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ASEAN a success story of integration
There was much pessimism about ASEAN for many reasons.
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If ASEAN fails to maintain unity and diversity, Southeast Asia could become another proxy ground for major powers. (Shutterstock/File)
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o one believed that ASEAN would survive after 50 years. There was much pessimism about ASEAN for many reasons. Almost every member country has its story of conflicts with one another. This is a region of diversity: There are differences in economic progress, political systems, ideology, culture, geographical size and religions.
Some even predicted that because of its diversity, Southeast Asia would become the “Balkans of Asia.” This prediction has not materialized. Instead, ASEAN has become an engine of peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
The question is: What makes this positive story possible?
First, ASEAN has its own way of thinking or, as we like to call it, the ASEAN way. ASEAN has adopted a habit of dialogue, consensus, inclusivity, informality, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of one another, peaceful settlement of disputes and the non-use of force.
Many quarters criticized that the ASEAN way was not progressive. This might be right, but what is the benefit of being very progressive if it will only end up with fractions, conflicts and war?
Second, from the ASEAN way, ASEAN was able to develop institutions that emphasize the maintenance of peace, security and stability, such as the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN), the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), the ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Community.
ASEAN always tries to avoid the use of megaphone diplomacy. We also avoid the use of a “sanction approach.” We believe in dialogue and diplomacy.
