The Shogunate, King Rama V, and the Influence of Superpowers on Global Order
“Watch movies, watch dramas and look back at the world of reality”
By Atsadang Yommanak
I believe that Thailand today needs a leader skilled in diplomacy and international affairs to help resolve internal political issues.
In the past, we needed warrior leaders like King Taksin and King Rama I. Later, economic leaders like King Rama III were crucial, followed by King Rama V, who excelled in diplomacy and helped Thailand avoid colonization.
Today, we once again need a diplomatic leader to balance Western powers, as many internal political problems stem from external interference.
The Shōgun series
The Shōgun series, which is a story based on the history of Japan in the feudal era in the 17th century, swept a huge award in the announcement of the Emmy Awards in 2024 by winning 18 awards from a total of 25 nominations, which made this series history as the most Emmy-winning series in a year. Therefore, it is not only an interesting series in terms of story, but also the most successful production in the global television industry.
The story of Shōgun is based on the novel by James Clavell and tells the story of the struggle for power in ancient Japan. With the main character like Toranaga: Tokugawa Ieyasu, who is an influential ruler and faces many obstacles on the way to becoming a shogun.
The history based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell tells the story of feudal Japan in the early 17th century, when the Shogun’s power was stable.
The main story of Shōgun about the arrival of Westerners is John Blackthorne, a British ship captain who finds himself trapped in Japanese territory with a culture and lifestyle that is completely different from the Western world. He has been entangled in politics and the struggle for power between the Japanese nobility, especially Tokugawa Ieyasu, a powerful ruler who aims to become the Shogun or commander-in-Chief of Japan. However, many contents have been adapted to add entertainment and drama in the novel.
True events in history:
The Tokugawa period in Japanese history in the early 17th century was the time when Japan was leaving the civil war and unification of the country under the rule of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who became the first shogun in the Edo period after winning the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. This rule led to a period of peace and economic development in Japan for 250 years.
Western travel to Japan during the 16th-17th century is real. Western sailors such as William Adams, an Englishman who arrived in Japan in 1600, was a real person who was the prototype of the character John Blackthorne in the story “Shōgun”. Adams was trusted by Tokugawa and received important positions as a commercial and naval consultant.
There are adaptations in some novels, such as in novels. In novels, the Blackthorne character plays an important role in Japanese politics and war. But in real history, William Adams did not play a role in war or fight for power in Japan. Only a maritime and trade consultant only.
Shogun (Shōgun) is a military and political position that plays an important role in Japanese history. It is the highest leader who dominates the government and the army in the feudal era of Japan. This position is not a “king” (king) according to the Western meaning. But it is “the commander-in-chief who holds absolute dictatorial power” who has the power to control the country instead of the emperor.
The Shogun is the highest military leader who is responsible for protecting the country from external enemies and controlling the army. And is the true ruler of the country
Although Japan has an emperor (Emperor) as a symbolic leader and the position of Shogun was officially appointed by the emperor. But in practice, in many periods of history, the Shogun had power over the emperor, which made it the true ruler of Japan, especially in the Edo period (1603-1868) when the Shogun of the Tokugawa family (Tokugawa) ruled the country for more than 250 years.
The Kamakura period (1185-1333) was the first era when the Shogun system began. The Shogun from the Minamoto clan (Minamoto) had the power to rule.
The Edo period (1603-1868) The shogun from the Tokugawa clan led the country during the Japanese closure and had a stable rule.
The Shogun character “Takunaga” (Toranaga) in Shōgun is not a real person in history. But it is based on the famous Shogun in Japanese history, Tokugawa Ieyasu (Tokugawa Ieyasu), who was the Shogun who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate. And was the ruler of Japan in the Edo period (1603-1868)
The true history of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Childhood life Tokugawa Ieyasu was born in 1543 during the period when Japan was in the civil war (Sengoku period). Ieyasu was sent as a hostage since childhood. which was common in that era for maintaining peace between various warlords
After Ieyasu was freed from hostages, he began to build his own power and join forces. Later, he joined Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, an important military leader at that time.
The Battle of Sekigahara (Battle of Sekigahara) in 1600, Ieyasu won the important war at Sekigahara, which made him the most powerful military leader of Japan. After that, in 1603, he was appointed Shogun, which was the beginning of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for more than 250 years.
Tokugawa Ieyasu laid the foundation of a strong feudal system of government by separating military power and imperial rule, which made Japan peaceful and stable during the Edo period.
Under the rule of Ieyasu and his descendants, Japan entered a period called Sakoku (Sakoku) or the closure of the country from contact with the outside world to maintain power and traditional culture.
In the Shōgun series, the character Toranaga is inspired by the story of Tokugawa Ieyasum, which reflects the path to power, political struggle and laying the foundation of important rule in Japanese history.
The rule in the “Shogun” era has a characteristic called the “Bakuhan system”, which is a combination of feudal rule and central rule administered by the Shogun. This system aims to stabilise political and social stability during the period when Japan was divided into many small regions. But must be under the control of the Shogun who is the supreme ruler
Important characteristics of governance in the Shogun era:
Shogun:
The Shogun is a leader appointed by the emperor. But has real power to rule and control the country in all aspects The Shogun is considered the supreme commander of the power to control local nobles or samurai called “Daimyo” (Daimyo).
Daimyo (Daimyo)
Daimyo were nobles or local leaders who ruled a region or area called “Han” (Han). The daimyo had to report to the Shogun and were responsible for their own local governance. But must be under the strict control of the Shogun They had to send troops and taxes to the Shogun. And sometimes had to live in Edo (now Tokyo) to control rebellion
Feudalism and social class
Japanese society in this era has a clear class hierarchy. The highest class is the samurai. Which is responsible for serving the Shogun and daimyo, other classes, including farmers, artisans and merchants. This system allows the Shogun to control the population and the economy effectively.
Sankin-kōtai system (Sankin-kōtai)
It is a system that forces the daimyo to alternate and live in Edo periodically. Along with leaving the family in the capital To prevent rebellion and maintain political stability, Daimyo has to spend money to travel and spend in the capital. This makes it difficult to accumulate resources for rebellion.
Country closure (Sakoku)
In the Edo period under the rule of the Tokugawa family, there was a policy of closing the country to prevent foreign interference, especially the influence of Westerners and Christianity. Japan allowed trade only with certain countries such as the Netherlands and China through the port of Nagasaki.
Emperor (Emperor)
Although the emperor was a symbol of spiritual and cultural power, there was no real power to rule. The emperor and the royal court in Kyoto were reduced to just a symbol. All administrative power is in the hands of the Shogun.
The rule in the Shogun era focussed on the centralisation of political and military power under the control of the Shogun. But at the same time, there was a feudal system that gave the opportunity to local nobles to rule their areas. Rule in this era was a period when Japan was peaceful and stable for a long time. Despite strict control
The Shogun system collapsed in 1868, which was the end of the Edo period. And led to the restoration of the imperial power, also known as “Meiji Restoration (Meiji Restoration)” There are many reasons for the collapse of the Shogun system. Which is divided into internal and external reasons as follows:
Internal causes
1. The decline of the Tokugawa clan.
– After the Tokugawa Shogun ruled Japan for more than 250 years, the power of the Tokugawa clan began to decline due to the economic and social problems accumulated over the years. Daimyo and samurai in many regions began to be dissatisfied with the strict rule of the Shogun.
– The Sangkin-Kotai system, which forced Daimyo to spend huge resources on travelling and living in Edo, causing economic problems in many regions.
2. The dissatisfaction of samurai and other classes
– Samurai who used to play an important role in society began to feel that their power and status were reduced. Especially during the period when Japan had peace for a long time. Causing samurai to have no role in the war And many became in debt
– Strict class division causes dissatisfaction in society. The lower class, such as farmers and merchants, began to demand more rights and freedoms.
External causes
1. Opening the country to Westerners
– In 1853, Admiral Matthew Perry from the United States brought warships to Japan and called for Japan to open the country to trade. Leading to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which was the beginning of the opening of the country to the West.
– The opening of the country made Japan face more modern Western technology and culture. The Shogun’s weakness in dealing with foreigners made many Japanese people dissatisfied and wanted to change.
2. Pressure from Western powers
– After Japan opened the country, Western powers such as England, Russia and France came to play a role in trade negotiations with Japan. Foreign entry caused domestic tensions and the Shogun was seen as unable to protect Japan’s sovereignty.
Meiji Restoration (Meiji Restoration):
– In 1868, a group of samurai from the southern regions of Japan, including Satsuma and Joshu, collaborated on a revolution to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate government and restore the power of the emperor. Emperor Meiji reigned that year.
– This revolution led to Japanese political, economic and social reforms, making Japan a modern and more open country to the outside world.
The Shogunate collapsed due to many factors, including the decline of internal power, economic problems, and pressure from the West, all led to the restoration of imperial power and the beginning of the new Japanese era.
How did the United States use to intervene until it could overthrow the Shogun system!
The United States did not directly intervene in the fall of the Shogunate. But the diplomatic and economic intervention of the United States was an important factor that led to the collapse of the Shogunate, especially in terms of opening the country and forcing Japan to contact the West.** An important event that led to the collapse of the Shogunate was the arrival of the fleet of Admiral Matthew Perry from the United States in 1853.
How the United States intervenes:
1. Forced to open the country (Gunboat Diplomacy)
– In 1853, Admiral Matthew Perry brought a fleet to Japan at Edo Bay (now Tokyo) using military force to negotiate to open Japan to trade. He brought warships with modern technology and threatened the Shogun government to use force if it refused to negotiate.
– Perry and the U.S. government want Japan to open a port to trade with the U.S. Including providing resources and accommodation for U.S. warships travelling in the Pacific region.
2. The signing of the Kanagawa Treaty (Treaty of Kanagawa, 1854)
– After Perry’s arrival in 1853 and the negotiations that followed, Japan signed the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854. This treaty forced Japan to open two ports for trade and contact with the United States for the first time after closing the country for more than 200 years.
– This treaty also opened the way for other countries such as England, Russia and France to make a similar treaty with Japan. As a result, Japan began to be economically invaded by more Western countries.
Impact:
The U.S. intervention in forcing the opening of the country had a huge impact on Japan and was an important driver of political, social and economic changes in Japan. The fact that the Shogun government was unable to cope with interference from the West caused dissatisfaction among the elite and samurai until it led to the “Meiji Restoration Revolution” in 1868, which was the restoration of the emperor’s power and led to the overthrow of the Shogun system.
The fall of the Shogun system in 1868 led to the restoration of the power of Emperor Meiji and many important changes to Japan, which had both positive and negative effects as follows:
Positive effects on Japan:
1. Economic reform and development
– After the Meiji Restoration, Japan entered the era of economic and industrial reform. Japan introduced technology and science from the West to use in the country. As a result, the Japanese economy grew rapidly. Japan developed from a country with a feudal economy to an industrial economy in just a few decades.
– Infrastructure such as the railway system, communication and education have been renovated, making Japan more modern and able to compete with the West.
2. Consolidation of power and nationalism
– The overthrow of the Shogun system and the restoration of the emperor’s power made Japan a unified country of power. Centralised rule replaced feudal rule, which allowed Japan to develop the country quickly and stably.
– The concept of nationalism and the restoration of imperial power caused the gathering of the Japanese people and helped strengthen the nation during the time when the country had to cope with pressure from the West.
3. Strengthening the army and expanding the colony
– Japan has reformed the Western army. By changing from a samurai army to a Western army, which made Japan have stronger military capabilities.
– This military strength allowed Japan to expand its influence to Asia, especially during the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).
Negative effects on Japan:
1. The loss of traditional culture and the samurai class.
– Reforms in the Meiji period led to the collapse of the samurai class, which had played an important role in Japanese society for centuries. The samurai class was reduced in power and status. and finally completely abolished
– In addition, the exposure to Western culture has caused some traditional Japanese cultures to deteriorate. The Meiji reform tried to modernise Japan in the Western style. This resulted in the abandonment of some traditional Japanese traditions and lifestyles.
2. Pressure from the West
– Although opening up and development will allow Japan to fight against Western nations equally. But in the early stages, Japan had to face economic and political pressure from Western countries through unfair treaties. Which makes Japan have to open the market and allow foreigners to influence in some parts of the Japanese economy.
In terms of total power, the Shogun is similar to the “military dictatorship leader”. Therefore, if it is considered that Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is a good person or a bad person, it depends on the historical perspective and the context that we look at the events at that time. Ieyasu is an important person in Japanese history. And there are both praised features and criticised actions
The aspect that is praised (good people):
1. Create peace and stability.
– Tokugawa Ieyasu is known as a leader who can create peace for Japan after a decades-long civil war. The establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603 gave rise to the Edo period, which was a period of peace for more than 250 years.
– Ieyasu established a strong and stable administrative system, which resulted in the prosperity of the Japanese economy and culture. The Japanese had a stable life and there was no major war in the country.
2. A smart and strategic politician.
– Tokugawa Ieyasu is praised for his political and diplomatic talent. He always uses clever political strategies to consolidate power and suppress enemies without force. In addition, he is also a thoughtful planner in maintaining relationships with various clans.
The side that is criticised (bad people):
1. Use force and violence to rule power.
– Ieyasu was a military leader who used force to control and rule Japan, especially participating and winning the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, where he used military methods to suppress the enemy and control power. In this sense, he may be seen as a violent leader to rise to power.
– His rule emphasised strict control through the Sankin-kotai system (Sankin-kotai), which forced the daimyo to take turns living in Edo to prevent rebellion.
2. Cultural and religious control
– Ieyasu issued strict regulations to control culture and religion in Japan, especially the expulsion of Christianity and the harsh suppression of Christians. Because he saw Christianity as a threat to Japan’s power and unity.
Summary:
Tokugawa Ieyasu has both characteristics that make him regarded as a leader who creates stability and develops the country. But at the same time, there are acts of violence and strict control to maintain power. Which may cause some people to see him as a ruthless leader Depending on the perspective and context of historical consideration
The Japanese in the modern era look at the Shogun system and the history of the Shogun in many aspects. Which depends on the historical perspective, culture and individual understanding In general, the opinions of the Japanese about the Shogun and the Shogun system in the modern era can be divided as follows:
1. Pride in history and culture
– Most Japanese are proud of the history of the country, especially the Edo period, which was the era when the Shogun ruled. The country was peaceful and developed in terms of culture, art and economy. This period is considered to be an era when Japan has a unique and outstanding culture.
– Entertainment media such as movies, series and television dramas in Japan often present the story of Shoguns and samurai as representatives of important history and the foundation of Japan.
2. Acceptance of the role of the Shogun in governance
– The Japanese today have a good understanding that the Shogun system helps bring political stability and peace to the country. Especially in the era when Japan faced internal war The Shogun system of government is recognised as an effective system to maintain peace.
– Although the Shogun system has been overthrown, many Japanese still see the value of managing power in this system to create political stability.
The Japanese in the modern era have an understanding of the Shogun system in terms of being an important part of history. Both in governance and culture Although this system has collapsed, it is still praised for its ability to create stability. And at the same time, there is criticism in terms of control and restriction of basic rights.
The issue of “intervention of Westerners in Asia and Africa” is often related to the view called “White Man’s Burden” (White Man’s Burden), which is caused by the belief that Westerners are more civilised. Therefore, it is necessary to intervene to “develop” or “improve” society and governance in countries that they see as not developed enough. But this view is often criticised by researchers, academics and citizens in the countries that are interfered as oppressing and destroying the culture of nations in Asia and Africa.
Academic opinions and analyses:
1. Imperialist theory
– Many scholars see the intervention of Westerners in the past as part of “imperialism” (Imperialism) in which Western nations control the economy, politics and culture in colonial countries for their own benefit. By using the excuse of wanting to bring prosperity and civilisation
– Historians like Edward Said have proposed the theory of “Orientalism”, which explains that Westerners have a superior attitude towards the East. And this intervention is caused by creating a distorted image that Asians and Africa are inferior or underdeveloped.
2. Anti-imperialistic views and demands for independence
– Many countries in Asia and Africa have been negatively affected by Western interventions, such as the collapse of traditional culture and governance, loss of local governance power, and the use of domestic resources to take advantage of Western nations.
– Thinkers like Frantz Fanon have written about the psychological and social effects of colonisation, pointing out that Western intervention does not promote development, but destroys the identity and identity of the population in the occupied country.
3. Development and creation of post-colonial society
– After the declaration of independence of many countries in Asia and Africa, some researchers believe that the legacy left by Western intervention causes inequality and economic and social stratification in these countries. Although some countries adopt Western management methods, there are still problems of inequality and internal conflicts.
– Some researchers, such as Kwame Nkrumah, the former leader of Ghana, believe that Asian and African countries must strengthen themselves without relying on Westerners by using a government and economic system that suits their own context.
Research that supports these ideas:
– The study of governance and the effects of imperialism, such as Benedict Anderson’s research on nationalism in Southeast Asia or Chinua Achebe who wrote about the effects of imperialism in Africa.
– Research by Amartya Sen, a Nobel Prize-winning economist who analysed that Western development is not the only way to bring prosperity to countries.
Westerners often see themselves as more civilised and use this belief as a reason for intervening in other countries in Asia and Africa. However, many scholars see these interventions as oppressive and destroy local culture. and have long-term negative consequences Both social, political and economic
World Order
World organisation refers to the international political process and the creation of a relationship framework that is often led by superpowers. Which tries to determine how countries should act globally Whether economically, politically or militarily World organisation is related to controlling and managing the world situation to achieve stability Conflict prevention and resource control This policy is often driven by influential countries such as the United States or Western alliances that want to create a global political and economic order framework that is consistent with their own interests.
Today’s World Order:
1. Political and economic relations
– Organising the world today is often related to economic control through international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which play a role in determining the direction of the economies of developing countries.
– In terms of politics, the United States and the West sometimes use diplomatic and military strategies to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, using the grounds that to create peace, stabilise or protect human rights. But there may be doubts that such interference has a hidden purpose to protect their own interests.
2. An example of a World Order.
– In many cases, interventions in the Middle East, such as the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and military intervention in Libya in 2011, are often referred to as efforts by Western powers to organise the politics of the region, aiming to create democracy and stability. However, these interventions often lead to instability and prolonged conflicts in those areas.
3. The use of human rights as an excuse
– Western superpowers often use human rights and democracy as a reason for intervening in the affairs of other countries in Asia and Africa, such as supporting opposition groups or economic pressure. To force those countries to change their governance or economic management in accordance with international standards, however, it is sometimes seen as a complex method of exploiting superpowers.
Is the World Order Just?
Support team:
The World Order is seen as essential for creating global stability, promoting democracy, protecting human rights, and preventing conflicts between countries. For example, the establishment of international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) represents an effort to create a world order focused on cooperation and sustainable development.
Seeing the World Order in this way is often just an excuse used by superpowers to intervene in the internal affairs of less powerful countries to protect their own interests. These interventions sometimes lead to instability and hinder the independence of the intervened country, causing destruction to local culture and economy. For example, Frantz Fanon, an African thinker, views political intervention from the West as protecting superpowers’ interests rather than helping developing countries.
The World Order is a complex concept with both positive and negative aspects. While efforts to stabilize and develop countries through global organizations may have benefits, there are concerns about superpower interventions often linked to exploitation.
Today’s World Order can be seen as an extension of the ‘White Man’s Burden’ concept, prevalent during imperialism, where Western nations justified intervening in ‘underdeveloped’ countries under the guise of societal, political, and economic improvement, often masking colonization for their own benefit.
The burden of white man in the past:
The concept of “white man’s burden” arose during imperialism, especially in Europe and the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries, where the West saw their responsibility to bring knowledge and culture to disseminate in colonial countries. These interventions are not only done to “help” but also to create economic and political benefits for colonial countries.
Today’s World Order:
In modern times, although the form of intervention has changed, some ideas from the ‘White Man’s Burden’ still persist within the framework of world organizations. The West continues to play a key role in setting global rules and standards, often through international institutions such as the United Nations (UN) or the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which are heavily influenced by superpowers. Western intervention still emphasizes human rights, democracy, and the protection of global stability.
Similarity
1. Reasoning to intervene
Like the burden of white people in the past, today’s interventions often use moral reasons such as protecting human rights or promoting democracy to intervene in other countries.
2. Economic dominance
World financial institutions such as the IMF and WTO often set conditions for developing countries to comply with the policy framework set by the superpowers, which is similar to the way the West used to control the colonies.
Difference:
Changes in the current international context, interference is not in the form of military occupation or direct colonization as in the past, but has changed to the use of political, economic and cultural influence through international diplomacy and negotiations.
Building international cooperation Despite interference But international institutions and organizations are responsible for creating a framework for international cooperation to maintain peace and stability. Which is a concept that has been developed from the imperialist era in the past
Is it right?
Intervention in the name of organizing the world is a complex issue:
Supporters believe that intervention or world order helps stabilize, protect human rights and reduce conflict, which brings peace and prosperity to developing countries.
Critics see such interference as a new form of domination and creating global injustice. Interventions sometimes cause economic and political problems in the countries being intervened, which is no different from colonization in the past.
The organization of the world today can be seen as a development from the concept of the white burden in the past. With economic and political interference and domination Even though it is not in the form of colonization like in the past
In dealing with global organization and current geopolitical challenges, countries like Thailand have developed methods and strategies to preserve their own interests while facing interference from superpowers such as the United States and China. Research and analysis indicate that Thailand and many Asian nations are facing both economic and political challenges from changes in the new world order. But there are several important management approaches:
1. Creating political neutrality
Thailand tries to maintain a position of “neutrality” (Equidistance) in relations with superpowers such as China and the United States. Although there is a choice within some issues such as technology and trade, Thailand is trying to strengthen relations with many countries so as not to be under excessive pressure from one party. Doing this reduces the risk of being an enemy of superpowers and allows international policies to be flexibly implemented.
2. Economic development and internal reform
One of the important guidelines is the development of green infrastructure and economic reform through the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Thailand has been advised to improve its internal economic policy to attract foreign investment. By focusing on the development of smart and sustainable infrastructure Including investment in modern industries such as green technology, which will help Thailand create standards in investment choices that are consistent with the interests of the country.
3. Building regional cooperation
Asian countries, including Thailand, focus on building regional economic and political cooperation, such as cooperation in the ASEAN group to strengthen and be resilient to external pressures. Increasing trade relations between countries in the same region also helps reduce dependence on Western markets and promotes self-reliance in Asia.
4. The use of experts and technologists in the government
To cope with new political and economic challenges, Thailand needs to bring more expertise from experts and technologists in the political decision-making process. Increasing the skills of personnel in the government and the use of academic data will help Thailand make better strategic decisions in the context of complex world order.
In conclusion, Thailand uses a neutral approach, internal economic reform, and building regional cooperation to effectively address global organization and challenges from superpowers.
In addition to the guidelines mentioned, there are additional adaptations and approaches that Asian countries, including Thailand, can use to cope with the current world organization:
5. Promoting local identity and culture
– Preserving traditional identity and culture is an important part of dealing with the influence of world organization. Thailand and many Asian countries choose Soft Power to promote culture such as food, tradition and tourism to show cultural identity and influence on the world stage. Maintaining a strong identity reduces dependence on Western culture and strengthens internally.
6. Education reform and innovation development
– Improving the education system so that Thai youth have the ability in technology and innovation is necessary to cope with global changes. The ability to develop technology and innovation helps Thailand compete on the world stage and adapt to economic and political changes effectively.
– In addition, creating cooperation with educational institutions and research internationally will increase the opportunity to develop Thailand’s scientific and technological potential to support the reorganization of the world.
7. Development of food security and energy
– In a situation where global organization affects access to resources, Thailand has focused on developing food security and energy in the country. By developing policies that support the production of clean energy and food for domestic consumption to reduce dependence on foreign resources.
– Food and energy security also helps reduce the risk of instability in the global market and reduce pressure from economic superpowers.
These adaptations are complementary approaches that will help Thailand cope with the challenges arising from organising the world in the modern era sustainably.
Did you know that during the reign of King Rama V of Thailand, an era that Thai people are proud of, the country faced a similar fate to Japan’s Shogun era and other third-world countries, being viewed as barbaric and in need of reorganization? However, King Rama V successfully resisted Western colonization, allowing Thailand to remain uncolonized. His strategies, such as developing the country, maintaining neutrality, and building alliances, helped Thailand survive during this challenging period.
1. National development and reform
– King Rama V realised the need to modernise the country to prevent Siam from being dominated by the West. He carried out many aspects of reform of the country, such as bureaucratic reform, education, economy and infrastructure, especially the construction of railways and the improvement of infrastructure, which allowed Siam to have the potential to compete with the surrounding Western colonies.
– Education reform by sending royal sons and elites to study abroad as part of the national development plan, which helps Siam have new knowledge and skills to develop the country to have scientific and technological progress internationally.
2. Maintaining neutrality
– King Rama V chose to use the approach. Political neutrality in conducting relations with Western powers such as England and France, which are colonising this region. He did not participate in any particular party, but tried to maintain a balance in trade and diplomatic agreements with both sides to avoid conflict.
– The use of negotiations with the superpowers through various treaties to maintain the independence of Siam while giving up some areas such as Laos and Cambodia to France, including allowing France and England to play a limited commercial and economic role in the country.
3. Building political and diplomatic alliances
– King Rama V built political and diplomatic alliances with many European countries, especially sending his son to study in Europe. And he himself travelled to Europe many times, such as in 1897 and 1907, to meet with Western leaders such as King Edward VII of England and Tsar Nicholas II** of Russia. Building good relations between Siam and the European powers helped Siam not to be attacked or occupied easily.
– He used Siamese ambassadors to negotiate agreements and make treaties with the West effectively to maintain sovereignty and reduce the risk of colonisation.
His Majesty King Chulalongkorn used a proactive strategy to adapt and develop the country to cope with colonisation by using methods that focus on national development, maintaining neutrality and building alliances, which is similar to the approach that current countries such as Thailand use to deal with world organisation.
In Asia, there are few countries that can survive Western colonisation during colonisation. These countries often use diplomatic methods, adaptation, or geographical situations to maintain their own sovereignty. Important countries include:
1. Thailand (Siam)
– Siam is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonised by the West. The main reason is that King Rama V used diplomatic strategies. Maintain neutrality between England and France by giving up some territories to maintain the country’s independence.
– Modernising the country and establishing good diplomatic relations with European powers plays an important role in maintaining independence.
2. Japan
– Japan is a country that has never been colonised by the West. Although Japan was forced to open its country to foreigners in the mid-19th century after the arrival of the United States Navy (led by Matthew Perry), Japan was able to adapt and reform itself quickly in the Meiji era, making it a great power that could compete with Western nations.
– Later, Japan itself became a kingdom with expanded colonies in Asia.
3. Nepal
– Nepal was able to maintain its independence despite its complicated relationship with the British Empire. Nepal made a treaty with England, which recognised Nepal’s independence. But Nepal had to give in some areas and had a close relationship with the British Empire. However, Nepal was not ruled directly by Britain.
– The strength of the Gurkha army (Gurkha) and the willingness to cooperate militarily with the British were important factors that prevented Nepal from being occupied.
It may be briefly summarised that “Nepal survived because of the geography that is difficult for you to hit and occupy.”
4. Afghanistan
– Afghanistan is another country that has never been colonised. Although there were many attempts from the British Empire to take control of the country. But with the difficult terrain and the strength of the local tribes Causing Afghanistan to maintain its independence Despite many Anglo-Afghan wars in the 19th century
5. Korea
– Although Korea used to fall under the influence of the Chinese Empire. But during the 19th century, Korea became the target of power struggle between China, Japan and Russia. Finally, Korea fell under Japanese rule in 1910.
In conclusion, Korea is not a Western colony. Because it is already a Japanese city Which Japan is independent, not a Western colony
Although these countries survived colonisation, many faced constant political and diplomatic challenges in maintaining independence.
Therefore, it can be said that King Rama V was a forward-thinking leader. His approach to dealing with the efforts to organize the world in ancient times, often referred to as the White Man’s Burden, mirrors the strategies that modern scholars study and apply to cope with the World Order in the contemporary era.
In addition, Thailand should revisit the work and strategies of King Rama V as a model for addressing the current global order. The problems facing the country today stem from the Western nations’ continuous efforts to establish a World Order. By following the actions of King Rama V, the current political turmoil could be more easily resolved or unexpectedly calmed.
