ASEAN and security in Southeast Asia

Abstract

The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in Bangkok in 1967, by the five founding governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Its sixth member, Brunei Darussalam, joined the Association in 1984, shortly after its independence. ASEAN stresses its objective in promoting economic growth through regional cooperation, but the facts speak for only modest achievements in this area. On the other hand, ASEAN is known for its political diplomatic achievement, culminating during the Kampuchean conflict established by members as a framework to contain regional disputes, the Association sought an active role in shaping regional order and stability. Despite its lack of a military-security role, ASEAN has been able to coordinate their regional policies with relative harmony and to some political effect. This thesis examines ASEAN's involvement in the Southeast Asian security issues, from its establishment to present day. The issues cover ASEAN's internal and external relations, challenges and opportunities faced by ASEAN in the post-cold war era are also discussed.