Historical Treaties of Southeast Asia

A research program in global diplomatic history

Historical Treaties of Southeast Asia is a collaborative research program in Global Diplomatic History financed by the Swedish Research Council and running from 2022 until the end of 2027.

A team of seven researchers based in Europe and Southeast Asia investigate the role of treaties and treaty-making in the imperial expansion and colonisation of Southeast Asia from the eighteenth to the early and twentieth century.

The researchers systematically analyse all bilateral treaties concluded between a European, American or Japanese imperial power and a Southeast Asian polity between the eighteenth and early twentieth century. In addition, a selected number of diplomatic treaty-making processes are studied in detail. In doing so, the project aims to bring about a new and more nuanced understanding modern imperialism of relevance not only to Southeast Asia but globally.

Presentation of the Historical Treaties of Southeast Asia Database

All Dates

2025-09-11 14:30 - 16:30

Project Member Ariel Lopez Featured in New Historical Documentary

Project member Ariel Lopez appears in a new documentary

Treaties and Origins of the Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute

Ever since Cambodia became independent in 1953, its border with Thailand has been contested, the ancient Hindu temple Preah Vihear (or Phra Wihan in Thai) being a particular source of discord. To understand the present conflict, it is necessary to look at two treaties concluded in 1904 and 1907.