ASEAN의 운영에 있어서 내정불간섭원칙

The principle of non-intervention in each others' internal affairs, adopted by ASEAN(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) since it began in 1967, has played an important role in its evolution into a successful regional organization. However recent developments have seriously challenged the non-intervention principle. That is, the problems in one nations, such as currency devaluations, political unrest or environmental degradation, now increasingly affects its neighbours. And the changing global norms, the increasing interdependence of states, and the growth on non-government network have all been instrumental in the growing challenge to the principle. Faced with this, Thailand proposed a shift from 'non-intervention' to 'flexible engagement'. The Philippine government favored this idea, while other members openly opposed its proposal. As a compromise, in 1988 ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Manila the less intrusive principle called 'enhanced interaction', clearly a stop-gap measure, was adopted. This means that ASEAN members recognize not only the necessity of modifying but also the importance of preserving the principle of non-intervention. While Thailand's proposal was not adopted in Manila, there is a growing sentiment that the non-intervention principle should not be a sacred cow. Therefore if regional integration in Southeast Asia and confidence among member states is increased, the principle is likely to be more flexible.