2 - Authoritarian States in Southeast Asia in Times of Globalization: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar

Summary

INTRODUCTION: WHY VIETNAM, CAMBODIA, LAOS AND MYANMAR?

This chapter analyses the phenomenon of globalization in relation to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. These countries are in many ways less exposed to the forces of globalization than others. However, the membership of these countries in ASEAN has indicated a wish to become more integrated in the region as well as in the world economy. This integration is problematic for a number of reasons, such as increasing inequality within the countries as well as between them, coupled with political obstacles. The purpose here is, therefore, to problematize the relationship between globalization and political change using authoritarian and relatively under-developed states as a point of departure. The relationship between state and society will come into focus together with state strategies to cope with on-going changes in society. The chapter is structured around three broad issues: globalization as a process of homogenization; globalization as a process of fragmentation; and changing state-society relations and the importance of context.

“Singapore will do its utmost for Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar to integrate them into the ASEAN economy, and integrate all the economies into an ASEAN Economic Community”.

This quote by Singapore'S former Prime Minister, Mr Goh Chok Tong, illustrates the observable, but not too much studied, phenomenon of less developed states in Southeast Asia trying to become integrated in a global, or, in this case, primarily regional, economy. The four states — Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar — were the last to become members of ASEAN. With the end of the Cold War the initial, non-communist, members of ASEAN welcomed the new members, which had been communist/socialist enemies, into the grouping. Thus, the last four entrants into ASEAN suggested a political shift in Southeast Asia, which may have political effects at a national level in the four states. However, an expanded ASEAN has not been without problems and the new members have continuously reminded the rest of the ASEAN members — and the rest of the world — that interference in their domestic affairs is unwelcome. Vietnam, for example, has supported Myanmar on human rights issues on several occasions, probably trying to establish a standard to protect Vietnam'S own interests.