ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the evolution of foreign policy thinking and practice among the countries of Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia's stunning diversity is intimately tied to historical foreign relations, as the region is situated between two of the world's great civilizations. Discussing ways in which the foreign policies of Southeast Asian states have not been subsumed by Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) can be approached in two ways. The two ways are looking at divergent policies and tensions within Southeast Asia and looking at divergent foreign policies with the rest of the world. The Association's internal and external policies represent, to an increasing degree, the international face of Southeast Asian countries. Externally, ASEAN has negotiated various Free Trade Agreements with China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and India. Despite ASEAN efforts to produce common, harmonious foreign policies within Southeast Asia, countries continue to press their national interests against fellow Association members.
