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The regional or ‘local’ phenomena, while deeply impactful, are often overlooked by dominant IR theories. Such theories privilege the state as the primary actor and diminish the structural interactions between the national centre and local contexts. As a result, foreign policy frameworks derived from these theories somehow fail to adequately consider how local-level experiences and needs interact with national policy imperatives. This omission also limits the development of local institutions and mechanisms that could strengthen communities' capacity to address transboundary challenges.
Thailand, situated at the heart of Southeast Asia, is increasingly confronted by the strategic manoeuvrings of global powers including the United States, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the European Union — particularly in the context of competing Indo-Pacific strategies. These strategic interests manifest in diplomatic, economic, and political initiatives at multiple levels, many of which directly affect localities throughout Thailand.
This closed-group discussion will offer a platform for the participants with related roles in the foreign affairs field to together explore diverse perspectives, experiences, and theoretical reflections from regional scholars across Thailand who have both studied and taught international relations in their local contexts. It seeks to engage with critical questions such as:
- How have local and border regions experienced the impact of Indo-Pacific strategies or grand strategies pursued by global powers?
- In what ways does the dominant state-centric and central government–oriented perspective limit policy responses to local challenges, particularly in border areas?
- How might we expand or challenge traditional IR theories that inadequately address local or borderland issues?
- How can we develop integrative theoretical frameworks that combine insights from public policy, local governance, and international relations to provide interdisciplinary approaches to emerging global and local challenges—ones that are responsive to both state-level foreign policy goals and the needs of local communities?
Agenda
08:30-08:55 Registration
08:55-09:00 Opening and Introduction of Study Project
09:00-09:05 Welcome Remark
09:05-09:25 Presentation of Study 1
“Empowering the Local Dimension in International Affairs: How Does Geopolitical Competition Challenge Our Understanding of Thailand's Foreign Policy?”
By Asst. Prof. Dr. Narut Charoensri, Chiang Mai University
09:25-09:45 Presentation of Study 2
“Between Global Knowledge and Local Identity: An Integrative Approach to International Relations Education in Thailand's Regional Universities”
By Asst. Prof. Dr. Yasmin Sattar, Prince of Songkla University
09:45-10:05 Presentation of Study 3
“Empowering Isan’s Local Governance: The Roles of Foreign Aid (Technical Assistance) in Promoting Decentralization in Northeastern Thailand”
By Dr. Thawatchai Worrakittimalee, Khon Kaen University
10:05-10:20 Coffee break
10:20-10:40 Presentation of Study 4
“Ubon Ratchathani in International Politics: Inter-Local Relations as an Approach”
By Dr. Thanachate Wisaijorn, Ubon Ratchathani University
10:40-11:00 Presentation of Study 5
“Teaching International Organizations in Regional Universities of Thailand: Disciplinary Status, Theoretical Integration, and Local Contextualization”
By Dr. Anusorn Chaiaksornwet, Walailak University
11:00-12:00 Commentary and Exchange with Academic Consultants on the Studies - Questions and Answers
With
- Prof. Dr. Kitti Prasirtsuk, Thammasat University
- Prof. Dr. Chanintira na Thalang, Thammasat University
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pandit Chanrochanakit, Chulalongkorn University
Topics
Partners
