International Actors in Cambodian Labor Politics

Jinyoung Park

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study explores new dynamics in industrial relations (IR) in the globalization era. Globalization has created a favorable environment for international actors to become engaged in national IR systems. To analyze the institutionalizing process of the IR system under the influence of international actors and its impacts and implications, I devise a theoretical frame of institutional implantation by developing Evans' concept of ‘institutional monocropping.‘ I study Cambodia, a newly industrializing country under the strong influence of globalization. Drawing on data from intensive fieldwork, I argue that the Cambodian IR system has been designed based on the experiences of international actors, specifically the US government and the International Labour Organization (ILO), to serve their own interests. I suggest that these implanted institutions have brought shortterm gains to Cambodia's unions but may hamper their long-term potential by influencing unions’ strategies and behaviors, relying on international support, and focusing on economic issues in the workplace.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)179-201
Number of pages23
JournalJournal of Asian Sociology
Volume50
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Social Sciences

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