Georgetown University LogoGeorgetown University Library LogoDigitalGeorgetown Home
    • Login
    View Item 
    •   DigitalGeorgetown Home
    • Georgetown University Institutional Repository
    • Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
    • Graduate Theses and Dissertations
    • Program of Asian Studies
    • View Item
    •   DigitalGeorgetown Home
    • Georgetown University Institutional Repository
    • Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
    • Graduate Theses and Dissertations
    • Program of Asian Studies
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Forming an Abode of Peace: An Assessment of Brunei’s Role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from 1984-2020

    Restricted Access
    View/Open
    View/Open: Hayat_georgetown_0076M_14990.pdf (4.4MB)

    Creator
    Hayat, Moez
    Advisor
    Sodhy, Pamela
    Hrebenak, Keith
    ORCID
    0000-0003-2381-9134
    Abstract
    How can small states reorder power relations to survive in the international system? Using a model inspired by the classical realism of Hans Morgenthau, this thesis argues that through the formation and maintenance of flexible, decentralized institutions, smaller states can balance between larger powers in the international system and survive. To examine this, what follows is a comprehensive study of the foreign policy of Brunei Darussalam since it joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) upon the resumption of its full independence in 1984. The role of this oil-rich sultanate of fewer than 500,000 people as an active player in the international system remains understudied. This thesis argues that Brunei can balance in the international system by utilizing a policy of “cooperative engagement,” whereby it develops broad-based but flexible partnerships in all aspects of its foreign policy. ASEAN provides a unique forum for Brunei to pursue this policy as a means of stabilizing the regional balance-of-power system in support of a favorable status quo. To prove this, the thesis uses a historical case study method to study Brunei’s foreign policy. Accordingly, this thesis covers three major periods of Brunei’s membership in ASEAN: its first years establishing itself as an active member state from 1984–2000, its growing leadership in the association from 2001–13, and finally its continued support for ASEAN unity despite facing multiple challenges from 2014–20. The study concludes that Brunei is a strong and successful model of a smaller state that relies on an active foreign policy and decentralized institutions to balance between competing powers in the international system.
    Description
    M.A.
    Permanent Link
    http://hdl.handle.net/10822/1062634
    Date Published
    2021
    Subject
    ASEAN; Brunei; Classical Realism; Morgenthau; small states; Southeast Asia; South Asia -- Research; Southeast Asian studies; South Asian studies;
    Type
    thesis
    Embargo Lift Date
    2023-09-23
    Publisher
    Georgetown University
    Extent
    412 leaves
    Collections
    • Program of Asian Studies
    Metadata
    Show full item record

    Related items

    Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.

    • Cover for Peace-makers or peace-breakers? : a case study of the role the Algerian diaspora in
      France played in conflict promotion throughout the civil war in Algeria from
      1992-2002

      Peace-makers or peace-breakers? : a case study of the role the Algerian diaspora in France played in conflict promotion throughout the civil war in Algeria from 1992-2002 

      Wright, Allison Jeanne. (Georgetown University, 2011)
    Related Items in Google Scholar

    Georgetown University Seal
    ©2009 - 2023 Georgetown University Library
    37th & O Streets NW
    Washington DC 20057-1174
    202.687.7385
    digitalscholarship@georgetown.edu
    Accessibility
     

     

    Browse

    All of DigitalGeorgetownCommunities & CollectionsCreatorsTitlesBy Creation DateThis CollectionCreatorsTitlesBy Creation Date

    My Account

    Login

    Statistics

    View Usage Statistics

    Georgetown University Seal
    ©2009 - 2023 Georgetown University Library
    37th & O Streets NW
    Washington DC 20057-1174
    202.687.7385
    digitalscholarship@georgetown.edu
    Accessibility