The Geopolitics of Instability: the Impact of Military Coups on Thailand and Myanmar's Economic Relations with Global Powers
When a military stages a coup, the effects are far-reaching – not just for the country itself, but for its place in the world. This presentation examines the real-world consequences, focusing on the recent experiences of Thailand in 2014 and Myanmar in 2021, two critical cases within the dynamic context of Southeast Asia. Through a side-by-side comparison, I've explored how these dramatic events forced them to reconsider their ties with major global powers and fundamentally reshaped their economies.
To do this, my research involved analyzing extensive documents and reports, and quantifying the economic shifts to understand the impact of sanctions on things like public services and job markets. We'll get to the core question of whether international actions, like economic sanctions and trade policies, truly work. Did they help these nations move toward democracy, or did they create new challenges? This talk offers valuable perspectives if you're keen to understand international affairs, how economies are shaped by politics, and the complex fight for democracy in turbulent areas, especially in the Southeast Asian region.
Dr. Thawatchai WORRAKITTIMALEE is a Lecturer in International Relations and Diplomacy at International Affairs program, International College, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. He holds a Doctor of Area Studies (Southeast Asian Area Studies) from Kyoto University, Japan, where he was a recipient of the Japanese Government Scholarship. Previously, he served administrative roles at Khon Kaen University's International College as Assistant Dean for Planning and Organizational Administration, and Program Director of the B.A. in International Affairs.
His research interests lie in the field of international political economy, international economic relations, foreign aid, and Official Development Assistance (ODA), with a particular focus on Japan and Asia. He has published in journals such as Cogent Social Sciences, and his recent work includes an examination of smart governance and the effectiveness of smart cities. He also serves on the editorial board of the Graduate Review of Political Science and Public Administration Journal. He will be a visiting research fellow at the Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS), University of Warwick, from June 9th to July 7th, 2025, to conduct research on "Green ODA and the Politics of Influence: A Comparative Analysis of the UK, Japan, and Germany.
