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K. Emmerson defines regionalism as a “process” where “proximate states, societies, or economies”
work together with the end goal of “forming or nourishing a shared identity, improving conditions
and solving problems, or projecting influence beyond the region” (Emmerson 2008: 12).4
As evidenced by the latter portion of Emmerson’s definition, hard power plays a central role in
regionalism. When security considerations begin to dominate intraregional linkages, another
phenomenon, known as a “regional security complex (RSC),” emerges. Here a second definition is
necessary. Barry Buzan and Ole Wæver make the case for a Southeast Asian RSC noting “In order to
qualify as an RSC, a group of states or other entities must possess a degree of security interdependence
sufficient both to establish them as a linked set and to differentiate them from surrounding security
regions” (Buzan et al. 2003: 48). While a Southeast Asian RSC may be more easily visible than an
Arctic RSC, we should be careful not to overlook the fact that military activity is taking place beneath
Arctic ice. Furthermore, as ice levels decrease, the High North only becomes more distinct from
neighboring RSCs. ASEAN proved a region could be constructed where one previously did not exist,
and this example should resonate with Arctic policy-makers.
Non-interference and conflict resolution
Founded as a regional association and not as a formal rule-based organization, ASEAN has succeeded
in crafting a normative mosaic that is forceful yet non-invasive. One could describe ASEAN
membership as an “outpatient procedure” with respect to sovereignty protections. The core norm
written into the ASEAN Declaration is that of non-interference; the Association is “determined to
ensure their [member states’] stability and security from external interference in any form or
manifestation” (ASEAN 1967). This doctrine was taken a step further in 1971 with the five founding
ASEAN states proclaiming “South East Asia as a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN),
free from any form or manner of interference by outside powers” (ASEAN 1971). Clearly the rhetoric
has aligned with r