Myanmar and the Dilemma of Asean Interventions that Do not Find the Bright Spot

Abstract

The military takeover of Myanmar puts ASEAN in a difficult position, limiting the boundaries of the forum and areas that do not support democratization. ASEAN has refrained from directly criticizing Myanmar's military, in part because the Forum prioritizes national and political interests over regional interests. Consensus-based forum approaches and non-intervention policies undermine the effectiveness and legitimacy of decisions. As part of its non-interference principle, ASEAN can only act with the consent of all member states. The majority group cannot trigger action. ASEAN's limitations have shown that it cannot demonstrate unity or assert leadership in solving regional problems. ASEAN's failure shows how authoritarian norms can flourish across Southeast Asia. Massive nationwide protests and a campaign of civil disobedience against the military regime continued after the military toppled the civilian government in a coup and reserved power on February. The army brutally cracked down on the protesters and it seems that it would never end. This crisis poses many challenges for ASEAN, especially the role of ASEAN to solve the Myanmar conflict and rebuild democracy in Myanmar.