Cambodia’s quest for international reputation

Strategies and Implications

Dados Bibliográficos

ID7171520
AutoresMun Vong (0009-0009-8480-9045, University of Cape Town, autor correspondente), Sovinda Po (0000-0002-3367-0372, ISEAS Yusof-Ishak Institute, Singapore), Manghout Ki (Asian Vision Institute, Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
Ano2026
Volume39
Fascículo1
Páginas126-148
Data de publicação2026-01-02
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoThe Pacific Review (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0951-2748 • E-ISSN: 1470-1332
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09512748.2025.2520801
OpenAlexW4411370241
IdiomaCA
Referências citadas32

Small states, especially developed and democratic states in Europe, have been important players in international security and diplomacy. From joining NATO military operations, gaining a seat in the UN Security Council, to providing economic aid for poorer countries, small democratic states have demonstrated the inclination to acquire status and elevate their influence in international politics. But we know less about the status-seeking of small authoritarian states in the developing world. This paper fills the gap by examining Cambodia’s quest for a positive international reputation and its intended benefits for the Cambodian People’s Party’s rule. We argue that Cambodia wants to be perceived as a good state useful to the international community and this favorable international image can boost the ruling party’s political legitimacy at home. The argument is illustrated with three case studies in the areas of international peacekeeping, global health, and regional sports. Accounting for these dynamics advances our understanding of the role of small authoritarian states in world politics with important implications for democracy promotion in the developing world

Political science · Reputation · Cambodian History and Society · International Arbitration and Investment Law · Law · Southeast Asian Sociopolitical Studies