ABSTRACT
The balance of power factor within cooperative security regimes is analysed in this chapter by examining ASEAN’s early years from 1967 until 1975 and its expansion of membership to include Brunei. It was previously argued that the concept of the balance of power could be relevant in two respects in explaining the modalities of a regime for cooperative security: it could contribute to a denial of intra-mural hegemony; and it may also include the promotion of countervailing arrangements beyond the walls of a diplomatic association in response to a rising threat. It is the first relevance of the balance of power factor that is mainly addressed in this chapter. Beyond the associative benefits associated with cooperative security, the enlargement process had a geo-strategic significance. Brunei’s decision to join ASEAN was influenced by calculations about the balance of power factor. At issue was the constraint imposed on larger member states through their stake in the Association from which Brunei could benefit to promote its own security. To that extent, the intra-mural distribution of power was held in check by the regime for cooperative security.
