6. ASEAN’s Involvement in the UN Peacekeeping Operations

ASEAN's involvement in UN peacekeeping operations has evolved significantly over the years, with member states contributing troops, police, and experts to various missions worldwide. This chapter examines the historical context of ASEAN's participation, highlighting the contributions of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Singapore. It explores the motivations behind these contributions, including economic benefits, capacity building, and the enhancement of international prestige. The text also discusses the challenges faced by ASEAN members, such as issues of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the non-use of peacekeeping as a means of influencing small and middle powers by great powers. Additionally, it highlights the unique approaches of individual member states, such as Thailand's focus on infrastructure and agricultural reconstruction, and Vietnam's emphasis on humanitarian activities. The chapter concludes by discussing the future prospects of ASEAN's role in global peacekeeping, including the potential for greater cooperation and the need to overcome normative obstacles.