Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: When does coercion lead to long-term success, rather than only short-term benefits? A survey of the major works on coercion reveals that authors do not agree when coercion is successful. Alexander George and Robert Art have argued that coercion (or coercive diplomacy) is attractive to policy makers because it offers an alternative to war. Yet, how can coercion be viewed as an alternative to war, when there is no agreement on when it is successful? The 1961-62 Laos Crisis has been held up both as a textbook example of successful coercion, or a foreign policy disaster. This paper examines the Laos Crisis to see why in some cases do the benefits of coercion seem to be short-lived. Three hypotheses are tested: (1) the better the knowledge a coercer has of the political situation in the target state, the more likely the coercive strategy will lead to favorable outcomes; (2) the greater the relative power differential, the easier it is for the coercer to be magnanimous; and (3) the greater the difference in political commitment, the easier it is for the winner to be generous.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: When is coercion successful? Coercion is the use of threats to influence the behavior of others, but coercion theorists do not agree on when coercion is successful. Many look at identical cases and come to contrasting conclusions. Two reasons for this disagreement seem to come from two shortcomings in the coercion literature: (1) a disagreement on what coercion is; and (2) a tendency to divorce coercive strategies from foreign policy goals. The 1961-62 Laos Crisis presents an interesting case because there is controversy over whether it is a success for coercion, or a failure. Why does this controversy exist? What does the Kennedy administration's handling of the Laos Crisis have to say about achieving positive long-term goals in coercion?

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Laos PDR is one of the poorest countries in the Southeast Asian region with a GDP per capita of only US$500, and two-third of its 6 million population living on less than US$2 per day. In order to promote its economy, the Government of Laos introduced a new economic industrial policy called the New Economic Mechanism in 1986. Since then, its economy has transformed from a centrally planned to a market oriented economy. In addition, its industrial sector has grown steadily especially the garment industry, which currently holds the largest export share.

This study focuses on the garment industry and examines how its skills development is carried out. The study was conducted in Vientiane, Capital City of Laos, PDR, and interviews were conducted to government officers, specialists in development organizations such as UNIDO and JICA, and managers in 21 local garment factories.

The study found that the garment industry has the potential to promote Laos’ economic growth; however, the sector does not receive much support from the government. The skills development is primarily conducted by each garment factory and there are issues of shortage of skilled workers and low repetition of workers.

Publication Type: Traditional Presentation
Abstract: The Wildlife Conservation Society collaborates with the Lao national radio outreach team to educate and entertain rural and urban Lao people about threats facing the country’s internationally significant biodiversity. Evaluations reveal that rural people are interested in the weekly radio programs highlighting the importance of natural resources.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper rather unconventionally looks to Jesus and Lao Tzu for insight into the philosophy of language. By using the Bible and the Tao Te Ching, a perspective on the use of words established. Passages pertaining to language are selected, and they are analyzed individually in terms of their philosophical implications. Then these analyses are synthesized into the linguistic philosophy each may have had. The teaching of Jesus seems to include a philosophy of plain language and the use of words as spiritual tools, while Lao Tzu points to the limits of language and encourages linguistic passivity.