ASEAN's Constructive Engagement Policy Toward Myanmar (Burma)

<p>This research studied the effectiveness of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) policy of constructive engagement toward Myanmar (Burma) with the aim of recommending appropriate improvements to this policy. Myanmar is one of the world's longest military-ruled dictatorships and is beset with many internal problems. Its government has been criticized by some countries and non-governmental organizations for human rights abuses and political suppression. There are also allegations of cross border criminal activities such as human and drug trafficking coordinated by criminal gangs in that country. Despite its reputation Myanmar was accepted as an ASEAN member in 1997. Since then the association is one of the few organizations in the world with diplomatic links to that country. ASEAN's approach of diplomatic engagement commonly referred to as constructive engagement is geopolitically advantageous to ASEAN in many aspects. However it runs contrary to the current policies of diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions imposed by some Western powers such as the US and the EU. This research has studied the effectiveness of constructive engagement from three angles -- an International perspective a Regional perspective and a Grassroots perspective. It has found that ASEAN should not only continue constructive engagement but that the association should offer even greater assistance to Myanmar. These actions will help improve the quality of life of Myanmar's citizens and strengthen the country as well as generating regional benefits.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>