Abstract
Southeast Asia’s vulnerability to and dependence on outside powers ensures that it is an area that is of particular interest to outside powers and an area in which they compete for influence. It is therefore an area in which China is likely to challenge, in fact already is challenging, the role of the United States and its prominent position. This chapter investigates why the subregion is an inviting area for great power competition, and evaluates steps being taken to increase Southeast Asian autonomy. During the modern period, Southeast Asia has been a ‘soft’ subregion in the international system, one that is easily and frequently penetrated by larger powers from outside, a diverse and not well-integrated region that lacks the institutions to defend itself and maintain autonomy against outside influences. Although historically both indigenous continental and maritime empires have ruled in Southeast Asia, during the colonial period, only Thailand escaped the ignominy of colonization as Dutch, Portuguese, British and French authority was prominent throughout the region. During World War II, the region was again subject to outside authority after invasion by the Japanese, and the Southeast Asian colonies as well as Thailand were subjected to Japanese authority or influence.
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© 2003 Wayne Bert
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Bert, W. (2003). Southeast Asia: Autonomous Subregion or Penetrated Area?. In: The United States, China and Southeast Asian Security. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230501355_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230501355_5
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-43258-5
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-50135-5
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