U.S.‑ASEAN Security Relations: Challenges and Prospects

Having gone through at least three distinct phases between 1950-70, 1971-78 and 1978-89, U.S.-ASEAN security relations have now entered into yet another phase of evolution and change that is full of challenges and variables. Of these, the Cambodian conflict, the long-standing differences in Sino-Soviet relations, the fast-changing character of Soviet-American competition, the continuing role of the U.S. market as the engine of growth for the export-oriented ASEAN economies and America's leadership of the free-enterprise system in the Pacific are all vital in determining the nature of future U.S.-ASEAN security relations. This paper seeks to explore several of these developments and is concerned in particular with the increasing likelihood of friction in U.S.-ASEAN economic rela tions. Its main conclusion is that a much higher level of consultation and sensitivity to the interests, concerns and limitations of all par ties must characterize U.S.-ASEAN relations to minimize tension and promote peace, security and prosperity in the region in the context of a changing geostrategic and geo-economic environment.