Prinsip non-interference ASEAN dalam perang dingin 1970-1990

Abstract

Since its establishment in 1967 through the Bangkok Declaration, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has developed from a group of five countries into a set of robust and cohesive regional mechanism. However, one of the most fundamental criticisms on ASEAN is the principle of non-interference which all member countries firmly uphold; critics argued that the principle is an obstacle for member countries to achieve greater regional integration. Why the principle of non-interference is deeply rooted in the dynamics between ASEAN member countries? This article argues that the institutionalization of non-interference principle was driven by two important factors. First, ASEAN member countries were confronted against the high tension of Cold War where the two Superpowers were involved in struggle to gain influence in the region. Furthermore, the Sino-Soviet split in mid 1950s combined with the preponderance of US presence in the region through its domino theory in Southeast Asia resulted in immensely complex regional constellations among Southeast Asian countries. Second, domestic situations of ASEAN member countries that were communist and non-communist States caused deep distrust between countries that reside on the same region. While non-interference principle has been severely criticized, ASEAN’s unique regionalism has allowed itself to transform into one of the most important global players today.