Malaysia and Lebanon, 1963-2009: Small state bilateral relations / Ilango Karuppannan

Ilango , Karuppannan (2018) Malaysia and Lebanon, 1963-2009: Small state bilateral relations / Ilango Karuppannan. PhD thesis, University of Malaya.

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      Abstract

      Studies of the foreign policy behaviour of states have largely neglected the aspect of diplomatic relations between small states. This research attempts to address this gap by examining Malaysia’s bilateral relations with Lebanon, two small, if dissimilar states. This study examines the previously inaccessible diplomatic cables, reports, memoranda, third person notes and other official records of the ministry of foreign affairs of Malaysia, as well as secondary sources and first-hand views of relevant individuals, to construct a compelling account of the development of this relationship from 1963 to 2009. This study revealed critical junctures that cannot be easily explained. A more complete explanation was only possible by taking onto account the influence of a third state on the systemic environment which this thesis has coined as the Third State Effect. The third states investigated in this bilateral relationship are Indonesia and Israel. Diplomatic relations with Lebanon was essential for Malaysia to gain a diplomatic presence in the Middle East to neutralise the campaign of isolation against her mounted by Indonesia and her allies as part of the Konfrontasi. Subsequently, Israel served as the main driver of bilateral relations which in turn served to satisfy other domestic needs. The research makes a significant contribution towards building a corpus of knowledge of Malaysia’s relations with the Middle East. As Lebanon is considered by the Arab states as the geo-strategic front of the Middle East conflict, this study could also shed light into Malaysia’s relations with the other Arab states.

      Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
      Additional Information: Thesis (PhD) – Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya, 2018.
      Uncontrolled Keywords: Malaysia-Lebanon; Malaysia-Israel; Malaysia-Indonesia; Small state relations; Confrontation
      Subjects: C Auxiliary Sciences of History > C Auxiliary sciences of history (General)
      C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CD Diplomatics. Archives. Seals
      Divisions: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
      Depositing User: Mr Mohd Safri Tahir
      Date Deposited: 17 Jun 2019 06:53
      Last Modified: 17 Feb 2021 04:20
      URI: http://studentsrepo.um.edu.my/id/eprint/9043

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