Navigating the Nexus
European and Southeast Asian Views on Current Geopolitical Shifts amid Great Power Rivalries
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Office Thailand, in cooperation with the Faculty of
Political Science and Public Administration at Chiang Mai University, hosted a roundtable discussion titled "Navigating the Nexus: European and Southeast Asian Views on Current Geopolitical Shifts amid Great Power Rivalries." This event took place at the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration, Chiang Mai University, on August 7, 2024. The roundtable explored the relationship between the EU and the Mekong Subregion across multiple dimensions. The Mekong Subregion in Southeast Asia has emerged as a significant focal point in global geopolitics, heavily influenced by international political dynamics and major power rivalries. As strategic interests in the region have intensified, the EU has navigated this complex landscape, balancing economic competition with cooperation to enhance its presence in Southeast Asia and its subregions. The discussion addressed three critical questions that shaped the EU's engagement in the Mekong Subregion and Southeast Asia's response to the increasing interest. These key topics included 1) strategic partnerships and opportunities for cooperation, 2) trade cooperation and economic security, and 3) future scenarios with policy recommendations. The dialogue featured perspectives from both Thailand and the EU, encompassing views from government, community-based organizations, and academia.