| This dissertation studies Cambodian foreign policy from 1967 to 1999, with the emphasis on its policy toward ASEAN, relying on primary sources. The study provides a window into foreign policy decisions in Cambodia.; Specifically, the dissertation attempted to explain how internal challenges at first caused foreign policy decision-makers to oppose entry into ASEAN and the impact of the external factors which prevented Cambodia from joining the regional club and then later propelled Cambodia to join ASEAN.; While there are different approaches to the study of foreign policy, this dissertation applied the "Rational Actor Model" as the most appropriate approach to explain Cambodian foreign policy broadly and Cambodian policy toward ASEAN more specifically. In order to apply this model, this dissertation identified five key parameters of Cambodian foreign policy.; As discovered in this study, Cambodia's foreign policy has largely been dependent on two factors. Internally, Cambodia needed to manage its domestic affairs. Externally, Cambodia decided to pursue a constructive diplomacy of strategic engagement. Cambodia also needed to balance the traditional role of diplomacy, which relies on bilateral relations, with a modern style of proactive diplomacy that emphasizes multilateral relationships.; In the quest for ASEAN membership, this dissertation shows that Cambodia faced many membership barriers. These barriers ranged from strategic, economic and diplomatic factors to problems of prestige and legitimacy. Cambodia had to overcome these barriers, including internal conflicts, political instability, ideological differences, bureaucratic constraints, and problems of negative perceptions. Thus, the quest for membership was a challenging undertaking for Cambodia. In the end, Cambodia was admitted into ASEAN, taking its place in the region, when a rational analysis of foreign policy options replaced political barriers.; Cambodia's foreign policy will have to be conducted through the ASEAN framework in the future, again because of rational factors. In order to engage regional and international relations, Cambodia will not only need to develop and strengthen its diplomacy but also to invest more resources. Cambodia needs to give priority to foreign policy as the country attempts to assume a greater role in international affairs.; In essence, as this dissertation identifies, Cambodia needs to develop a roadmap for its proactive foreign policy, which formulates options and strategies so that it can play a constructive role in international relations. Cambodian leaders need to consistently pursue Cambodia's ASEAN policy through the five key parameters of foreign policy with pragmatism and long-term thinking. As a small country emerging from many years of destruction and isolation, Cambodia needs to formulate and develop a sound foreign policy with short-, medium-, and long-term interests, which can bring increased security, diplomatic visibility, prestige, legitimacy, and prosperity. |
