The new KAS publication “The Mekong Region: From a Divided to a Connected Region” by Dr Vannarith Chheang describes the dynamics of the Mekong region and points out the role of regional and international institutions, cooperation and partnerships with regard to economic and social development, environmental policies and energy security. The detailed analysis will be helpful for everyone who tries to understand to complex connections and pending challenges in the Mekong region.

Background:

The KAS workshop on ”Regional Cooperation and Integration in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region - What role for KAS and KAS Alumni” in November 2016 brought together KAS alumni from Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand to share experiences and country perspectives concerning cooperation and integration in the Mekong Region. Set in this context, the workshop fostered political dialogue and made Climate Change, Energy Security as well as Rule of Law a subject of discussion. The paper is based on the opening remarks of Dr Vannarith Chheang, senior fellow at Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace.