Reasons for Formation of ASEAN Flashcards
Explain how the global and regional developments culminated in a common fear of Communist influence which led to the formation of ASEAN
By 1967: impending communist victory in VNM coupled with impending British and US withdrawal → heightened awareness of threats to regional security
Sino-Soviet Rivalry: Fears of SEA turning into an area of competition for external superpowers
Official purpose of ASEAN appears to be focused on economic and social cooperation BUT circumstantial evidence strongly suggests that security motivations were more pertinent/predominant (ASEAN leaders, notably Rajaratnam would subsequently attest at the end of CW to the importance of fears of Communist expansionism in motivating the formation of ASEAN) → founding members were all anti-communist bound together by fear of an aggressive North Vietnam and perceived threat from China
Explain why Singapore supported the formation of ASEAN?
Domestic Communist Challenges
The PAP Government was affected by the spectre of pro-communist leftist challenge by the Barisan Socialis in 1960-61, and her dependence on the export economy was distinct from her neighbours’ focus on domestic protectionism in the 60s.
Focus on Economic Development
She was focused on domestic ED as a focal point of unity in the early period of independence → Rajaratnam’s appeal for domestic economic cooperation
Security Interests
SG as a small nation state → security and stability essential for her survival
Explain why Thailand supported the formation of ASEAN?
Domestic Communist Challenge: increasing challenge to military rule led by Communist Party of Thailand → communist influence had spread through the country
Fear of Communism compounded - THL as a frontline state to Vietnam
Explain why Malaysia supported the formation of ASEAN?
Sought Indonesia and Philippines’ acknowledgement of national borders → joining ASEAN would secure that acknowledgement
UK announcement to withdraw from MY → security interests
Explain why Indonesia and the Philippines supported the formation of ASEAN?
Change in Indonesian and Philippine Leadership
Indonesia: Suharto’s ‘New Order’ → pragmatic emphasis on friendly foreign relations and ED in Indonesia → pursued reconciliation of ties and ended hostile foreign policy → end of Konfrontasi in Aug 1966
Philippines: Marcos replaced Macapagal → pragmatic emphasis on friendly foreign relations and ED → official recognition of Malaysia in June 1966 and resumption of bilateral ties
Changes in leadership → improved diplomatic relationships among countries → created more conducive conditions of interstate cooperation to make ASEAN possible
Explain how the desire for regional solidarity and cooperation for economic development led to the formation of ASEAN?
Promoted active collaboration and regional cooperation on matters of common interest to strengthen foundation for prosperity and peace in SEA → organisation left open to any SEA state that accepted ASEAN aims and purposes
ASEAN’s official goal was to promote regional cooperation contributing towards peace, progress and prosperity while determined to ensure stability free from external interference
Reference to regional security deliberately muted to dispel notion of ASEAN as a defence pact or military alliance → prevent antagonisation of superpowers (especially USSR and China)
Explain how the regional geopolitical context led to the formation of ASEAN?
Transformation of regional environment due to fears of communism following Western withdrawal
Countries hoped ASEAN as a regional organisation could provide collective clout against, and reduce over-reliance on Western powers
Domestic communist insurgencies and impending withdrawal of the West
SEATO taught SEA countries that it was dangerous to hitch their economic and security needs on foreign powers who may cut loose at any moment their obligations with lesser and distant allies when their national interests change
