Routledge Small Countries, Big Diplomacy: Laos in the UN, ASEAN and MRC (Global Institutions)

This book shows how small countries use "big" diplomacy to advance national interests and global agendas – from issues of peace and security (the South China Sea and nuclearization in Korea) and human rights (decolonization) to development (landlocked and least developed countries) and environment (hydropower development). Using the case of Laos, it explores how a small landlocked developing state maneuvered among the big players and championed causes of international concern at three of the world’s important global institutions – the United Nations (UN), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Mekong River Commission (MRC). Recounting the geographical and historical origins behind Laos’ diplomacy, this book traces the journey of the country, surrounded by its five larger neighbors China, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia, and influenced by superpower rivalries, from the Cold War to the post-Cold War eras. The book is written from an integrated perspective of a French-educated Lao diplomat with over 40 years of experience in various senior roles in the Lao government, leading major groups and committees at the UN and ASEAN; and the theoretical knowledge and experience of an American-trained Lao political scientist and international civil servant who has worked for the Lao government and the international secretariats of the UN and MRC. These different perspectives bridge not only the theory-practice divide but also the government insider-outsider schism. The book concludes with "seven rules for small state diplomacy" that should prove useful for diplomats, statespersons, policymakers and international civil servants alike. It will also be of interest to scholars and experts in the fields of international relations and foreign policies of Laos, the Mekong and Asia in general. Review "It is widely recognised that the best diplomats are reasonable and humane sceptics and that the main formative influence in diplomatic theory is common sense. But how does this old wisdom apply to small states of today and what should the representatives of small states do to be good diplomats? This book provides the key answers tested in practice. Both Alounkeo (father) and Anoulak (son) Kittikhoun are respected and experienced practitioners of diplomacy. Their book offers invaluable advice based on real experience that will serve well diplomats of small states in all parts of the world." Danilo Türk, former President of Slovenia and former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs "In international politics and global institutions, small states are at the mercy of ruthless big powers, influence-peddling institutions, greedy multinationals and resourceful actors of all kinds. This I have experienced professionally as the first Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations mandated to advocate for the most vulnerable countries of the world, often "voiceless countries," to get a just and better deal from the unwilling world community. In that role, I have perceived how skillful, pragmatic and determined diplomats of these small countries can make a difference in advancing the best interest of their peoples. Ambassador Alounkeo Kittikhoun is an outstanding representative of such high calibre. The Kittikhouns – father and son duo – have brilliantly articulated in their book some practical and workable, yet profoundly meaningful principles and rules for small states diplomacy in a globalised and interconnected world that allow these countries not only to survive but to thrive. This book has filled in the existing void of a much-needed empowering tool for the small states as they navigate an unjust and unequal international system. It deserves broad-ranging readership as well as regular application of its contents in real life situations." Anwarul K. Chowdhury, former United Nations High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries,