ASEAN
In 1967 Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines established the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a non-provocative manifestation of solidarity against communist expansion in Vietnam and insurgency within their own borders. The following countries joined ASEAN later on: Brunei (1984), Vietnam (1995), Laos and Myanmar (1997), and Cambodia (2000).
Against the backdrop of regional instability with its concomitant self-defeating conflicts, the participating nations wanted to form a framework for regional order, whereby non-interference was the credo. Although that security was not formally placed on the agenda until 1992, ASEAN was predominantly successful in the politico-military field.
The founding Bangkok Declaration stated that the ASEAN's priority was to get the economic, social and cultural progress in the region in the fast lane. Furthermore it asserted the determination of the members to ensure stability and security from external interference in any form. Hence, the promotion of regional peace and stability was one of the tasks this intergovernmental organization took on itself, but the responsibility for dealing with domestic conflicts remained in the hands of each member-state.
The role of ASEAN in intrastate conflicts was limited to putting off external interference, and giving diplomatic support to members in international fora. Thus, even if the possibility were real that a domestic conflict would have a negative impact on the stability of the region, ASEAN would refrain from intervention or intermediation.
In 1971, ASEAN declared Southeast Asia a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality, while at the same time recognizing the right of every state to lead its national existence free from outside interference in its internal affairs (Kuala Lumpur Declaration). The security roles ASEAN envisioned were located in the domain of intramural, among member states, and extra-regional conflicts. This approach is magnified in the Declaration of ASEAN Concord of 1976. The member-states are urged to settle disputes through friendly negotiations applying the procedures of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) of 1976. This treaty stipulates the fundamental principles of ASEAN. However, the member-states are not obliged to use the treaty stipulations for the peaceful settlement of disputes, plus, in case a state resorts to the use of force, there is no system of collective security foreseen.
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