ASEAN: still the zone of peace, freedom and neutrality?

Abstract

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) pursuit for a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN) first began during the Cold War, at a time of intense superpower rivalry in Southeast Asia. ASEAN reaffirmed the importance of this principle in 2020, amid growing concerns of instability in the Asia-Pacific region as a result of increasing tensions between the United States (US) and China. Through an examination of the ZOPFAN principle, this paper seeks to develop a greater understanding of ASEAN's ability to respond to periods of geopolitical crisis and Great Power rivalry. It asks whether a ZOPFAN in Southeast Asia has ever been successfully realised, and what is the likelihood of one being achieved in the future. As analysis of recent security challenges will show, ZOPFAN falls short as both a framework for regional security and as an expression of regional autonomy. This raises serious questions about ASEAN's coherence in the post-Cold War era, and its ability to uphold regional order in light of renewed Great Power security competition.

Reformation of Dispute Settlement Mechanisms for International Trade Organizations: Ensuring Developing Country Interests

“…Nevertheless, after the cold war, ASEAN was known for its principle of ensuring a "zone of peace, freedom, and neutrality" --"ZOPFAN." [11]. Although the ASEAN started with its sole purpose being to stop the spread of communism, it allowed Communist Vietnam to join when political conflicts started to settle down within Southeast Asia.…”

Overviewing the Context of Balance of Power to the South China Sea Issue in ASEAN

“…The implementation of ZOPFAN is not only limited to Southeast Asia, but also the Asia Pacific region, and also involves the role of major powers (Putri, 2021). ASEAN's statements reaffirming ZOPFAN can be viewed as another form of risk management that acts as a protective option positioning ASEAN equidistant between the Great Powers (Southgate, 2021). In addition, ASEAN Member States signed the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ Treaty) on 15 December 1995 as a commitment to preserve the Southeast Asian region as a region free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction (ASEAN, 2012).…”