Abstract

Do elements of globalization, such as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), negatively affect the ability of countries in the Global South to preserve their culture? This research aims to answer this question by employing a cross-sectional comparative case study analysis utilizing methods of difference. Thailand and Cambodia are compared as they are in the same region and have a similar culture. The metric of difference between Thailand and Cambodia is their ability to preserve their culture. This ability is operationalized by their respective attitudes towards FDI; Thailand imposes stringent regulations and limitations on FDI while Cambodia does not hesitate to accept most FDI and imposes fewer limitations. The evidence from this study suggests that FDI from globally influential countries with high gross domestic products (GDPs) (e.g. China, U.S.) challenges the ability of countries with lower GDPs (e.g. Cambodia) to protect their culture. Furthermore, the ability, or lack thereof, of the receiving countries to protect their culture is amplified by the existence and implementation of restrictive FDI policies imposed by their governments.

Advisor

Krain, Matthew

Department

Global and International Studies

Disciplines

Asian Studies | Economics | Environmental Studies | Growth and Development | International Relations | Political Economy | Political Science | Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies | Social Justice | Sociology of Culture

Keywords

Globalization, Foreign Direct Investment, Preservation of Culture, Homogenization of Culture, Uneven Global Interdependence, Global South, Thailand, Cambodia, Foreign Policy, Environment, Land Concessions, China

Publication Date

2024

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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