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

1. What was distinctive about the origins and development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)?

2. What explains ASEAN’s contemporary institution-building efforts in the Asia-Pacific region?

3. Is the U.S. fighting the wrong “war on terror” in Southeast Asia?

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.

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…”

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.