A Framework for Analyzing Postcolonial Diplomacy and Influence in Southeast Asia

Thesis Abstract

The legacies of colonialism have fundamentally shaped the diplomatic trajectories and influence patterns within Southeast Asia, presenting complex challenges for understanding contemporary postcolonial diplomacy. This study investigates the mechanisms through which postcolonial states in Southeast Asia exert influence and establish diplomatic relations, aiming to develop a comprehensive analytical framework that elucidates these dynamics. The primary objective is to identify the key theoretical, institutional, and cultural factors that underpin postcolonial diplomacy, and to assess how historical legacy informs present-day foreign policy behaviors. To achieve this, a mixed-methods research design has been employed, combining qualitative case studies with quantitative content analysis. The qualitative component encompasses detailed case analyses of five selected countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam—based on purposive sampling of diplomatic missions, foreign policy documents, and elite interviews with 40 diplomats and policy analysts. The quantitative component involves content analysis of 200 official diplomatic speeches, policy statements, and media releases, coded according to themes derived from existent theories. Data analysis utilizes thematic analysis for qualitative data and multiple regression analysis on quantitative variables to identify patterns and correlations. The theoretical foundation incorporates postcolonial theory and soft power theory, particularly drawing on Edward Said’s concept of orientalism and Joseph Nye’s model of soft power, to explain influence mechanisms. It is anticipated that the findings will reveal that postcolonial influence is mediated by historical narratives, cultural affinities, institutional legacies, and contemporary diplomatic strategies, which together form a distinctive model of postcolonial diplomacy in Southeast Asia. The expected results include evidence that countries with stronger cultural ties to their colonial pasts tend to deploy soft power more strategically, and that diplomatic influence correlates positively with the possession of alternative regional influence mechanisms, such as economic incentives and multilateral engagement. This research will contribute to knowledge by extending existing diplomatic models to account for postcolonial specificities, offering a tailored framework that integrates historical consciousness with modern influence strategies. It will also advance understanding of the role of cultural narratives and institutional legacies in shaping regional diplomacy, which is currently underexplored in Southeast Asian studies. The main conclusion posits that postcolonial diplomacy in Southeast Asia is deeply rooted in a complex interplay of historical narratives, cultural identities, and institutional legacies, which collectively sustain influence through both soft power and policy diffusion. Policy implications suggest that regional diplomatic strategies should recognize these postcolonial dimensions to enhance mutual influence and cooperation. The study advocates for policymakers to leverage cultural diplomacy and historical awareness to foster more resilient regional integration. Further research is recommended to examine the evolving role of digital diplomacy and the impact of emerging non-state actors within this postcolonial influence landscape, extending the framework to include contemporary digital and transnational influences. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide scholars and policymakers with a nuanced, empirically grounded model for understanding and strategizing postcolonial diplomatic influence in Southeast Asia, contributing significantly to the fields of international relations, diplomatic studies, and postcolonial theory.