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Government E-1275: Nov. 20, 2007 Southeast Asia and the “War on Terror”

Government E-1275: Nov. 20, 2007 Southeast Asia and the “War on Terror”. What was distinctive about the origins and development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)? What explains ASEAN’s contemporary institution-building efforts in the Asia-Pacific region?

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Government E-1275: Nov. 20, 2007 Southeast Asia and the “War on Terror”

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  1. Government E-1275: Nov. 20, 2007Southeast Asia and the “War on Terror” • What was distinctive about the origins and development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)? • What explains ASEAN’s contemporary institution-building efforts in the Asia-Pacific region? • Is the U.S. fighting the wrong “war on terror” in Southeast Asia?

  2. Origins of the ASEAN • Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO, 1954-77): • Formation led by U.S. (esp. Sec. State J.F. Dulles). • Members: U.S., B, F, AU, NZ, Thai., Phil., Pakistan. • Contrast: NATO’s Art. V and SEATO’s Art. IV. • ASEAN: • Original members (est. 1967): Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand. • Domestic politics: authoritarian states. • Commitment to: political order, economic growth, regional anti-communist solidarity.

  3. Origins of the ASEAN (cont.) • U.S. escalation of war in Vietnam (1965-); communist insurgencies. • Indonesia’s Konfrontasi against Malaysia (est. 1963): incorporation of Sabah and Sarawak (in Borneo). • Sukarno’s overthrow and Suharto’s New Order (1965-67). • Bangkok Declaration (1967): • “To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development…” • “To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law…” • “To promote active collaboration… on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields…” • “To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilization of their agriculture and industries…”

  4. The “ASEAN Way” (Acharya) • Non-interference in member states’ internal affairs: • Mutual respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity. • Relevant for political repression & human rights. • Consensus, not majoritarian decision-making: • A political minority has a strong voice. • Abstract principles: “lowest common denominator.” • Decisions: Non-binding, voluntary compliance. • Weak monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. • Peaceful resolution of disputes. • Renunciation of use of force; promotion of cooperation. • Contrast with EU’s development: • Legalistic, rule-based, binding decisions based on qualified majority voting.

  5. Contemporary Developments in ASEAN • Contemporary developments: • 10 members; Population: 500 million+. • Brunei (’84), Vietnam (’95), Laos (’97), Myanmar (’97), Cambodia (’99). • Over 300 meetings/year; politics & security; economic integration, social development etc. • Institution-building as a solution to post-Cold War strategic uncertainties (Khong). • U.S.: military presence seen as (generally) benevolent & stabilizing; Nye Report(’95); democratic identity. • Japan: economic & diplomatic power; support for gradual rise in international role. • China: elite consensus over engagement; responsible power. • ASEAN: information & lower transaction costs for members; nascent common identity (?); relevance & clout.

  6. Contemporary Developments (cont.):ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF, 1994~) • Membership (26). • Origins of ARF: • Concerns about U.S. strategic commitment in Asia: Subic Naval Airbase & Clark Airfield in ’92; troop levels. • Concerns about China: territorial disputes in South China Sea (discussion began in 1995-97); Declaration of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (’02). • “Verbal cheating” could be costly (Khong, pp. 199-200). • Interpretation of ARF: • Not much impact on Taiwan, Korea, Kashmir. • Meeting b/w U.S. Sec. State Albright & DPRK Foreign Min., Paek Nam Sun (’00); Powell & Paek (’02). • Vientiane meeting (July ’05).

  7. Contemporary Developments (cont.) • ASEAN’s approach to Myanmar: • Dec. ’05 ASEAN Summit. • Blocked Myanmar from chairing ASEAN in ’06. • Thailand: drug smuggling, Thai-Myanmar border, refugees, hijackings. • Democratization in Indonesia & the Philippines. • Economic interests: Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore. • U.S. and EU’s pressure toward ASEAN: ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting). • New ASEAN Charter (signed, 40th anniversary summit).

  8. Local & Transnational Tenets of Terrorist Groups in Southeast Asia (Gershman) • Jemaah Islamiah (“Islamic Community”): • Goal: Creation of an Islamic state. • Bali bombing (Oct. ’02, ‘05); Marriot in Jakarta (Aug. ’03); Australian Emb. (Sept. ’04). • Kumpulan Mujahideen Malaysia (KMM). • Separatist, secessionist movements: • Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Mindanao, Phil.); Free Aceh Movement (Aceh province, Indonesia). • Paramilitary groups: • Abu Sayyaf (Phil.); Laskar Jihad (Indonesia). • Discussion: Gershman’s critiques of U.S. policies.

  9. U.S.-Southeast Asia relations after 9/11 (Capie) • Wars ag. Afghanistan & Iraq: • Anti-Americanism. • Pragmatic cooperation with the U.S. is possible. • Indonesia: • Counter-terrorism assistance (police, terrorist financing, money laundering); resurrection of military ties. • Malaysia: • U.S. military aircraft overflights; exchange of military & intelligence officials. • The Philippines: • Military assistance ($100 million); trade credits, tariff reduction, debt write-offs. • $78 million (training & equipment of F troops). • 1,200 U.S. troops sent to southern Philippines to fight ag. Abu Sayyaf.

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