Balancing matters?re-visiting security-development nexus and its operation on ‘secure and prosperous’ national goals Thailand 2014-2024

Title: Balancing matters?re-visiting security-development nexus and its operation on ‘secure and prosperous’ national goals Thailand 2014-2024

Author: Thiraphon Singlor

Year: 2023

Keywords: Security-Development Nexus, National Development, National Policies, National Power, Hard Power, Military Roles in Development, Thailand

Themes: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, Development Management, Civil society and Democracy

Advisor(s): Balazs Szanto

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The main objective of this thesis is to assess the significance of the security-development nexus for Thailand and explore the necessity of achieving balance within it. Through qualitative document analysis, the study addresses two research questions—the operations and implications of the nexus for the country’s security and prosperity. It assesses the theory of ‘balance’ across Thailand’s national-level policies, encompassing the 20-Year National Strategy and its overarching national goals of Security, Prosperity, and Sustainability, as well as the National Economic and Social Development Policy and Plan, National Security Policy and Plan, and Defense Policy. Findings reveal that Thailand’s security and development policies continue to evolve from Cold War influences, adapting to modernization trends, including integration into the global economy while navigating external pressures. Thailand maintains flexibility and international stability through its longstanding balance of power strategy, while also demonstrating ambition in assuming leadership roles in development. These policies acknowledge security and development as both instruments and objectives. However, analysis based on international indexes and national progress reports reveals that Thailand’s current trajectory exhibits both acceptable and unacceptable imbalances, failing to achieve high levels of either goal. This finding emphasizes the pivotal importance of maintaining a balanced strategy. The balanced nexus could be acknowledged as a form of national power, specifically hard power, to further enhance Thailand’s balance of power. This thesis underscores the nexus’s significance for aspiring middle-power countries seeking socio-economic development and international influence. It recommends that Thailand address the unacceptable imbalance by refining its ‘military modernity’ and the military roles in development, essential for leveraging military capabilities in national development effectively

Contract farming in a conflict zone : a case study of Mansi township, Kachin State, Myanmar

Title: Contract farming in a conflict zone : a case study of Mansi township, Kachin State, Myanmar

Author: Htu Raw Lahpai

Year: 2016

Keywords: SUGARCANE/ CONTRACT FARMING/ CONFLICT CONTRACT FARMING/ CHINA OPIUM, SUBSTITUTION/ PEACE/ KACHIN- CHINA BORDER / MANSI TOWNSHIP/ KACHIN STATE /, MYANMAR

Themes: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, Human development and Human security, Development Management

Advisor(s): Carl Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Farmers from Mansi Township under KIO-controlled area have been doing sugarcane contract farming under China’s Opium Substitution Programme since 2005 up until the present. The main thesis question is: what are the opportunities and challenges for sugarcane contract farming in Mansi Township under China’s Opium Substitution Programme, in terms of improving farmer livelihoods and enabling peaceful development? The thesis is based on both qualitative and descriptive statistical research that involved focus group discussions, key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, and semi-structured interviews. The thesis finds that there have been major development changes in the Mansi Township Kachin-China border in terms of infrastructure, migration, socio-economic conditions, farming land, and the political system. Regarding the results of contract farming, there have been both positive and negative impacts on farmers and on the whole border area. For instance, farmers have had access to better social and economic conditions since sugarcane production began, but face some significant negative impacts on their health and the level of soil degradation. This situation presents a dilemma to farmers ; although currently sugarcane farming is not satisfying, there is a very limited choice of future livelihood opportunities and going back to the past is not favourable since there was not enough income. The thesis is framed by the ceasefire capitalism concept, which was a process of state building by the central government with Chinese agricultural investment under China’s Opium Substitution Programme. However, the Mansi Township area on the border with China area is controlled by KIO and has its own way to approach state building under Chinese investment, which has encouraged farmers’ livelihoods. Due to conflict breaking out in 2011, farming is under the pressure of conflict. However, currently the area is peaceful as there is a constant relationship between Chinese and Myanmar, even though it is not sure to remain peaceful. Overall, the status of sugarcane contract farming in Mansi Township clearly offers great benefits to farmers. Nevertheless, many costs remain for farmers and there are security concerns for the whole border. Moreover, the thesis shows that farmers’ livelihoods and peace are the most important and interconnecting factors that create challenges and opportunities both under the current conflict situation as well as if there were to be a new ceasefire again in the future.

Armed conflict, internally displaced persons and protection in Kachin state, Myanmar

Title: Armed conflict, internally displaced persons and protection in Kachin state, Myanmar

Author: Zaw Lut

Year: 2013

Keywords: MYANMAR ARMED CONFLICT / INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS / MIGRATION, PATTERNS / PROTECTION AND HUMAN SECURITY IN KACHIN STATE

Themes: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, Migration, Human Rights, Human development and Human security

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Internally displacement issues which phenomenon is quite similar with refugee gets mor attention from the world. According to the Internally Displacement Monitoring Center eport, 2011 described there were approximately 26.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) around the world. As Myanmar has been known for the home of the world longest civil war running country, the internally displacement phenomenon is gaining more attention and displacement numbers is growing year. Armed conflict between ethnic armed groups and Myanmar government military is going on since before Myanmar independence 1947 up to now in eastern, southern and northern parts the country where majority of the ethnic people are living. According to the Thai Border Consortium 2012, the estimation IDPs in the Eastern and Southern part of Myanmar is 4000,000. Since 2011, armed conflict between Kachin independent Army and Myanmar government military is carrying on, over 100,000 internally displaced persons, which is the greatest displacement ever in Kachin state, majority of IDPs are taking refuge along the Myanmar China border. Yet, Myanmar government have not recognized the IDPs officially therefore, IDPs are unprotected from being human right violations and humanitarian aids situation is worse. Therefore, this thesis focuses on armed conflict, migration pattern of IDPs, protction and human security of IDPs. How armed conflict affected to the IDPs, human security condition and function of protection mechanism for IDPs during the displacement. The key findings in this research indicate that 2011 Kachin armed conflict is rooted on political economic incentives of the Myanmar government and China. IDPs who moved into Laiz area are socially, geographically, and politically connected with KIO. All seven dimensions of Human security is not secure especially economic security and education is great challeges for the IDPs for their futurel. Eventually, IDPs have not legal-bonded protection though they are suffering from the human right violation and political rights are absent voting for 2015 is still a dream for IDPs.

Peacebuilding in Southern Thailand : The developmental contribution of the Asia Foundation's deliberative dialogue program

Title: Peacebuilding in Southern Thailand : The developmental contribution of the Asia Foundation's deliberative dialogue program

Author: Marika Stella Dora Shiga

Year: 2011

Keywords: N/A

Themes: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, Civil society and Democracy, Development Management

Advisor(s): Pitch Pongsawat

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Currently, many international aid agencies seek to contritbute to development and peacebuilding in Southern Thailand, yet recent investigation suggests that there are still many shortcomings in the realization of meaningful contributions to peacebuilding. Although development agencies and organizations through their work have the potential to contribute to and support peace work, the reality is that developmental contributions to situations of conflict are not always nor are necessarily positive ones. In considering the developmental contributions to peacebuilding in Southern Thailand, a range of development actors and outcomes are noted, highlighting the political nature of development. This research then uses the selected case study of The Asia Foundation's Deliberative Dialogue Program to consider its contribution to peacebuilding in Southern Thailand. With many agencies, actors, and organizations seeking avenues to contribute to the peacebuilding process mostly through Track III (civil society based) methods, there can be benefit found in an examination of current strategies and implementation of peace work through development actors in Southern Thailand. In determining how development efforts can support peacebuilding in Southern Thailand in an integrated way, and specifically how TAF's Deliberative Dialogue Program can contribute to development and peacebuilding in Southern Thailand, this research hopes to present an example of options and avenues for those seeking promote peace in Southern Thailand.

Trust Building Through Army Development Initiatives in Conflict Situations: The Case of Yalannanbaru in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand

Title: Trust Building Through Army Development Initiatives in Conflict Situations: The Case of Yalannanbaru in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand

Author: Martine Van Es

Year: 2009

Keywords: N/A

Themes: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, Development Management, Civil society and Democracy

Advisor(s): Nishikawa, Yukiko, advisor, Chantana Wungaeo, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis studies the Jalanan Baru project, implemented by military agencies in the southern border provinces of Thailand, to examine whether the project contributed to building trust among the local population. The study utilizes the theory of trust and distrust in conflict situations and development initiatives by Thai military personnel, focusing specifically on the Jalanan Baru project. The Jalanan Baru project is a youth anti-drug training camp in the three southern border provinces. Data analysis reveals that the project generated both trust and distrust, indicating the multifaceted nature of relationships within conflict situations and suggesting that the project may have created distrust alongside trust. Furthermore, applying the theory of trust and distrust scales, the conflict between expectations and outcomes of military-initiated development projects influenced the attitudes of participants. The study found that the project's implementation involved multiple stages, each contributing to varying levels of trust and distrust between participants and the military personnel responsible. Building trust between groups using such projects has limitations. Distrust within this society remains at a level that restricts the trust-building process. This study concludes that building trust through development projects initiated by military agencies, such as the Jalanan Baru project, requires a comprehensive analysis of relationships and trust-building, understanding the dynamics of the conflict broadly and holistically. Without addressing the root causes of the conflict, military development projects are unlikely to improve the situation in the three southern border provinces. This study focuses on the Yalannanbaru program run by the Thai army in the southern border provinces of Thailand in order to examine whether the project contributes to obtain trust from the local people. In so doing, this thesis introduces theories on trust and distrust to the conflict situation and development initiatives run by the Thai army. The study utilizes an in-depth single-case study on the Yalannanbaru program; a drugs re-education camp for youth in the southern border provinces. In the course of analysis, the notion of separate dimensions of trust and distrust is applied, acknowledging the multifaceted character of many relations and the possible coexistence of trust and distrust in a relationship. In addition, the theory of calibration of trust and distrust is introduced in order to examine the discrepancy between expectations and outcomes of army development initiatives can influence participants' attitudes. The study revealed that through various processes, the program has been able to change levels of interpersonal trust and distrust between the participating youth and the army officers directly involved. However, the potential to address intergroup trust and distrust through the program is currently very limited; the existing distrust in society is a strong restraint on any trust building process. From the study, the thesis concludes that trust building through development initiatives by the Thai army like Yalannanbaru requires more careful analysis on relation and trust building with thorough understanding of wider conflict dynamics. Without focusing on resolution by tackling the root causes of the conflict, army development programs have little potential to contribute to improving the situation in the southern border provinces.

The role of natural resources in the Khmer Rouge-royal government of Cambodia peace negotiations and reinegration process

Title: The role of natural resources in the Khmer Rouge-royal government of Cambodia peace negotiations and reinegration process

Author: O'Brien-Kelly, Martin J.

Year: 2006

Keywords: N/A

Themes: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, Environmental Politics and Policy

Advisor(s): Puangthong Pawakapan

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The Khmer Rouge secession in 1996 marked the final end of Cambodia's long civilian rule. During the initial period of Cambodian government rule, the Khmer Rouge separatists broke away from the conservative Khmer Rouge elite and negotiated with the government. A win-win policy reinforced the secession, based on economic goals, power-sharing agreements, and promises to develop less important areas. The political parties viewed the separatists as valuable political commodities, using shadow governments to expand their patronage system over former Khmer Rouge members. Peace was enshrined, but laws and environmental considerations were sacrificed to achieve it. For example, a 1993 Act was violated to gain the allegiance of one separatist Khmer Rouge faction. This Act designated protected areas within former Khmer Rouge strongholds in Vil Veng, Persat Province. Furthermore, the win-win policy failed to address and incorporate the management of natural resources into the framework of peace negotiations and reintegration. This was necessary because the strongholds... Many Khmer Rouge estates possessed vast forests and significant deforestation potential. During the post-conflict development phase, conflicts arose over the management of these natural resources between communities being rehabilitated and the Ministry of Environment, which was empowered to protect wildlife reserves in Vil Ving. This research analyzes the motivations for peace, reflecting the government's intentions, as peace is not a financial but a political pursuit. The shadow government explains that... Economic considerations and the security of natural resources have been transformed into political commodities. Economic and political currents converge on win-win policies in conflicts, where forest resources play a crucial role. Peace negotiations must address natural resource management and integrate it into the reintegration process. This will ensure environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods for reintegrated communities. Community-based post-conflict development strategies, including natural resource (forest) management, can serve as a model for peacebuilding in conflicts stemming from forest resources. The 1996 Khmer Rouge (KR) defections were a precursor for the ultimate termination of Cambodia's protracted civil. During the Royal Government of Cambodia's (RGC) first mandate, KR factions broke from the hard-line KR elites and negotiated with the government. The Win-Win policy encourages these defections. This policy was based on economic goals, a power sharing agreement and promises of development for marginalized areas. Because the political parties viewed defecting KR units as valuable political commodities, they use shadow state politics to extend their respective patron-client systems to include former-KR people. Peace was achieved, but laws and the environment were sacrificed to achieve that peace. For example, the Royal Decree of 1993 was contravened to secure the allegiance of one KR faction. This decree designated a protected area in one former-KR stronghold, in Veal Veng, Pursat province. Moreover, the Win-Win policy failed to address and integrate natural resources management into the negotiation framework for peace and reintegration. This was imperative for many KR strongholds possessed vast forests and the potential for timber extraction. In the post-conflict development period, there has been conflict over natural resource management between the reintegrating community and the Ministry of Environment who is mandated to protect the wildlife sanctuary in Veal Veng. This research analyzes the motives for peace, which reveals the government's intentions for peace were not financial but political, Shadow State politics explains how economic considerations and natural resource wealth were transformed into political commodities. The currents of economics and politics converged in the Win-Win policy. In conflict where forest resources have played a role, the peace negotiations must address natural resources management and include this management in the reintegration process. This will ensure environmental protection and provide sustainable livelihoods for reintegrating communities. A community-based post-conflict development strategy including natural resource (forest) management can be a model for peace building where conflict has involved forest resources.

Resolving the People's War in Nepal: A Discussion of Obstacles to Political Integration

Title: Resolving the People's War in Nepal: A Discussion of Obstacles to Political Integration

Author: Pamela Elise Sciantarelli

Year: 2006

Keywords: N/A

Themes: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, Civil society and Democracy

Advisor(s): Giles Ungpakorn

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: etween February 2005 and September 2006, Nepal experienced a series of political events that were unprecedented in its history. King Gyanendra seized power, establishing an authoritarian regime, sparking mass movements involving millions, including the Communist Party of Nepal (CPNM), a party that had existed for decades. This research utilizes conventional Marxist theory to demonstrate the rationale and credibility of integrating Marxism with political work. From a system of government to the political unification of the CPNM, a process that had never been proven feasible, the success of this political unification was coincided with disarmament. The issue of disarmament in Nepal has been the subject of much debate, encompassing topics such as disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration—the scope of work abbreviated as DDR. The situation in Nepal culminated in the adoption of its first constitution in August 2006. Between February 2005 and September 2006, Nepal incurred the most eventful bout of political happenings in the country's recent history. The totalitarian takeover by King Gyanendra resulted in a mass people's movement numbering in the millions along with the emergence of the Communist Party Nepal-Maoists from a ten-year underground existence. This paper uses Classical Marxist Theory to show the plausibility of a Maoist-affiliated party participating in mainstream politics. On the brink of a new government system, political integration of the CPNM never seemed more possible. Successful political integration must be simultaneously accompanied by disarmament measures. The disarmament aspect of Nepal is discussed through the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Framework. The situation in Nepal is assessed until the submission of the interim constitution's first draft in August 2006.