The Concept and Management of Non-traditional Security in Southeast Asia

Abstract

The structural changes of the post-Cold War era have resulted in new views on the defi nition and nature of security. According to this new approach, security comprises aspects of non-traditional or soft security, in addition to the established hard or military security. This article discusses the changing political discourse on security in Southeast Asia before turning to a case study that exemplifi es the management (or lack of it) of non-traditional security (NTS). It is argued that policy-makers within ASEAN have put increasing emphasis on identifying and addressing NTS issues which affect or even may destabilize the region. This commitment to NTS, however, does not go beyond the declaratory or rhetorical level. Few measures have been implemented. Due to the organization’s strict adherence to the principle of non-interference into the member states’ domestic affairs the asso- ciation lacks the institutional prerequisites to effectively and effi ciently respond to the changing dynamics of regional security.