With the problem of Cambodia resolved, it would appear that asean now is less cohesive; it does not speak with one voice over security problem in the region anymore.
Will this Asean marriage of convenience last?
Difficult to say - they will remain in the same organisation, but their policies on major issues will differ. For example - difficult to have a consensus on anything now. In the past it was easier, for example, to have a consensus on Kampuchea at the UN or Burma. But now - it will be difficult. Even the ASEAN-AFTA- free trade agreement will be more difficult to achieve.
■ For a long time asean adopted the non-interference in each others' policy as core to its existence. This policy is now being challenged by asean countries under the guise of being more transparent and what some term as a policy of constructive engagement. This has challenged the fundamental/core element in Asean consensus i.e, not to criticise each others' internal policy.
■ Dilution to Asean cohesiveness as the members embrace other institutions is likely e.g., APEC; the globalisation process has also undermined asean comraderie as each nation has its own international agenda that are at times not compatible with the general asean objectives.
■ The economic contagion has weakened Asean and has exposed Asean vulnerabilities. For example, problems between Singapore with immediate neighbors of Malaysia and Indonesia were brought into the open, all because of the economic crises in both countries. Countries which are normally friendly with each other suddenly become unfriendly.
■ The US：
- wants to upgrade its presence in the region;
