Clearer vision is a must for ASEAN-10

By A.K.P. Mochtan

JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has pledged to accept Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar in toto as new members. The upcoming 30th anniversary of the regional grouping is deemed a momentous and auspicious occasion to welcome the three into the ASEAN fold and bring total membership to 10 states. Yet the domestic situation in Myanmar and political turmoil in Cambodia are making the timing of the entry a delicate issue.

Considerations for when the entry should be made have been further complicated by the actions of several international community members, including the decision of the U.S. to impose economic sanctions against Myanmar. For Washington, the action may have been unavoidable due to its political ideals and principles. The problem is not the basis or motivation of the act, but its possible ramifications to ASEAN-led multilateral forums in which the U.S. is a regular member.

The heart of the matter is not a choice between the carrot and the stick. One Southeast Asia, with full and equal membership of all Southeast Asian states, is ASEAN's very own raison d'etre, and a prelude to a stronger, more independent and prosperous region. Put simply, the inclusion of Cambodia and Myanmar (as well as Laos) into ASEAN cannot be compromised.

The big challenge for ASEAN is to prove effectiveness of "constructive engagement", the main pillar of its diplomacy vis-a-vis these states. Can ASEAN ensure that acceptance of Cambodia and Myanmar will forge improvements to domestic situations in these countries, including to their troubled political systems?

The political turmoil in Phnom Penh and the inflexibility of the SLORC in Yangon demonstrate that nation building is incomplete in Southeast Asia. As this process continues to evolve, the critical thing to do is to encourage and nurture the positive elements by setting examples, not through coercive actions.

Because of this, ASEAN should not delay the entry of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. This is not blind solidarity in the name of presenting a united regional front. It is but the natural course of events in Southeast Asia. Once the three are accepted as full members, ASEAN will have a much better chance of facilitating socialization and institutionalization of "acceptable" norms and practices.

ASEAN does not lack finesse or ingenuity in doing this -- being persuasively effective is the very essence of preventive diplomacy conducted the "ASEAN way".

The tough question for ASEAN is to insert "muscle" or "teeth" into its consultative processes, especially with its own members. The decision to accept Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar is part of Southeast Asia's realpolitik, and is hence clear and easily forthcoming. It is the subsequent results, namely the improvements of the region's overall political situation, which starts at home, that will serve as the definition of ASEAN's success.

For this purpose, new regional mechanism and modalities may be in order. To begin with, the new and enlarged ASEAN may consider drafting a new vision, expanding the one envisioned by the Founding Fathers and incorporating new conditions and aspirations. The most important aspect of this new vision is to set clear targets for qualitative improvements, including in democratization process and human rights standards.

Effective implementation of this vision will depend on ASEAN's willingness to remind and, if necessary, to correct each other. This does not suggest that ASEAN should turn into a legalistic entity or to become intrusive, meddling in a member's domestic affairs. A corrective approach can be done most effectively by establishing good examples, not only by following regional codes of conduct but also international norms and standards. Suggestions for improvements could also be taken up directly by ASEAN leaders, if only through closed-door meetings.

In summation, ASEAN should institute the ASEAN-10 without any delay and conditions. To ensure the success of its undertakings, it is imperative that ASEAN drafts a new vision, one that truly empowers the people. ASEAN must also refine its internal mechanism, allowing its consultative process to include more self-monitoring and corrective actions.

All this will mark the beginning of a new life for ASEAN. The 30th anniversary celebration is definitely the appropriate time to set this new course into motion.

The writer is an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta.