International Negotiations November 25, 2017

Julia Francine M. Bagay Mr. Jumel Estraero

AB Foreign Service 401

A. Cultural Diversity: A boon or a bane in ASEAN War on Terrorism?

B. Chapters

I. ABSTRACT
This study is descriptive analysis regarding the effects of culture in the ASEAN
War on terrorism. This study aims to define the specific approachesof the Southeast
Asian culture towards anti- terrorism. This study therefore focuses onthe framework of
the construction of ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and its role in fighting
regional terrorism. The descriptive analysis shall be done by analysing the basic
aspects of culture and its possible effects in decision making. The study will lead to the
claim that will analyse the positive and negative effects of cultural diversity in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Keywords: ASEAN, Culture, Cultural Diversity, War on Terrorism

Introduction

Culture is ordinarily referring to the way of thinking, behaving, or working that

exists in a place. It also refers to the beliefs, customs, and arts of a particular society,
group, place or time. It is an aspect in a certain society that defines its identity and can
be shown through the way of life of its citizens. This is also called as cultural identity. A
societys culture affects every decision or plan for certain predicaments in its jurisdiction.
Culture varies from one state to another and this results into cultural diversity. Cultural
diversity refers to the quality or state of having many different forms, types and ideas.
Thus, one of the results of cultural diversity is aiming to have a regional identity- the
state of binding different cultures and traditions from different countries in one region to
form one identity. One best example of this is the Association of South East Asian
Nations (ASEAN), which was established to form a regional identity that would be the
foundation of their plans and agendas. But, according to Cook (2007) [r]egional identity
in its various forms has undoubtedly been spurred on by but not limited to the impact of
globalisation and regionalisation. What emerges is a mixture of both global and local
ideas being taken into account in the development of a regional identity. 1
Culture has been a very important element in the society. It plays a big part in
building the identity of a certain country since it influences the decision making process
of the government. As culture varies from one country to another, the way of addressing
certain circumstances also differs and differences in a certain organization may lead to
inconsistency. [c]ulture can be one of the main causes of conflicts, Steinberg (2009).
But, the ASEAN member states aimed to set aside the negative effects of cultural
diversity in their organization as they picture themselves having one identity to achieve
their goals towards growth and development for their nations.
When it comes to the idea of growth and development, the important aspects to
be considered are the economic stability, socio-political statuses and human security.
One of the major threats of human security is terrorism. Most of the main reasons of
terrorism (specifically regional terrorism) pertains to the aims to fight a specific
government, the aim to rule over, religion-based cultural differences and Islamic
invasion.

Last August 8, 2017; The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

commemorated its golden foundation anniversary with the theme of Partnering for
Change, Engaging the World. The ASEAN foreign ministers together with other
dialogue partners gathered to discuss top regional political concerns and international
security threats to secure peace, and economic developments for Southeast Asians.
They were expected to discuss the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, the issues
regarding the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the siege of Marawi in the
Southern Philippines.

The ASEAN had a joint declaration during the 30th Summit that formed the
ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) that will be responsible in adhering to the
principles of the ASEAN2, specifically regarding the protection of rights and human
security. Stated below are some of the most important parts of the joint declaration that
will be used in the study;

ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) joint declaration

ADHERING with full commitment to the purpose and principles of the ASEAN
Charter that are to serve the interests of the peoples of the ASEAN Member

1
See Culture, Identity and Religion of Southeast Asia by Alstair D.B. Cook, 2007
2
At the end of their annual security meeting, the ASEAN ministers stressed the need to strongly address the "threat
of radicalism" by making the peoples of the ASEAN aware of the perils of violent extremism. In a joint declaration
issued at the end of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), the ASEAN ministers emphasized the need
"to enhance regional cooperation through intelligence and information sharing, increasing surveillance, and
promoting awareness among the public about the threat of radicalism."
 States and to ensure they live in peace with one another and the world at large in
line with the ASEAN motto One Vision, One Identity and One Community; 3

RECALLING the formal establishment of the ASEAN Community 2015 on 31

December 2015 and the adoption of the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead
Together, which states that the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC)
shall be responsive and relevant in addressing challenges to regional peace and
security as well as play a central role in shaping the evolving regional
architecture, while deepening our engagement with external parties and
contributing collectively to global peace, security and stability; 4

BEARING IN MIND the action lines of the APSC Blueprint 2025, namely to
strengthen the ADMM to engage in strategic dialogue on defence and security
issues as well as practical cooperation, while enhancing ASEAN centrality in the
ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus process; 5

EXPRESSING concern over security challenges, which include both traditional

and non-traditional security issues, while recognising the role of defence
establishments in addressing such challenges; 6

REAFFIRMING the ASEANs role and its centrality as a key driving force in the
evolving regional security architecture; 7

UNDERSCORING the principles enshrined in the Treaty of Amity and

Cooperation (TAC) to cooperate in all fields for the promotion of regional
resilience, based on principles of self-confidence, self-reliance, mutual respect,
cooperation, and solidarity which will constitute the foundation for a strong and
viable community of nations in Southeast Asia; 8

RECOGNISING the contributions of the defence sector in addressing natural and

man-made disasters and recalling the inputs of the ADMM on the Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP) regarding the Use of ASEAN Military Assets and
Capacities in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in support of
the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response
(AADMER) and the Standard Operating Procedures for Regional Standby

3
Paragraph 2 of the joint declaration that seeks to expose the commitment of the sector to the ASEAN virtue and
goal.
4
Paragraph 3 of the joint declaration, explains the main goal to promote human security
5
Paragraph 4 of the joint declaration; the APSC Blueprint 2025
6
Paragraph 5 of the joint declaration
7
Paragraph 6 of the joint declaration
8
Paragraph 7 of the joint declaration
 Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency
Response Operations (SASOP); 9

RECOGNISING the potential of the initiative on ASEAN Defence Establishments

and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Cooperation on Non-Traditional Security
in engaging CSOs to address security issues while promoting a people-oriented
and people-centered ASEAN; 10

EMPHASISING the value of education and training exchanges among defence

and military establishments to enhance the individual and collective capacity of
ASEAN Member States in addressing security challenges; 11

COMMENDING the progress of practical cooperation through the ADMM-Plus

Experts Working Groups (EWGs) on Counter-Terrorism, HADR, Maritime
Security, Military Medicine, Peacekeeping Operations (PKO), and Humanitarian
Mine Action (HMA), and recognizing the need to conduct an assessment of each
EWGs work; 12

However, [t]he heterogeneous region has a very strategic position Cabalza

(2017). The boundaries of each ASEAN country made them vulnerable to terrorist
attacks. Thus, this will be the reason of each member states to strategically create plans
on how would they respond to these kinds of circumstances.

II. A. Statement of the Problem:

A lot of studies about the ASEAN Anti-terrorism provided certain points on how
they aim to address the circumstances; but, the question that entails cultural diversity in
the ASEAN remains a potent topic for debate. Based on the reviewed literatures that is
included on the foregoing part of this research paper together with the abovementioned
valid assumptions the following statements are enlisted to provide the foundation of this
study:

1. How will culture affect and influence the decision making processes of the
ASEAN regarding the War on Terrorism?
2. What are the specific aspects of culture that may adversely affect war on
terrorism?
3. What are the specific aspects of culture that may positively affect war on
terrorism?

9
Paragraph 11 of the joint declaration
10
Paragraph 14 of the joint declaration
11
Paragraph 21 of the joint declaration
12
Paragraph 23 of the joint declaration
 B. Methodology
This study is essentially a descriptive research which will apply the analysis of
the basic foundations and elements of culture and how will it influence the ASEAN war
on terrorism. It is a text- based analysis as it will be dealing with articles regarding the
concept of culture and its components.
The study shall utilize a qualitative method of research. Since this study is
essentially a descriptive analysis. This will be done through the analysis of the basic
concepts and foundation of culture which is claimed by most scholars to have certain
effects in the decision making for a countrys welfare. The foundation of the ASEAN joint
declaration regarding anti-terrorism will be assessed with the first mentioned variable.
The research study will focus more on giving the pros and cons of the effects of culture
and will then evaluate if the ASEANs plan against anti-terrorism will be effective given
that cultural diversity may take place.

Scope and Limitation

This research focuses on basic concept of culture and its effects in decision
making. This descriptive research focuses on the analysis of the ASEAN plan on anti-
terrorism through the ADMM.13 This research study however will not deal on the current
specific moves of the ASEAN in certain regional dilemmas but rather the concepts that
are affected by culture.

III. Review of Related Literatures

Foreign Literatures
Explaining the Impact of the Global War on Terrorism on ASEAN: the New
Regionalism Revisited?
The research paper that explains the impact of the global War on terrorism on
ASEAN was analysed through the idea of new regionalism. Unlike the old regionalism
explains, the new idea exposes the reasons why countries work together in a certain
region to achieve one goal. Regionalism is broadly defined as a policy whereby state
and non-state actors cooperate and coordinate strategy within a given region (Fawcett
2004). This is the type of ideology that the ASEAN possesses. The author used the
categorization of regionalism into two kinds- soft regionalism and the hard regionalism;
[S]oft regionalism where regionalism is aimed at promoting a sense of regional
awareness through consolidating regional networks; and hard regionalism, by

13
The defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations agreed to step up
counter-terrorism measures to prevent pro-Islamic State (IS) militant groups from gaining a stronghold in
Southeast Asia.
 means of formalizing interstate arrangements and organizations (Fawcett 2004:
433)14
Another point would be regarding the new regionalism which explains that it
would be beneficial to the ASEAN countries to seek minimal help from other countries
such as the United States. This is to promote Security regionalism. According to
Prawindarti (2016)15, The main goal of security regionalism is a transformation from
war-prone region to more secure and peaceful regional system.
The long felt effect of colonial expansion has affected the perspectives of ASEAN
member states and made them realize that this should be the time to bind ties and work
in unison to create efficient means towards prosperity and integrity, and to provide a
more effective security among their nations. This paper however focus more on the idea
of regionalism itself rather than its effect on the ASEAN war on terrorism, but explains
well the application of the idea on the organizations main purpose.

The ASEAN Response on Terrorism

This research paper analysed how issues within Southeast Asia has been
addressed by evaluating the responses of each countries as well as the cooperation of
the ASEAN. The researchers argument discussed that in order to address a certain
stage in the war on terrorism; states should focus on three issues. First, is to focus on
multilateral and bilateral responses to terrorism; second is to look beyond the war
against terrorism. Last and the most important is [t]o move from reactive to proactive
approaches to dealing with terrorism by stressing the importance of practical measures
like the creation of a Common Threat Assessment Centre that would not be inhibited by
inter-state political conditions thereby allowing for better coordination and
implementation of anti- terrorist strategies. (Sebastian, 2015)16
The conclusion of this research explained the four factors that characterise
Southeast Asias regional security environment. First, generally weak immigration
controls, with administrative necessities being prevailed through corruption; second, are
the trade links between Southeast Asia and Middle Eastern and South Asian countries,
which most of them operate outside normal financial channels not readily monitored by
governments, and with therefore analysed to be one of the leeway of terrorists to enter
a certain country and gain control; and last is the availability of large supplies of
indigenously produced and imported weapons in Southeast Asia.
This study exposes the main causes of terrorism in Southeast Asia, therefore,
can also be a source for the analysis part on how the ASEAN will respond to these
circumstances.

14
See Fawcetts
15
Prawindarti
16
See Leonard C. Sebastians ASEANs Response on Terrorism, published by the UNISCI Discussion papers
The initial paper was presented at the 5th Japan-Singapore Symposium (JSS) organised by the Association for the
Promotion of International Cooperation (Japan) and the Institute of Policy Studies (Singapore), held in Tokyo
The Approaches of the Old and New Terrorism

With a lot of given articles regarding threats posed by terrorism in Southeast

Asia, few people provide insights into the regional mechanisms and measures to deal
with the threats and assess their adequacy and efficacy. This research paper attempted
to create a critical and primary-source-based analysis of regional cooperation to
counter-terrorism through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It also
seeks to contribute a more complex explanation regarding ASEAN through a closer look
at the often misunderstood mechanisms of the organizations plans on the security
sector. The main argument of the writer is the regional cooperation on counter-terrorism
which has been initiated in response to the American agenda, the point that terrorism in
Southeast Asia is both a local and global phenomenon makes it imperious for ASEAN to
deliberately redefine its counter-terrorism policy, so as to maintain its position in this
changing global security environment.

The paper explains the differences between the old terrorism and the new
terrorism. Most of the countries in Southeast Asia experienced Western colonization
and it affected most of the traditions and culture of Southeast Asians. Colonialism
hadhelped to create an environment of dispute that led to inter-state conflicts.17This was
indeed a difficult endeavour, as the author concluded;

[a]s the region continued to be faced with evolving security challenges. Whilst
those inter-state conflicts had been resolved, or at least bracketed, some
countries in the region continued to be best by intra-state violence in the form of
armed rebellion directed against the central governments. These armed
rebellions have taken two forms: terrorism and insurgency.

[T]errorism is in this context is defined as, the use of violence against selected
urban or human targets to push for ethno-nationalist or religious objectives.(Tan, n.d.)
Moreover, the weakening in inter-state conflict or tension by means of military might
contribute to the weakening oftraditional power structures, give rise to the idea of non-
traditional security issues, such as scarcity, poverty, environmental degradation and
conflict between ethnic groups and may be coined as the new security challenges.

17
Tan, author of the New Approaches of the Old and New Terrorism included the inter-state conflicts that flared up
betweenIndonesia and Malaysia, between Malaysia and the Philippines, and between Malaysia and Singapore.
Civil strife and proxy wars, in combination with historical animosities, unsettled the Indochina region at the height
of the Cold War.
 This study included the analysis of the socio-cultural aspect that pushed the
leaders of Southeast Asian community to form ASEAN as the organization that aims to
bind their societies to address issues to promote growth and development.

The Southeast Asian Approach" to Counter-Terrorism: Learning from Indonesia

and Malaysia

This article focuses on the study regarding the root causes conflict which has
been connected to the Muslim discontent. The writer claims that in a real situation,
short-term counter-terrorist strategy is undoubtedly important. This strategy needs to be
complemented by a longer-term approach designed to neuter the ability of terror
networks to regenerate. This is why a counter-terrorism strategy is designed to
eliminate the ideological and political sources of Muslim dissatisfaction. To combat
Islamist terror within the region, the Southeast Asian ideology rejected the "top-down," a
one-size-fits-all approach that was formulated in Washington, but rather, the article
pronounces a "bottom-up" Southeast Asian indirect strategy.

Not all Southeast Asian states have similar capacities to interdict the circulation
of terrorist funds, material, and man power.18 (Nanyang, 2014)The study included
Indonesia, the Philippines, and, to some extent, Thailand that stand out as weak states
with insufficient administrative coverage over their territories, in comparison to the
strong, administratively powerful states of Singapore and Malaysia. Moreover, the
maritime configuration of the Southeast Asian archipelago as well as corruption and
lack of professionalism among frontline immigration staff and security force personnel,
expedite both the circulation of militants as well as a relatively flourishing illegal arms
trade. Further complicating the picture are deeply rooted institutional rivalries between
the military and the police in several states; and complicated internal political dynamics
as well. Nevertheless, despite these diverse difficulties, ASEAN governments have
been seeking to strengthen their respective legal and administrative counter-terror
regimes.

Local Literature

Reflecting on ASEANs Contributions to the Region and the World

The Association of Southeast Asian Nation continued to show the world that they
are one of the organizations that depict the ideology of being a goal-setter and
integration seeker. The ASEAN continues to conduct summits that are concerned in
developing the member-states societies with regards to the political-security, economic,

18
US counter-terror doctrine appears to assume that undermining Islamist terror networks such as al-Qaeda and its
Southeast Asian affiliate Jemaah Islamiyah requires increasing state capacities and promoting intelligence
cooperation to eliminate terror cells and their logistics lines within Southeast Asia, while promoting good
governance to ensure that terror networks do not transform failed state environments into sanctuaries
and socio-cultural aspects. The absence of an armed conflict in Southeast Asia has led
to the second key success of ASEAN which is its role in promoting national and regional
economic development. ASEAN has contributed to a regional and international political
order that has promoted a climate for economic assistance, trade, and FDI supporting
national development programs.3 Its expansion of membership to include Laos,
Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam has facilitated their greater integration into the
regional economy and has allowed their respective economies to catch up. The
establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community with its commitment to a free flow of
goods, services, and mobility of people has also made the regional bloc more
competitive and resilient amid a slowdown in the global economy and trade.19
The paper presented the key accomplishments of ASEAN and it is stated that the
organization has successfully maintained a general absence of armed conflicts. As
Merced (2017) concluded:
The first key success of ASEAN is the general absence of an armed conflict
among the Member States. Many scholars believed this has been ASEANs
biggest contribution to the region and the world despite the diversity of its political
systems and cultures and the existence of bilateral tensions arising from
historical enmities and unresolved territorial and maritime disputes. ASEAN has
maintained peace by socializing its Member States into principles and norms
such non-interference in internal affairs, respect for sovereignty, and renunciation
of threat and use of force all enshrined in the 1976 Treaty of Amity and
Cooperation (TAC). These principles have been upheld through consultations,
non-confrontation, and consensus-building, or what is known as the ASEAN
Way.
However, the statement appeared to be contradictory to some because there are
still countries that are being attacked by Islamic groups such as the Philippines. And
despite of ASEANs integration upon security aspects, some researchers [h]ave still
pointed out evidences of ASEANs ineffectiveness. Merced (2017)

Partners For Change: Understanding the External Relations of ASEAN

The research paper explains the extensive external relations of ASEAN. It is
quite redundant as it seems because ASEAN is already an organization that is
established to bind external relations within its member states. But, as the ASEAN
portrays one identity, the external relations of ASEAN had been stated to become more
broad and reaching. One example is when Turkey formalized their relations with
ASEAN. The organizations journey included formal relations and partnerships with
many countries and organizations outside the region toward shared objectives and
mutual benefit.

19
See Reflecting on ASEANs Contributions to the Region and the Worldby Louie Dane C. Merced
 One of the latent benefits from these ASEAN external relations wraps up the idea
of having greater opportunities and partnerships to have efficient policies and programs.
As Merced (2017) stated:

[D]ialogue Partnerships focused on securing technical and economic assistance

for the developing economies of ASEAN. Eventually, the agenda broadened to
include the promotion of two-way trade and investments; strengthening of socio-
cultural links; exchange of views on regional political issues; and addressing non-
traditional challenges such as terrorism and transnational crimes all of which
correspond to the three pillars of the ASEAN Community. This also highlights the
confidence on ASEAN as an active and equal partner in promoting regional
stability and economic growth.20

The writer then concluded that the external influences would be very beneficial
and thus, may continuously help in the Southeast Asian integration. However, the
research was not able to elaborate the downside of this relationship, but can be used as
a reference for the main research.

IV. Presentation, Analysis & Interpretation of Data

In todays generation, particularly in the Southeast Asia, through the continuously

growing pillars of globalization, countries have become much closer together. And due
to this development, the negotiation between nations, culture and religions have been
more significant. By developing and supporting this negotiation, the ASEAN
continuously facilitates various meeting to meet the very purpose of their agendas to
destroy the very roots of terrorism. Unfortunately, today, in some cases, terrorism hides
itself under the screen of religion and different spiritual developments. It nevertheless
should not deceive us into diverting our attention from its actual meaning.
(Aliyev,2002). Thus, this implicates that in the roots of terrorism, there is the idea of
clash of cultures considering that religion is one of the aspects of a country or a
groups culture. Ideally speaking, since cultural diversity depicts the very cause of the
fight of ASEAN against terrorist attacks or regional terrorism; the question to be asked
will be directed to the ASEAN itself and its decisions to address this matter.
The question on whether or notASEAN can work together on its war on terrorism
was still asked by many since there various aspects that seem to appear like
hindrances for the organization.

20
See the article Partners For Change: Understanding the External Relations of ASEANby Louie Dane C. Merced
 Most of the paramount aspect that affects the decision making of a Southeast
Asian country is their deep inclination to their belief and religion. Most of the terrorist
attacks are caused by Islam defenders and this became the focal point of the ADMM as
they started the agreements to fight the religion based cultural differences. According to
the analysis of Aliyev(2002)21, the following are the main role of culture and religion to
the approaches against terrorism:
1. Religion and belief have an important role to play in modern and democratic
societies for the individual and for society as a whole;
2. The recourse to terrorism under the name of religion does not demonstrate a
clash of cultures but a clash based on ignorance;
3. All religions and similar beliefs preach tolerance and respect for the inherent
humanity of all persons, and violence and terrorism are incompatible with the
authentic spirit of religion;
4. It is essential, in the fight against terrorism, for states and individuals to
respect fully all human rights and the freedom of religion and belief in
particular;
5. They resolutely reject any attempt to justify terrorism and extremism on any
political, religious, economic or social grounds;
6. Just as religion may wrongly be used to justify terrorism, so can anti-
terrorism actions of governments wrongly be used to justify actions that
undermine human rights and freedom of religion or belief;
7. They reject firmly the identification of terrorism with any particular religion or
culture and stress that neither terrorist activities nor the anti-terrorist fight may
be presented as a struggle for or against any religion or culture;
8. Terrorism and extremism destroy the rule of law, human rights, fundamental
freedoms and democracy and threaten peace and security;
9. Armed conflict undermines the security and stability of the OSCE region and
can create obstacles to the promotion and development of interreligious and
intercultural dialogue;
10. Persistent armed conflicts have been interlinked with terrorism in various
regions of the OSCE area, and conflict zones can serve as safe havens for
terrorists;
11. Diverse, multiethnic, and multicultural societies are an essential and
invaluable achievement of civilization and contribute to peace and strengthen
relations between nations;22

21
The Role of Freedom of Religion and Belief in a Democratic Society: Searching for Ways to Combat Terrorism and
Extremism Baku, Azerbaijan, 10-11 October 2002
22
The conclusions were further explained in the conference and the author stated the foundation of the research:
After the events of 11 September, Azerbaijan joined the anti-terrorism coalition and has taken part in a number of
administrative and organizational measures as a country that is seriously struggling with international terrorism.
 To contradict the stated salient points of the writer regarding the advantageous
points of religion-based cultural differences, the analysis for the points that show
adversity within the effects of cultural differences will be guided by the framework of
Cabelza(2012), as he questioned the ASEANs capacity to work together to fight
regional terrorism.
The ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting discussed the unyielding forces of
issues that became major threats to human security and concluded that violent
extremism and regional terrorism still exist and appear to be such threatening issues.
Such examples are the denuclearization of North Korea, the territorial dispute in the
South China Sea and the Marawi siege in the Southern part of the Philippines. With the
existence of foreign influences in policy-making and the presence of cultural differences
that affects the combating terrorism, will ASEAN unite to cooperate against the threat of
homegrown terrorists?
The ASEAN member states or the Southeast Asia as a whole [h]as been the
home of indigenous Islamic militant groups for decades.(Cabelza, 2017). As the latter
concluded:

Today, the mix of socioeconomic marginalization, political corruption, loosening

political controls, and ignorance toward the insurgence of militant groups has
created a time bomb for the region. Despite large intelligence and internal
security apparatuses in the region, there does not seem to be much
comprehension about the differing capabilities of the ten nation-states in the
region and the lack of technical or analytical capabilities to address regional
security issues.

Given in the first part of the paper are the salient points of the ADMMjoint
declaration, which delineates the aim of the ASEAN to support the member states attain
a safe environment to improve visions for internal constancy and economic
development. But, harmonized act has been difficult, in the face of startling cases of
terrorism distressing citizens in the region. Countries in Southeast Asia, especially the
Philippines, exclude foreign forcesto directly engage in actual combat in the country.
This seemed to have resulted into regrettable decision knowing that the siege lasted

International conventions and important legal documents recently adopted by us have created an efficient
legislative base for the fight with terrorism. A number of changes were made to the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, and
a special article was added referring to the criminal responsibility for the financing of terrorism. In May 2002, I
approved a special plan of arrangements and measures devoted to corresponding decisions made by the Security
Council of the United Nations organization targeting terrorism.
long despite the strategic plans by the Philippine government and military together with
the strong support from other ASEAN countries to fight the jihadi terrorists. 23

Military cooperation at the ASEAN level remains limited due to the

member-states sensitivities and national sovereignty concerns, such as
different approaches to national defense and cooperation, as well as
different levels of development, equipment, and operational procedures
that reflect the regions inherent complexities.

V. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

Cultural diversity affected the ASEAN war on terrorism in both positive and
negative ways. Any war on terrorism must be very strategic in its approach; unity and
cooperation is very vital in combating religion-based cultural differences; particularly the
Islamic State-inspired threats. The application of punitive and preventive law
implementationprocesses can be significant but above these acts should be the
ideological investigation of the root causes of Islamic extremism rather than the political
and economic investigation approach. These causes can be neutralized despite of the
regions cultural diversity, using the efficient use of various tactics through other
manifestations of culture- politics, ideology, and education.

In this generation where cultural diversity results into different complexities such
as the inability to address insurgencies efficiently, despite the presence of regional
organizations; the recommendation of the researcher would suggest the application of
rational and philosophical approaches towards war against terrorism. Given the fact that
religion, belief and culture are the main aspects that are hard to replace when it comes
to the influences in decision making, it is about time for the ASEAN to set aside the
deep inclination to the sentimental value of culture, but rather focus more on the rational
and reasonable foundations of cultural diversities.

23
The ministers also expressed "full support for the Philippines' efforts to address the security and humanitarian
situation" in the southern Philippine city of Marawi where government security forces and pro-Islamic State (IS)
fighters were locked in a fierce five-month urban warfare that killed nearly 1,200.
 VI. Reference
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in a Democratic Society: Searching for Ways to Combat Terrorism and
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