Mounting
European Union (EU) and the West's pressure on issues such as Myanmar,
sustainable development, human rights, democratic freedom, good governance (etc.) are some examples of the latter. More recently, ASEAN has also come
under pressure to have a more formal dispute settlement mechanism which it
could draw upon during times of internal strife and crisis within member states
(Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja, 2008). Continuing pressure from the West and the EU
for ASEAN to apply more aggressive pressure on Myanrnar's military junta to
support democratic reforms is a case in point. Because of the respect for the 'noninterference'
principle, ASEAN however, continues to resist these pressures
preferring instead to stay with its constructive engagement strategy.