Synopses & Reviews
Two decades of steady progress have transformed ASEAN into a permanent component of world politics and a model for Third World cooperation. Its study should now be mandatory. The Palmer-Reckford volume provides an excellent introduction to ASEAN member states and the organization itself. It reviews problems and promises meticulously and comprehensively and should become required reading. Hans H. Indorf, President, Asian Affairs Analysts
In this comprehensive new volume, the authors trace the history of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from its formation in 1967 to the present day. They discuss political, economics, and security issues involving each of the member countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and Brunei). The authors focus on the ASEAN's efforts to promote regional cooperation in the face of the divisive economic, strategic, and diplomatic interests. ASEAN policy towards Indochina, is discussed in depth, as are efforts to create cooperative economic ventures. Their conclusion maintains that the success of ASEAN is due largely to the individual achievements of member nations rather than to ASEAN as an institution. Finally, they make a number of recommendations for improving ASEAN's effectiveness.
Synopsis
"Two decades of steady progress have transformed ASEAN into a permanent component of world politics and a model for Third World cooperation. Its study should now be mandatory. The Palmer-Reckford volume provides an excellent introduction to ASEAN member states and the organization itself. It reviews problems and promises meticulously and comprehensively and should become required reading." Hans H. Indorf President, Asian Affairs Analysts
About the Author
AMBASSADOR RONALD D. PALMER is currently U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius, was a Senior Foreign Affairs Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Internationl Studies.THOMAS J. RECKFORD is a Senior Fellow in International Business and Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.
Table of Contents
Foreword
About the Authors
Introduction
Historical Setting
Formation of ASEAN
National Resilience and the Problems of Enhancing Political Stability and Internal Security
Building Economic Resilience
ASEAN Organizational Development--1970-1977
ASEAN and Indochina
The Road from Bali--ASEAN Cooperative Ventures
ASEAN Economies in the Mid-1980s
The Future
Appendix
Notes
Index