Choose a criterion and see what it reveals about ASEAN.
By which standard is ASEAN most successful?
Stability among members
- No ASEAN members went to war with each other.
- Disputes such as Sabah were contained.
ASEAN prevented conflict among diverse, newly independent states.
Disputes were often left unresolved rather than settled.
Diplomatic influence
- Led UN campaigns over Cambodia.
- The USA felt it had to consult ASEAN.
As a bloc, small states gained a voice.
It needed great-power backing to change outcomes.
Economic cooperation
- Preferential Trading Arrangement in 1977.
- AFTA agreed in 1992.
Cooperation grew, especially after 1992.
Before 1992 national interests blocked real progress.
Security
- ZOPFAN aimed to keep great powers out.
- Members rejected a defence pact.
ASEAN reduced tensions that outsiders could exploit.
Members still relied on the USA for defence.