The Soviet Union in Southeast Asia: National Perspectives from the Region*

Abstract

It is often tempting to describe Soviet-Southeast Asian relations as if a single view exists. Equally prevalent is the belief that the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries are unanimous in opposing expansionism in the region. While this statement may be true in general terms, differences in nuances and, at times, genuine clashes of interest drastically alter this basic scenario. This paper aims to analyse the ASEAN member states' perspectives on involve ment in the region, especially in terms of how they perceive the Soviet threat''. As for the views of the Indochinese states, especially Vietnam, and Burma, it is only possible to make educated guesses because relatively little is known about the goals and perceptions of their leaders. But whenever the term Southeast Asia appears in the paper, it refers to all regional countries except when specific reference is made.