Precursors To ASEAN

Question 1

8 Sept 1954 (-1977)

Answer 1

Southeast Asian Treaty Organisation (SEATO)

Cold War Context of the 1950s: Anti-Communist security organisation formed by the US and many anti-Communist politicians in the region anxious about the spread of Communism
Only two SEATO members, the Philippines and Thailand were from SEA

Failure:
Aroused intense suspicion among communist and non-communist countries: “Club of White Colonial Powers”
SEATO seen as a foreign-dominated organisation led by Western colonial powers
Indonesia (non-aligned): denounced SEATO as an uncalled-for intrusion of Cold War interests into SEA

Significance:
For an effective regional organisation, members should be of close proximity to one another and have common interests to facilitate cooperation
Regional organisations should be locally initiated and not externally inspired to avoid alienation of non-aligned states and perception of foreign-domination

Question 2

31 July 1961 (-1967)

Answer 2

Association of Southeast Asia (ASA)

Established by Thailand, Malaya and the Philippines, emphasising the need for economic progress to secure political stability and independence
“Asian solution to Asian problems” principle

Failure:
All three members were militarily aligned with the US; causing Indonesia’s refusal to join to remain non-aligned

Significance:
First Regional Organisation created on the initiative of SEA nations catering to SEA needs
Short-lived nature highlighted that a new regional organisation could not risk the exclusion of Indonesia, the largest nation in the region, or its effectiveness would be handicapped

Question 3

31 July 1963 (-16 September 1963)

Answer 3

Maphilindo

Malaya, the Philippines and Indonesia (Ma-Phil-Indo)
Diplomatic device created to resolve conflicts, in particular those surrounding the proposal of the Malaysian Federation

Failure:
Formation of Malaysian Federation led to worsened relations among SEA states:
Philippines laid claim to Sabah, refusing recognition of the Federation
Indonesia denounced the federation and launched a guerilla war - Konfrontasi against Malaysia
Philippines and Indonesia cut diplomatic relations with Malaysia

Question 4

1966 (-1973)

Answer 4

Asian and Pacific Council (ASPAC)
Initiative of South Korean President Park Chung Hee
Openly anti-communist, strived to “preserve integrity and sovereignty in the face of external threats”

Failure:
Only Four SEA states (Malaya, Philippines, South Vietnam and Thailand) became members
Indonesia refused to join (non-aligned stance)
Imminent victory of Communists in Vietnam and noncommunist nations’ resumption of relations with China led to dissolution of organisation in 1973