The Non-Interventionist Principle of ASEAN in the Internal Affairs of its Member Countries: An Assessment

Abstract

Intervention, eyer since the Cold War has been the most controversial foreign policy. It has caused divisiveness and cleavage among governments. Moreover, it has involved more loss of lives like that in Somalia, Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo, compared to other foreign policies. Accordingly, this study is about the policy preventing intervention of other countries, organizations or agencies from the internal affairs of sovereign nations. This policy is the non-interventionist principle and it was discussed in the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN as an organization has proven to be a durable grouping that upholds itself for being neutral, having no military implications and respects the sovereignty of its member countries. But there have been criticisms that the organization has infringed the sovereignty of its members by intervening in their internal affairs. Some of these significant instances are the Kampuchean conflict, Myanmar issue and the Philippine Insurgencies. But these are mere speculations that have not yet been proven. Thus, this is what this study tried to achieve: to examine whether intervention did occur. With the Kampuchean conflict, the ASEAN acted on the problem on the agenda of maintaining stability and security in the region since the problem posed effects not only in the country but to the whole Southeast Asian region. Hence, ASEAN has been one of the key actors in the realization of that country's independence and self government. The Myanmar problem is an issue that is enduring. As a member of the organization, ASEAN aids the country towards its democratization but this actuality is still to be realized. The mechanism that ASEAN used with the country is 'Constructive Engagement', in which they connect with the country in such a way that they won't cause it lo lead into further self-isolation. The problem of insurgencies in the Philippines especially the Bangsamoro struggle, like the Myanmar problem, is still ongoing. The government of the Philippines and the insurgents have still not arrived al an effective solution and agreement lo the problem. What the grouping did was to mediate between the two parties and give financial support. This way, there was no direct involvement of the organization. These instances present non-intervention in the part of ASEAN since it tried to avoid making the member countries feel forced and coerced. It employed ASEAN Way and Spirit to achieve this. Moreover, they always have the welfare of the region in mind in making decisions on whether to be involved in a situation or not. Finally, they plan on improving relationships among member countries so as to fulfill their vision of a more unified Southeast Asian region. In this manner, ASEAN needs to review this policy and propose a few amendments if they have plans of creating a more cohesive region.