Pre Midterm Reviewer 2106 (1) PDF

DISCUSSION 1: “THAILAND” capital city - Bangkok ❖ Constitutional Monarchy - is a form of government where the monarch exercises the authority in accordance with the constitution, a system of government in which a country is ruled by a king or queen. Head of the State - Monarch / King Head of th...

DISCUSSION 1: “THAILAND” capital city - Bangkok ❖ Constitutional Monarchy - is a form of government where the monarch exercises the authority in accordance with the constitution, a system of government in which a country is ruled by a king or queen. Head of the State - Monarch / King Head of the Government - Prime Minister ~ nominated by the House of Representatives/ Senate ★ King Maha Vajiralongkorn - Head of the State ★ Paetongtarn Shinawatra - Head of the Government / Prime Minister CONSTITUTION: 1997 “People’s Constitution” There are 20 Constitution in Thailand ❖ Institutions and Social Groups ➔ Monarchy, Parliament, Military “Military” - in Thailand, Military holds a dominant role in politics, as they intervene in government. Half of the government in Thailand is classified as Military. Civilian governments are defined as weak and replaced by military regimes. Military is a highly organized institution. “Bureaucracy” - refers to a framework of administration where rules and decisions are controlled by officials or non officials. Bureaucratic Actors/ Technocrats - have attained important positions and brought a more rational mode to policy making “experts in fields assigned” After decades bureaucratic actor lost their policy making powers turn into “extra bureaucratic actors” Thai politics is referred to Bureaucratic polity “Parliament and Political Parties” Parliament was dominated before by bureaucrats Thai political life is so lively and contentious is that “parliamentary power” matters Political parties are not mass based, parties are more powerful with national prominence Voters favor candidates who served a district interests. Longest surviving party is “Democrat Party” - the party has strong relations with the royal family ❖ State Society Relations and Democracy ➔ Party Jumping and Vote Buying, Economic Development, Foreign Relations “Party Jumping and Vote Buying” In Electoral politics, Party jumping is institutionalized into the system Thai elites argued that these practices are the cause political problems Party jumping and party factionalism are closely intertwined in Thailand’s party system. It occurs due to political expediency and opportunity Vote-buying networks are run by hua khanaen (candidate canvassers) Hua Khanaen has close relations with village leaders, teachers and respected leaders. Vote buying offers cash in return of support “Economic Development” Thailand emerged with improved economic infrastructure, roads, and airports, and also with transferred technology Almost 65% Thai people are in agriculture, Thai diverse into crops, vegetables and fruits The largest foreign investor of Thailand is China “Foreign Relations” Thailand joined ASEAN during 1967 The increased profile of some of Thailand’s top economic diplomats has also brought the country international esteem Thailand found itself in free trade agreement negotiations with the United States, the European Union, China, and Japan. Thai-U.S. relations also include joint military exercises Thailand also supported Burma’s application to ASEAN as part of its “constructive engagement” Notes: Thailand was not colonized “Coup culture” the frequency of military coups in its modern political history, where the military has repeatedly intervened in politics. Since 1932, when Thailand transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, the country has experienced around 13 successful military coups, along with several failed attempts. DISCUSSION 2: “MYANMAR” capital city - Naypyidaw ❖ MILITARY JUNTA PRESIDENT: Minh Aung Hlaing CONSTITUTION: 2008 Constitution There are 3 Constitution in Myanmar POINTERS It is formally called The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Myanmar is like other Southeast Asian countries it is diverse The large of the majority groups is surrounded by a mosaic of divergent minority groups as it influence and shapes the country’s politics Same goes with the other Southeast Asian countries it embrace the opportunity for economic development and political liberalization Exports were increased and corruption was temporarily halted. Ne Win’s government reorganized the bureaucracy to make it more efficient and restored a semblance of law and order Burmese Socialist Program Party (BSPP GOVERNMENT - The first parliamentary government of Myanmar was form when AFPFL negotiated for independence (Anti Fascist People's Freedom League) - 1948 to 1958 was known as the time of troubles (ethnic groups opposed the government’s movement)  - 1958 The Myanmar’s political condition was chaotic the Thakin Nun turned the functioning of the government over to the Tatmadaw (the military) - 1960 Thakin Nu return for leadership hence, was not able to control the economy (a poor day to day administrator) Concentrated on establishing Buddhism - 1988, hundreds of thousands of farmers, urban workers, students, monks, and civil servants took to the streets of Burma’s major cities to demonstrate against their government leaders - Around 2010, generals began to reform the state’s governing institutions and opened political space for parties to legitimately participate in the politics. ❖ MILITARY “Tatmadaw” - The Burmese military has played the central role in governmental affairs, the only credibly unified force in the country during its early years of self governance. During 1988 the military was facing a social revolution which was shuffling top leaders and engaging in a brutal crackdown on protesters and in 2007 another episode of military suppression occurred. No institutions can legitimately compete with the military. LEGISLATURE - Burma’s legislature only had two periods which was the multiparty bicameral body during Thakin Nu and Unicameral body under Ne Win, after 1990 elections, military leaders removed all vestiges of legislative power and ruled the country as military dictatorship. Hence, in 2010 Constitutional reform revived the legislature.Bicameral which consist of 2 house -House of Nationalities “Amyotha Hluttaw” -House of representatives “Pyithu Hluttaw” ❖ POLITICAL PARTIES - During 1993, Than Shwe founded the USDA which was “social welfare organization” but that time USDA was not a political party then later on 2010 elections USDA formalized itself as political party. The most opposition party in Myanmar remains the NLD the party as founded by the member of Tatmadaw who turns on the regime, in 1990 it survived even though being denied in the power by the Military. Myanmar’s party system was characterized by two types which national parties and ethnic minority parties - Burma’s ethnic minority groups have continued to view themselves primarily in terms of ethnic nationalism - USDA to USDP = USDP (Under Military) VS NLD (Opposed the Military) ❖ STATE - SOCIETY RELATIONS AND DEMOCRACY - The burmese state has been a small number of rulers and institutions, as it was the effect of the colonizations of british. Burma has poorly developed state institutions. - Authorities in Burma have endlessly intervene in every aspect of the economy. The military was viewed as tool for opportunism and a symbol of stagnation and oppression by its detractors. Myanmar’s rulers have not invited technocrats, politicians, intellectuals or socio economic elites to participate in state affairs. Myanmar's only experience of democracy was the 1947 constitution after independence and it remains a politically closed regime or a transitioning regime  ❖ ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT - Burma and Thailand has similarities as both nation had histories of Monarchy, one of the issues of Burma was the economic growth was not striking in success. It was due to burmese was colonized and the burmese eschewed western ways such as materialism and commercialism of the Western culture and another point was Burma chose to isolate from global economic system. In 1990s, Burma opened border trade with Thailand and China as it promulgated more liberal foreign investment. However the investment was induced by the policy due to Burma’s political instability. Hence, Burma was permitted to join in ASEAN in 1997 as leaders shifted more attention to natural resources. Burma exports natural gas and exploration rights to Asian and Western partners. China is now the most interdependent partner of Burma. ❖ FOREIGN RELATIONS - Burma emphasized the importance of national security as it has been a victim of both imperialism and aggressions. Burma attempted to maintain an isolationist foreign policy as it refuse to participate in the indochina and eschewing aid from other nations and it forgoing the membership in ASEAN during 1990s. Hence, the foreign policy “isolationism” did not foster economic growth and during 1962 Burmese leaders prioritize the economic imperatives over the security concerns. DISCUSSION 3: “VIETNAM” capital city - Hanoi ❖ UNITARY STATE Vietnam - The socialist republic of vietnam Socialist - workers “The goal of socialism is to reduce inequality by redistributing wealth and resources, ensuring that everyone has access” Why socialism ➔ Colonized by French ➔ Invaded Japan China Netherland ➔ A coastal state Cold war no physical war but ideologist war US vs USSR ❖ US - Democracy ❖ USSR - Communism and Socialism Proxy war armed battle happen in Vietnam ➔ Divided into 2 North Vietnam and South North - Communist Ho Chi Minh soul and only way Supported by USSR South - Non Communist Supported by US Prevailing party was North Vietnam 1975 - Reunification under socialist state Ho Chi Minh died in 1969  ❖ Form of Government “Socialist Republic” Under 1 party system “UNICAMERAL” Govern by Single party (Communist party of Vietnam CPV) Father Ho Chi Minh Translation Who he enlightens NO opposition to opposed CPV ❖ Institutions and Social Group Core of CPV - Political Bureau (Politburo) Highest body of CPV Dominant Power of Government The head of the Politburo is Secretary General ★ Branches of Government in Branches ➔ 3 Branches: Executive, Legislative & Judiciary Executive - Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Legislative referred to National Assembly Who can run: Anyone can (Party member) (no party) must permitted by Vietnam fatherland fronts VFF- A constitutional mandated an umbrella of gatekeeper (screening committee) goals is to be align with Hu Chi Minh Judiciary ★ Military of Vietnam Important institutions during 1975 mandates the unification People's Army of Vietnam Created by CPV Leading general are under of Communist Party ❖ State Society Relations and Democracy No history of Democratic How many constitutions of Vietnam 5 and recent is 2013 Constitution Article 4 “All organizations and individuals must abide by the Constitution and laws of the State, and must respect the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam” are created by CPV Freedom of the press not approved ★ Economy and Development 1975 Proxy War ended No one wanted to do trades Economy was down “Policy is isolate ➔ Economic reform Doi Moi open the market in Vietnam Mixed economy - owned by state - Private sector Promote the multi sector economic system Leads dictatoriale due to exportation and foreign investors 1997 & 2008 Asian Financial Crisis After that Vietnam recovered ★ Foreign Relations Vietnamese foreign policy was framed by fundamental Marxist-Leninist principles 1986 - the major goal of Vietnamese foreign policy had been to secure the sovereignty of the nation against all aggressors Politburo liberals argued that keeping Cambodia as a friendly neighbor was important but not to the point of threatening Vietnam’s economic collapse. Vietnam also moved to improve relations with Asian and Western nations interested in developing economic ties. Hundreds of trade and investment delegations from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, and various European countries arrived to set up business ventures DISCUSSION 4: CAMBODIA capital city - “Phnom Penh” ❖ Constitutional Monarchy Official name The Kingdom of Cambodia Elected parliamentary government Chief executives Cambodia shall have a head of state and government Head of State King Norodom Sihamoni (2004) Chosen by hereditary Head of government Prime Minister Hun Manet Appointed by the King 2023 ❖ HISTORY Cambodia has been a colony in French has been occupied by US Japan China Vietnam Has been exposed of foreign elements Independence in 1953 from france At this time the King was Sihanouk The king was the symbol of independence During the Vietnam war, Cambodia was a neutral country Hence The NV was having trade in NC Cambodia has a communist group “Khmer Rouge” Communist means isolating Goal was no invasion of greater part of foreign country US manipulated Cambodia to democracy Program: Re-education program by Khmer Rouge To follow the ideology of Communism The consequences of not following the program must be killed ❖ Institutions and Social Groups ➔ The King, Political Party and CPP The former king Sihanouk lead the Cambodia during the independence His parents crown him as king He stepped down as King and his father was the king He turn into prince just to intervene with political issues and become the Prime minister The current King of Cambodia was the son of King Sihanouk Cambodia is like political butterfly they shift their political intentions ★ Hun Sen The longest serving Prime Minister in Cambodia Currently the President of the Senate Hun Sen son is the current Prime Minister Hun Sen played a role 1991 Paris peace talks He ended the Cambodia and Vietnam war Just like King Sihanouk, Hun Sen also opposed the Khmer rouge later on they joined the program just to gain power Hun Sen is the president of Cambodian Peoples Party A political party A largest patronage party is the CPP The CPP infrastrutated the grass root of Cambodia Most voted party Formerly the CPP was a socialist party isolated the foreign relations Later on, the best way to develop the economic was to open the market Mixed economy ★ International aid community A lot of hospital and health center donated by the foreign A good place to work in health care workers “Aid addiction” is being dependent in international aid State - Society Relations and Democracy Cambodia worlds weakest country Cambodias army is un undependable Anti corruption laws poorly Nepotism undermine the bureaucratic system ❖ Economic development Cambodia was under Communist so isolated Later on realize the economy is not working Open mixed economy Cambodia focus their tourist destinations And apparel also ❖ Foreign relations Cambodia has been open to states Specifically in trades Loans in other states must have a conditions Cambodia joined ASEAN in 1990 Cambodia is number 8 in GDP