Malaysia's foreign policy
Subtitle: the first fifty years : alignment, neutralism, Islamism
By: Johan Saravanamuttu
Contributors: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies
Publisher: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies; ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Singapore
Language: eng
Number of pages: 388
ISBN-13: 9789814279796; 9789814279789; 9789814279802
Subjects: Politics and government; Foreign relations
Description: This book captures Malaysia's foreign policy over the first fifty years and beyond since the date of the country's formal independence in 1957. The author provides "macro-historical" narratives of foreign policy practices and outcomes over distinct time periods under the tenures of the five prime ministers. One chapter delves into relations with immediate neighbouring states and another chapter analyses the political economy of foreign policy. A postscript deals with the transition of foreign policy beyond the fifth decade. The concluding chapter suggests that Malaysian middlepowermanship has been in the making in foreign policy practice being particularly evident since the Mahathir years. Employing a critical-constructivist approach throughout the study, the author posits that foreign policy should be appreciated as outcomes of socio-political-economic processes embedded within a Malaysian political culture. In terms of broad policy orientations, Malaysian foreign policy over five decades has navigated over the terrains of neutralism, regionalism, globalization and Islamism. However, the critical engagement of civil society in foreign policy construction remains a formidable challenge.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 351-367) and index.