Grigoryan Hayk

Mechanisms and Practices of Foreign Lobbying in the Energy Sector of Southeast Asia

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2025, №4(69), 48-66

 
Annotation: The article examines the mechanisms and practices of foreign lobbying in the energy sector of Southeast Asian countries, where growing energy demand intersects with the strengthening of “resource nationalism.” Drawing on the institutional approach and the concept of resource nationalism, the study analyzes a broad range of external influence tools — from participation in industry associations, expert councils, and public–private partnerships (PPPs) to informal channels, including personal networks, the “revolving door” phenomenon, and political campaign financing. In a comparative perspective, three models of lobbying are identified: the American (institutionalization and market reforms, private capital support, promotion of ESG agenda), the Chinese (tied loans, infrastructure expansion, technological standardization, and soft power), and the French (niche high-tech projects and “green diplomacy”). Using case studies of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos, the article demonstrates that the effectiveness of foreign lobbying depends on the institutional configuration of states, the degree of political centralization, and the strength of civil society.

Keywords: energy policy, Southeast Asia, China, USA, France, lobbying, resource nationalism, energy security, international competition