Cambodia’s Foreign Policy: Navigating Unchartered Waters

Cambodia’s Foreign Policy: Navigating Unchartered Waters

Cambodia stands at a critical juncture in a new era of a VUCA world- vulnerability, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity- where geopolitical rivalries among major powers pose mounting pressures and challenges for middle and small states.

At the annual conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, held from March 3 to 5, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation raised critical questions: How can Cambodia navigate the complexities of an unprecedented and uncharted geopolitical landscape? How can it adapt, survive, and thrive in this dynamic, complex environment? How can it turn challenges into opportunities?

These questions deserve serious reflection and thinking.

While Cambodia, as a small state, may lack the resources and capacity to shape the evolving regional and international order, it must not passively accept its fate. Instead, it must take a proactive approach to safeguard its national interests and assert its relevance in international affairs.

Learn to Adapt to Survive and Thrive
To navigate the shifting geopolitical landscape, Cambodia must begin with a reality check: Where does it stand? What are its core interests and principles? How can it remain relevant?

The answer lies in adaptability. Change is constant, and Cambodia must foster a mindset that embraces transformation as a norm. This requires continuous learning, self-awareness, and an in-depth understanding of national and global trends.

A forward-looking foreign policy should be anchored in strategic foresight, scenario planning, and a well-defined vision supported by a practical action plan. This entails identifying megatrends, assessing potential risks and opportunities, and positioning Cambodia in a safe and favorable condition.

Adopt a Whole-of-Government Approach
Foreign policy is not the sole domain of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It requires the active participation of all government agencies, which must understand the country’s foreign policy direction and contribute to its effective implementation.

For instance, to effectively implement economic diplomacy, it requires the commitment, participation and contribution of all related agencies such as the Ministry of Commerce and the Council for Development of Cambodia, among others.

Clearly, a coordinated and whole-of-government approach is essential to safeguarding national interests in a complex geopolitical landscape. Otherwise, the effectiveness of policy is low.

To prevent being caught in the crossfire of great power competition, Cambodia must pursue a diversification strategy and strategic hedging.

This means forging balanced relationships with multiple partners while upholding an independent foreign policy grounded in international law and national interests.

Open and inclusive multilateralism, along with a commitment to a rules-based international order, should be key pillars of Cambodia’s diplomatic approach

Embracing Active and Proactive Diplomacy
Being independent and neutral is not enough; Cambodia must also be active and proactive in its diplomacy.

This requires leveraging niche diplomatic resources such as cultural diplomacy, including food diplomacy, and peace diplomacy, which can be enhanced by or example internationalizing Hun Sen’s Win-Win Policy and sharing best practices in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

To strengthen its diplomatic effectiveness, Cambodia must focus on two key strategic investments:

Firstly, Enhancing Data Collection and Analysis. Data-driven decision-making is crucial in shaping effective foreign policy.

We need to invest more in intelligence gathering, analysis, and scientific research on critical international issues that matter for Cambodia. More investment is needed to fund research projects critical to Cambodia’s national interests.

Diplomatic training programs must prioritize equipping diplomats with strong analytical skills to assess complex international developments and make informed policy recommendations.

Secondly, Strengthening Strategic Communication. Clear, consistent, and credible communication is the cornerstone of effective diplomacy.

Strategic communication must be enhanced at all levels—state institutions, parliament, political parties, and think tanks.

Cambodia must articulate its foreign policy objectives with clarity and coherence to avoid misinterpretations. Diplomats must be skilled in communication and negotiation, as these are essential for building trust and securing national interests on the global stage.

Cambodia’s foreign policy must be dynamic, strategic, and forward-thinking. It requires a pragmatic approach that balances national interests with regional and global realities.

By fostering adaptability, adopting a whole-of-government approach, leveraging niche diplomatic strengths, and investing in data-driven decision-making and strategic communication, Cambodia can effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary geopolitics.

Chheang Vannarith is Chairman of the National Assembly Advisory Council. The views expressed are his own. They do not reflect the views of his affiliated institutions.

Source: Khmer Times