Question

Determine the contribution of ‘ASEAN security community’ in its promotion of economic progress.

Hint:

The ASEAN Security Community ensures that regional security and peace serve as the foundation upon which economic growth and free trade thrive.

Answer 1

Concept: In 2003, ASEAN established three pillars to deepen regional integration: the ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community, and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Economic prosperity cannot exist without regional stability, making the Security Community vital for economic growth. Detailed Determination of Contribution:
• Providing a Stable Environment for Investment and Commerce: Economic investment requires political predictability. By maintaining peace, preventing territorial disputes from escalating into open war, and upholding non-aggression treaties, the ASEAN Security Community creates a secure environment that attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and fosters transnational trade.
• Institutional Conflict Resolution and Peaceful Economic Cooperation: The Security Community operates on the agreement that outstanding territorial or trade disputes among member states must be settled through peaceful negotiations without resorting to armed conflict. This security guarantee enables uninterrupted flow of goods, services, and capital across borders within the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).
• Addressing Transnational Security Threats: The Security Community collaborates on tackling non-traditional security threats such as maritime piracy, human trafficking, cybercrime, and terrorism. Securing vital sea lanes of communication (like the Strait of Malacca) directly protects global maritime trade routes essential for Southeast Asian economic prosperity.