Building ASEAN

Two decades of steady progress have transformed ASEAN into a permanent component of world politics and a model for Third World cooperation. Its study should now be mandatory. The Palmer-Reckford volume provides an excellent introduction to ASEAN member states and the organization itself. It reviews problems and promises meticulously and comprehensively and should become required reading. Hans H. Indorf President Asian Affairs AnalystsIn this comprehensive new volume the authors trace the history of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from its formation in 1967 to the present day. They discuss political economics and security issues involving each of the member countries (Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Singapore the Philippines and Brunei). The authors focus on the ASEAN''s efforts to promote regional cooperation in the face of the divisive economic strategic and diplomatic interests. ASEAN policy towards Indochina is discussed in depth as are efforts to create cooperative economic ventures. Their conclusion maintains that the success of ASEAN is due largely to the individual achievements of member nations rather than to ASEAN as an institution. Finally they make a number of recommendations for improving ASEAN''s effectiveness.