Thammasat Scholars Debate How History Shapes Global Power Dynamics and Thailand's Future Role

Key summary

At a seminar hosted by Thammasat University's Faculty of Arts on October 20, 2026, three area studies experts discussed how historical context influences international relations, the limitations of Western-centric worldviews, and ASEAN's capacity to maintain centrality amidst great power competition. The panel included Dr. Dulypak Preecharatch (Southeast Asia), Dr. Kanthascha Phonghirun (Russia and Eurasia), and Dr. Piemsak Hongjamras (Spain and Latin America). They argued that history is often used by leaders to justify security policies and national unity, noting that perceptions of Russia under Vladimir Putin or Myanmar's military leadership are deeply rooted in historical narratives of empire and stability rather than just current events. The speakers emphasized that while ASEAN faces fragmentation due to diverse member interests and external influence, its centrality relies on consensus-building rather than uniform positions.