Abstract
This article examines the implications of domestic political changes in the post-1997 era for ASEAN's regional cooperation and institutionalization. The conceptual framework traces regional relations to the makeup and grand strategies of domestic coalitions (internationalizing, hybrid, backlash). Had some predictions in the immediate aftermath of the crisis been fulfilled, the advent of domestic backlash coalitions would have portended lower levels of regional cooperation. Alternatively, in the absence of changes in the fundamental nature of most ruling coalitions after the crisis, ASEAN's cooperative thrust was expected to be maintained. The article explores the extent to which ASEAN's activities in the post-crisis era supports either of these two propositions. It finds that a shock of major proportions in Southeast Asia led to some immediate challenges to bilateral relations. At the same time, the aftermath of the crisis led to considerable multilateral and bilateral cooperation on economic issues, expansion, intervention, and security. Furthermore, cooperation may have indeed improved despite subsequent crises, including 9/11 and its aftermath. Yet no linear progression or irrevocable process towards internationalization or regional cooperation can be assumed. Alternative coalitions, and their potential for changing regional trajectories, must be reckoned with.
Highlights
Following a history of deadly conflicts and heightened tension, inter-state conflict in Southeast Asia (SEA) has declined significantly in recent decades
I first sketch out a basic conceptual framework linking domestic political economy and security, tracing a given regional order to the makeup and grand strategies of domestic coalitions
What is the impact of internationalization on the domestic politics of states? How do differences in domestic politics influence the regional behavior of states? And how does this behavior by individual states, as well as in the aggregate, shape a certain regional order? Each of these questions has gained renewed attention in the international relations literature in recent years
Summary
Following a history of deadly conflicts and heightened tension, inter-state conflict in Southeast Asia (SEA) has declined significantly in recent decades. Notwithstanding issues such as the Spratly Islands and lingering economic, ethnic, religious, and territorial cleavages, war has been avoided. I outline certain expectations regarding ASEAN’s behavior that stem from this theoretical framework. These expectations relate to the cooperative or conflictual nature of regional relations and not to ASEAN’s ‘effectiveness’, an attribute not directly addressed by the conceptual framework used here.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
