policymakers as variations of the so-called bamboo diplomacy in the context of wider developments including Japan's development of its so-called Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, Thailand's management of ties with Tokyo relative to Western powers as well as the rule of Plaek ("Phibun") Phibunsongkhram. The chapter proceeds in three sections. The first section explores the evolving shape of adjustments in alignment during this period, delving into the specific indicators and metrics set out in the introduction with the use of original interviews conducted by the author as well as primary and secondary sources. The second section then explores the explanations for adjustments in alignment, arguing that the balance of alignment model offers a good explanation for the case in question and a better one than balance of power, which is the competing approach examined in the book. The third and final section then briefly summarizes the chapter findings.