ASEAN, COVID-19 and Myanmar crisis: Dealing with critical juncture

Abstract

Explaining how international institutions develop is the significant contribution of historical institutionalism (HI) to the study of contemporary world politics. HI offers two important concepts, critical juncture and path dependence, demonstrating dynamics within the institution, leading towards continuity and change. The case of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Myanmar democratic crisis tells us about the impact of the crucial moments on the regional organisation and its responses. Yet, ASEAN is resistant to change. What makes it possible is the question that cannot be answered by using the HI approach. Hence, we explain by employing a theoretical framework founded upon the link between diplomatic culture and institutional legitimacy, adopted from the English School (ES) theory of International Relations (IR). This article argues that ASEAN's diplomatic culture ensures member countrie’s compliance with the Association's code of conduct and prevents external power intrusion into Southeast Asian affairs and interests. Therefore, ASEAN's institutional legitimacy can be maintained. The Association deals with the critical juncture without undertaking any fundamental change.

Indonesia’s Approach towards Myanmar’s Crisis: Understanding the Different Perspectives of the Democracy Process in Indonesia and Myanmar and the Role of the Military

“…While some scholars believe that ASEAN and its members have the responsibility to protect and provide humanitarian assistance for Myanmar's civil society suffering from the crisis (Tan, 2019;Ryu, Minn, & Mon, 2021), other studies question the problem and dilemma behind the discourse and action of interventive action toward Myanmar because of conflictual norms within the region (Rüland, 2022;Prayitno, 2022). The second cluster overviews the roles and norms of external entities in addressing Myanmar's political crisis, ranging from ASEAN's humanitarian assistance to Southeast Asian nations' diplomatic culture (Duan & Liu, 2023;Wicaksana, Nauvarian & Pramudia, 2023).…”

Southeast Asian Regionalism: An Examination of the Progress and Priorities of ASEAN through its Joint Communiqués

“…Scaling back some policies that have been established at the height of the pandemic seems to be a challenge for certain countries in Southeast Asia (Rüland, 2021). Southeast Asian countries have made tremendous progress in democratization but have subsequently regressed (Wicaksana et al, 2023). Individual liberties, such as the freedom of expression and association, judicial independence, and media freedom, have been eroded.…”