The ASEAN peace-keeping force
Notwithstanding, ASEAN's impressive past record of peace maintenance among
member states, the continuing prevalence of numerous potential flashpoints in
the form of unresolved territorial and other disputes pose serious risks of possible
outbreaks of future conflicts in the region. Because of the relatively peaceful
nature of the regional environment too, ASEAN member states' individual
involvements in peace-keeping engagements have been primarily outside the
region. ASEAN's peace-keeping response to events within the region, as in the
case of Timor Leste, however, has been rather disappointing. The possibility for
the setting up of an ASEAN peace-keeping force supplied and funded by member
states however, is not covered under the Charter. A look at the possibility merits
serious consideration by ASEAN member states in the broader interest of peace
and stability of the future ASEA regional community.