Jointly organised by Asia Research Institute, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore and The History Channel

Supported by National Library Singapore and Routledge

Neutralism was actively pursued during different periods of the Cold War in both Cambodia and Laos, though in very different circumstances. In Cambodia, it was largely the vision of Prince Norodom Sihanouk, who attempted to keep his country out of the conflict and maintain ties with all of the great powers involved. In Laos, the neutralists represented a particular faction, under the leadership of Prince Souvanna Phouma, who played an important role on the political stage throughout the civil war of 1954-1975.

This talk will examine neutralism in these two countries to understand why it ultimately failed and to ask whether under other conditions it might have succeeded.