Successes and Limitations of Asean Essay Example
Successes and Limitations of Asean Essay Example

Successes and Limitations of Asean Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
View Entire Sample
Text preview

Counter-Terrorism Asean realized how devastating terrorism can be to the region after the Bali Bombings in 2002. Several hundred people were killed in that incident and made Asean realize how real the threat of terrorism is. Such events pose a direct threat to the peace and security of the South East Asian region, and could also impede economic development in several Asean countries as a result. This is due to the fact that many Asean countries' economies rely heavily on tourism, with an example being Singapore. If South-East Asia is portrayed as being vulnerable to terrorist threats, the tourism industry in the region's countries are undoubtedly going to be hit hard. As a result, Asean moved to counter the threat by promoting regional and multilateral security cooperation. Asean took major steps in the fght against terrorism by taking concrete regional measures and expanding its

...

cooperation with other countries.

In July 2003, the Southeast Asian Counter Terrorism Centre was founded in Malaysia. The centre was tasked to disseminate intelligence in the region nd to provide training for professionals in border controls and counter terrorism. Other than the support Asean received from its member countries, help was also given by the international community. In 2003, Asean hosted the Intersessional Meeting on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (ISMCT-TC) with many international superpowers, to share information and discuss anti-terrorism measures. As a result of Asean efforts to counter the threat of terrorists, nearly 200 members of the Jemaah Islamiya 01) were successfully detained in a number of Asean countries as of 2001.

These arrests have decreased JI'S ability to pose a threat by decreasing the number of members.With these measures, Asean

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

successfully controlled and strived to lower the threat that terrorism can cause to Asean countries. Another success in terms of education is the introduction of Association of SEA Institutions of Higher learning (ASAIHL). This aims to strengthen higher learning institution (teaching, research, public service), with the intention of cultivating sense of regional identity and interdependence.

Providing regular opportunities for the discussion of academic development and general university development and assists member institutions in the recruitment and placement of faculty and staff.An exchange of professors and students and in the development of co-operative arrangements on specific projects provides advisory services of consultants.

This further strengthens the relationship with regional and international bodies and keeps member institutions informed about developments in the region. Recognizes nd acknowledges distinctive achievements among Southeast Asian institutions of higher education. This increases interaction among people from different Asean countries to understand one another's culture better and also sharing of knowl benefits both countries.However, Asean has failed to handle complex economic difficulties. The Asian financial crisis began in May 1997 when, following a prolonged investment boom in East and Southeast Asia, currency speculators began selling the Thai bhat and other local currencies.

In response to the rapid devaluation, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia each floated their respective currencies on the international market. Nevertheless, economic catastrophe struck the region as stock markets declined and debt rose dramatically.This incident exposed their inability to handle economic difficulties, undermining its image as the source of Southeast Asia's strength. Secondly, on the Policy of non-intervention/interference: the policy of non-interference in domestic matters of Asean countries was created to guide the behaviour of member countries, as well as to respect the sovereignty of

the countries. Even though the policy of non-interference could have arguably helped in protecting the region's peace and security, there are flaws in the policy.

This policy prevents countries from speaking out publicly about another member country's domestic issues even if that country is involved in controversial issues. One example would be how Asean countries refrained from speaking out about Myanmar, even though it clearly violated human rights during the military crackdown on peaceful protesters. Asean is also accused of being too lenient regarding the issue of human rights and emocracy in Myanmar due to the lack of action taken.

Despite concerns from around the world of Myanmar's human rights violation, Asean refused to suspend Myanmar as a member of it and rejected the proposal of sanctions for Myanmar. This lack of decisive action has attracted much criticism, with the most potent one claiming that Asean does not back up its talk with actions, and that Asean is of not much use if it does not take action when required.

In conclusion, Asean has not been very successful.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New