Abstract
This chapter looks at the Kingdom of Siam and its relations to the French Kingdom under Louis XIV in the seventeenth century. Despite the geographic distance, these relations were characterised by an increasing intensity as well as by the unmistakable fascination which the French had for Siam. In 1688, however, these relations ended abruptly and were halted for most of the following 150 years. By means of contemporary sources such as the Histoire naturelle et politique du royaume de Siam by Nicolas Gervaise (1688), the chapter analyses both the processes of these unique diplomatic and cultural relations as well as the reasons for their failure. It discusses how differences in culturally conditioned expectations, processes of intercultural communications as well as power politics had a decisive influence on the abrupt breaking off of the relations. In arguing that even failed relations offer a basis for the production of knowledge and intercultural transfer, Lüsebrink offers a reading of this episode in French-Siamese history that works against a teleological or colonial understanding of failure and success in intercultural relations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.