ABSTRACT
For the countries of Southeast Asia, where the state has been central in security discourse, the human security concept contrasts markedly with the region’s principles and practice – the ASEAN way – which uphold a commitment to the idea of state sovereignty. The central question, then, is whether human security is compatible with the ASEAN way. Though the idea of human security offers an alternative frame of analysis and is potentially useful as a way of handling some of the longstanding problems in Southeast Asia, such as violence and conflict, it also has the potential to be nothing more than an empty slogan. ASEAN’s emphasis on ‘people-oriented’ values demonstrates ASEAN’s interests in human security. Yet, whether or not the human security approach can be translated into practice will be dependent on the compatibility with Southeast Asian regional modality. In order to examine the compatibility of human security with the ASEAN way, it is necessary to review the basic principles in security discourse and actual security management in Southeast Asia characterized by the ASEAN way. Moreover, it is also vital to grasp the changes perceived in the ASEAN context. For example, the signing of the Charter is a noteworthy change for the region not only because it formalized the establishment of ASEAN with a legal personality, but it also establishes a rules-based approach, which is markedly in contrast to the region’s longstanding non-codified approach. As explored in Chapter 2, though to different extent, ASEAN and many countries in Southeast Asia have been undergoing changes. Thus, it is sensible to consider that the ASEAN way may be undergoing some alterations. This chapter explores the compatibility of the ASEAN way with the notion of human security and examines both normative and practical utility of human security in the region. The section begins with exploring the ASEAN way and identifies the vital areas of action that decide the way the ASEAN member-states handle security issues. The examination will allow us to consider the future prospects of human security in Southeast Asia.
