Security Co‑operation in ASEAN

Abstract

Ever since Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed in 1967, questions of security have become an ever increasing issue, despite rhetoric to contrary. ASEAN was set up primarily to promote co-operation among members in socio-economic field. However, ASEAN leaders, then and now, have been tacitly preoccupied with security issues. One can argue that security co-operation has been far more successful than in economic matters. The fact that ASEAN could galvanize support of majority at United Nations over Kampuchean issue is indicative of importance of role of secu rity in ASEAN. The concept of Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN), although Utopian in nature, is yet another example where notions of security have proved to be significant. At present, proposal for setting up of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) in Southeast Asia sits high on ASEAN agenda. As we approach end of this decade, there is every indication that security issues will continue to play very significant role in ASEAN. It has been said that security is one element that could either unite ASEAN or lead to breaking up of this regional organization. There are many challenges to ASEAN security co operation and it is these elements that this paper will primarily focus upon. Let us first define some key concepts. The word * 'security'' has wide range of meanings and connotations, far more encompassing than term defence. It is defined by one scholar as, the protection and preservation of minimum core values of any nation: political independence and territorial integrity.1 There are various levels of security, ranging from individual and national security to international and regional security. In context of ASEAN, both national and regional security are of paramount importance. However, there is no doubt that national security is far more important than regional, although latter could well contribute to preservation of former and vice versa. Co-operation can generally be defined as, a joint or collaborative behaviour that is directed toward some goal in which there is common interest or hope of reward.2 The goal here is, in present context, attainment of security of states concerned. The other key factors are, firstly, common interest and, secondly, hope of reward. As we will later discover, there is no real consensus among ASEAN states on these two pertinent elements of co-operation. What then do we really mean when we talk of ASEAN security co-operation? It is important to remember at outset that ASEAN was and still is socio