The great powers have displayed both diplomatic manoeuvring and ambivalence in responding to a longstanding conflict between smaller states. Of late, competing priorities elsewhere among great powers are the main reason. However, great powers can only stretch so far as they have domestic constraints. More importantly, any escalation would force the great powers to make choices they would rather avoid. Small states, intentionally or not, can expose the limits of the great powers' influence.

Source: Bangkok Post December 23, 2025 00:21 UTC