The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed on 8 August 1967. It was formed when foreign ministers of Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines gathered in Bangkok to sign the ASEAN Declaration. The five foreign ministers who signed the document (Adam Malik, Narciso Ramos, Abdul Razak, S. Rajaratnam, Thanat Khoman) are considered to be the founding fathers of the organization. ASEAN was formed in order to facilitate nation building of each member state, address the mounting fear of communism, and encourage economic development. Later, Brunei Darussalam was added to the list of members in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, both Laos and Myanmar (Burma) in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999. More information on ASEAN can be found at the official website here http://www.aseansec.org/
Members
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations consists of ten member states:
Indonesia (founding member)
Malaysia (founding member)
The Philippines (founding member)
Singapore (founding member)
Thailand (founding member)
Brunei Darussalam (added 1984)
Vietnam (added 1995)
Laos (added 1997)
Myanmar (added 1997)
Cambodia (added 1999)
Among the member states, Indonesia commands the largest economy while Laos, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, and Myanmar have relatively small economic power when compared the the six major economies within ASEAN.
Objectives
The objectives of ASEAN can be traced back to the First ASEAN Summit in Bali in 1976, and the the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. The treaty set six basic principles of relations and conduct for the organization and has effectively become known as "The ASEAN way."
Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and national identity of all nations;
The right of every state to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or coercion;
Noninterference in the internal affairs of one another;
Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful means;
Renunciation of the threat or use of force; and
Effective cooperation among themselves.
Essentially, the organization seeks to protect each state's right to self-determination and self-governance, promote peace throughout the region, and encourage economic and political cooperation.
Structure
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations controls a number of smaller organizations that operate throughout the region and, in addition, holds a number of summits and meetings to discuss regional issues.
ASEAN Summit
Leaders from the 19th ASEAN Summit in Indonesia
The Summit allows leaders from member nations to discuss regional issues as well as meet with external countries to foster relations outside of the organization. In accordance with the ASEAN Charter, the Summit will be held twice per year.
ASEAN Coordinating Council
The ASEAN Coordinating Council consists of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers. It meets twice per year at a minimum.
ASEAN Community Council
The Council consists of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council, the ASEAN Economic Community Council, and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council. Each sub-council focuses on issues in its area of specialization.
ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies
Serves as the umbrella organization for a number of ministerial bodies that cover topics from nuclear weapons to tourism. For a complete list of sub-organizations, visit http://www.aseansec.org/21071.pdf
Committee of Permanent Representatives
Each ASEAN member state appoints a permanent representative based out of Jakarta to the committee. The committee supports the work in the other ASEAN organizations and facilitates cooperation with external partners.
Committees Abroad
ASEAN holds a number of committees that operate in states outside those holding ASEAN membership. For a complete lists of organizations, visit http://www.aseansec.org/20062.htm
Membership Advantages/ Disadvantages
ASEAN member states enjoys a number of advantages and priviledges due to their membership status. For example, ASEAN has established a number of free trade agreements both among ASEAN member states, and with external states such as Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, and China. In addition, the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Area (ACIA) further increases economic cooperation among ASEAN member states by opening all industry for investment, eliminating investment impedents, and streamlining the investment process. Also, free visas are availiable to ASEAN members, facilitating intra-ASEAN travel. Overall, ASEAN membership provides member states with increased economic opportunities, security, and technological cooperation.
On the other hand, there exist a number of disadvantages to holding membership within ASEAN. For example, membership status with the organization immediately associates the holder with other members. As a result, all members can suffer due to an action of a single member. For example, due to Myanmar's past human rights violations, negotiations between ASEAN and the European Union are stressed.
Effect on Local Diversity
ASEAN is highly aware of its influence on local diversity. It seeks to increase cooperation within the region and create an ASEAN Community that "is people-oriented and socially responsible with a view to achieving enduring solidarity and unity among the peoples and Member States of ASEAN. It seeks to forge a common identity and build a caring and sharing society which is inclusive and where the well-being, livelihood, and welfare of the peoples are enhanced." The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) leads the effort in both international community building and cultural preservation. An effort has been made to protect the natural environment within many of the member states through the ASEAN Heritage Parks. A number of sub-organizations give specialized attention to certain aspects of culture within the ASEAN community. For more information, visit http://www.aseansec.org/18770.htm
History
ASEAN Flag
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed on 8 August 1967. It was formed when foreign ministers of Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines gathered in Bangkok to sign the ASEAN Declaration. The five foreign ministers who signed the document (Adam Malik, Narciso Ramos, Abdul Razak, S. Rajaratnam, Thanat Khoman) are considered to be the founding fathers of the organization. ASEAN was formed in order to facilitate nation building of each member state, address the mounting fear of communism, and encourage economic development. Later, Brunei Darussalam was added to the list of members in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, both Laos and Myanmar (Burma) in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999. More information on ASEAN can be found at the official website here http://www.aseansec.org/
Members
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations consists of ten member states:
Among the member states, Indonesia commands the largest economy while Laos, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, and Myanmar have relatively small economic power when compared the the six major economies within ASEAN.
Objectives
The objectives of ASEAN can be traced back to the First ASEAN Summit in Bali in 1976, and the the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. The treaty set six basic principles of relations and conduct for the organization and has effectively become known as "The ASEAN way."
Essentially, the organization seeks to protect each state's right to self-determination and self-governance, promote peace throughout the region, and encourage economic and political cooperation.
Structure
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations controls a number of smaller organizations that operate throughout the region and, in addition, holds a number of summits and meetings to discuss regional issues.
ASEAN Summit
Leaders from the 19th ASEAN Summit in Indonesia
ASEAN Coordinating Council
ASEAN Community Council
ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies
Committee of Permanent Representatives
Committees Abroad
Membership Advantages/ Disadvantages
ASEAN member states enjoys a number of advantages and priviledges due to their membership status. For example, ASEAN has established a number of free trade agreements both among ASEAN member states, and with external states such as Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, and China. In addition, the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Area (ACIA) further increases economic cooperation among ASEAN member states by opening all industry for investment, eliminating investment impedents, and streamlining the investment process. Also, free visas are availiable to ASEAN members, facilitating intra-ASEAN travel. Overall, ASEAN membership provides member states with increased economic opportunities, security, and technological cooperation.
On the other hand, there exist a number of disadvantages to holding membership within ASEAN. For example, membership status with the organization immediately associates the holder with other members. As a result, all members can suffer due to an action of a single member. For example, due to Myanmar's past human rights violations, negotiations between ASEAN and the European Union are stressed.
Effect on Local Diversity
ASEAN is highly aware of its influence on local diversity. It seeks to increase cooperation within the region and create an ASEAN Community that "is people-oriented and socially responsible with a view to achieving enduring solidarity and unity among the peoples and Member States of ASEAN. It seeks to forge a common identity and build a caring and sharing society which is inclusive and where the well-being, livelihood, and welfare of the peoples are enhanced." The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) leads the effort in both international community building and cultural preservation. An effort has been made to protect the natural environment within many of the member states through the ASEAN Heritage Parks. A number of sub-organizations give specialized attention to certain aspects of culture within the ASEAN community. For more information, visit http://www.aseansec.org/18770.htm
References
ASEAN. (2012, March 06). Association of southeast asian nations. Retrieved from http://www.aseansec.org/index2008.html
(n.d.). Asean flag. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://www.world-free-printable-flags.com/meaning-of-asean-flag.html
(n.d.). Asean member countries. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://indonesia-oslo.no/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ASEAN-member-countries.jpg
Xinhua/Jiang Fan. (Photographer). (2011). 19th asean summit indonesia 2011. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2011-11/17/c_131252499.htm