The Crisis in Myanmar as a Moment of Truth for ASEAN

Abstract

The article is devoted to the acute problem of confrontation between ASEAN and the military administration of Myanmar. According to the consensus reached at the special ASEAN summit in April, dedicated to the events in Myanmar after the military coup on February 1, 2021, the special envoy of the bloc was entrusted with the mission to facilitate negotiations between all interested parties. However, Myanmar's military leadership refused to allow Erivan Yusof to meet with key participants in the conflict, detained State adviser Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, offering minor figures for negotiations. The State Administrative Council of Myanmar counted on the compliance of the divided ASEAN and its susceptibility to the manipulations of the junta. The result was an unprecedented decision by ASEAN to refuse to invite Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to the October summits, which automatically meant a refusal to legitimize the regime. This decision may be a moment of truth for ASEAN, which has tacitly decided to reconsider the principle of non-interference and the tradition of consensus.