Thailand: Shifting Ground Between the US and a Rising China [Paperback]

In this authoritative modern history, Benjamin Zawacki tells the story of Thailand's changing role in the world order, chronicling the country's move from a key ally of the United States and a bulwark against communism in Southeast Asia after World War 2 to its shifting allegiance towards a rising China in the 21st century.

This fully updated edition now covers the aftermath of the 2014 coup d'etat, the impacts of climate change and China's Belt and Road initiative and Thailand's responses to the rise of Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Featuring major interviews with high ranking sources in Thailand and the US, including deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra,Thailandis a fascinating insight into the inner workings of the Thai elite and their dealings with the US and China.

Benjamin Zawackiwas a visiting fellow in the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School in 2014-15, and a term member on the Council on Foreign Relations through 2016. He was Amnesty International's Southeast Asia researcher for five years, and served as a policy advisor to President Jimmy Carter and two other Elders in Myanmar. A regular contributor to the media in Southeast Asia, he has lived in Thailand for 15 years.

Exhaustively researched ... an excellent contribution to understanding American and Chinese foreign policy in Southeast Asia. Bangkok Post

Presents a clear-eyed and well-informed analysis of a critical moment, in which ideals of democracy and human rights, never deeply rooted, are giving way as Thailand increasingly sees its future tied to a rising China. Seth Mydans, Southeast Asia correspondent for The New York Times

Zawacki deftly unpacks Thailand's complex and evolving relationships with the United States and China, and issues a wake-up call to U.S. policymakers. Elizabeth Economy, Director of Asia Studies, Council on Foreign Relations

A must-read for those concerned by Chinese ascendencyl£~