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Guido Benny

Taylor's University, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty Member

National University of Malaysia, School of History, Politics, and Strategy, Faculty Member

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A Southeast Asian Regionalism Scholar
Phone: +60163180289
Address: School of History, Politics and Strategy,
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities,
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM, Bangi Selangor, Malaysia.

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Papers by Guido Benny

Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs Indonesian Perceptions and Attitudes toward the ASEAN Community

The major criticism of the ASEAN Community idea is its elitist approaches. It lacks the most cruc... more The major criticism of the ASEAN Community idea is its elitist approaches. It lacks the most crucial components that have brought about the success of other similar regional organizations such as the European Union (EU): the involvement of the general public in the formation process. This study, therefore, analyses to what extent the Indonesian public understands and perceives the proposed regional community idea. By using statistical tests, the study accesses several interlinked factors such as knowledge about the ASEAN Community concept, perception of the process of establishment of the regional community, and perceived achievement of ASEAN as a regional organization to understand the Indonesian public's attitude. The study found that despite Indonesian respondents' relative lack of knowledge on the proposed formation of the ASEAN Community, they are indeed supportive of the idea. They also show some support for the proposed creation of the regional community under its thr...

The understanding of the idealization and conceptualization of ASEAN community: Comparative study between Malaysia and Indonesia

The Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) has embarked upon an ambitious plan; to create an ASEA... more The Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) has embarked upon an ambitious plan; to create an ASEAN Community by 2015. Based on the 2003 ASEAN Head of States declaration, the region envisages a formal community of Southeast Asian states with a government-led initiatives thorough socio-cultural integration and formal rules. Critics argue that the proposed formation of formal ASEAN community has been very much influenced by the development in the European Union hence forgetting the fact that idealization and conceptualization of regional community in Southeast Asia are still in an infant stage. The conceptualization and process of community building does not only involve states but also proper conceptual understanding and active involvement of population and other regional non-state actors. In other words, there must be a sense of belongings to the individual state's population in the area on the idea of regional community, for it to be successfully implemented. This article, there...

Regional Public Opinion Towards the Formation of Political Security Community in Southeast Asia

Asian Journal of Scientific Research, 2013

Economic versus Political Liberalisation in ASEAN: Public Opinion among University Students in Four Member Countries

International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies, Jan 15, 2018

As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs plausible level of public... more As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs plausible level of public awareness, good public perception and strong public support from the public for its legitimacy. The current paper discusses the opinion among the public pertaining to regional economic integration under the ASEAN Economic Community initiative in comparison to political-security cooperation under the ASEAN Political Security Community in 2015 among educated public in four ASEAN countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The study aims to solicit and

ECONOMIC VERSUS POLITICAL LIBERALISATION IN ASEAN: PUBLIC OPINION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN FOUR MEMBER COUNTRIES

As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs plausible level of public... more As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs plausible level of public awareness, good public perception and strong public support from the public for its legitimacy. The current paper discusses the opinion among the public pertaining to regional economic integration under the ASEAN Economic Community initiative in comparison to political-security cooperation under the ASEAN Political Security Community in 2015 among educated public in four ASEAN countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The study aims to solicit and

Attitude, Challenges and Aspiration for the ASEAN Community 2015 and Beyond: Comparative Public Opinion in Malaysia and Thailand

The study investigates attitude, perception, preparedness and aspiration towards the ASEAN Commun... more The study investigates attitude, perception, preparedness and aspiration towards the ASEAN Community among Gen Y public in Malaysia and Thailand. It uses opinion survey method in soliciting information from 734 Gen Y respondents – 374 in Kuala Lumpur and 360 in Bangkok between July and November 2015. The study showed that Gen Y in Malaysia and Thailand contended that of the ASEAN Community and its three pillars as highly relevant and beneficial for them individually and their country. Consequently, they exhibited great support for regional integration. Secondly, it reveals that Gen Y possesses strong sense of regional identities, but they also exhibited strong nationalism sentiments. Thirdly, they perceived lack of proper understanding and preparation among people for regional integration, unequal education opportunities, and institutional weaknesses and lack of political will in executing regional integration policies as the top three challenges for the establishment of ASEAN Community. Finally, majority respondents claimed to be prepared for the ASEAN Community. In addition, they aspired for stronger regional integration as in European Union, but with some uniquely Southeast Asian characteristics.

ISIS in Iraq: The Impact on National, Regional and Global Peace and Security

by Guido Benny and suror hammaze

Most countries consider ISIS as one of the most dangerous terrorist organization in which operati... more Most countries consider ISIS as one of the most dangerous terrorist organization in which operation has brought a major threat to national security and peace in many countries, as well to human, regional and global security and peace because of its ability to amass combatants, funding, and territory. In achieving its goals to establish a fundamentalist Islamic state as well as to impose its worldwide view of Islam extremism, it practices political and military tactics by the use of ruthless force on both Muslims and non-Muslims people. Ethnic cleansing carried out by ISIS towards Non-Muslims can be considered a very serious crime and represents a part of terrorist actions which aims to force the scenario of dividing Iraq and creating a terrorist front in its occupied territories in Iraq. The rapid advance of ISIS in Iraq has completely changed the balance of power in the country. In addition, it threatens not only the integrity of the country, but also leads to redrawing of borders across wider regions.

International Organizations Against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria: An Neoliberal Institutionalist Analysis

by Guido Benny and suror hammaze

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria/the Levant (ISIS/ISIL) has threatened human and national secu... more The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria/the Levant (ISIS/ISIL) has threatened human and national security of Iraq and Syria, as well as the rest of the world, as its influence spreads in forms of terrorism in many parts in the world such as Yemen, Libya, Sinai, Mali, Somalia, North-Eastern Nigeria, Pakistan, and some parts of Southeast Asia and Europe. USA has called for a formation of a new international coalition to confront ISIS in Iraq to provide a support for the Iraqi government institutions to impose the sovereignty of law and to provide equal opportunities for the members in federal governmental institutions. Following the declaration from the US President, an international coalition was formed by the USA, British, Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq on 10th September 2014, in addition to the military and humanitarian supports provided by NATO and EU states. A number of international organizations namely the UN and NATO, as well as regional organizations namely the Arab League and EU, have moved to contain the development of ISIS, but the results were limited and inconclusive. Using neoliberal institutionalist perspective, the study argues that an effective international organization is required to solve the crisis caused by ISIS and the shortcoming in solving ISIS crisis is caused by the non-existence of a unitary international organization. The study firstly identifies the current operating role of those international and regional organizations in response to ISIS in responding and preventing ISIS and its expansion. Secondly, the reasons behind the shortcoming of the current international coalition are discussed. Consequently, the study suggests the formation of a stronger international organization that manages the strategy to fight IS in Iraq.

Contestation of Regional and National Identities: Effect on Support for the Asean Community

As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs strong support from the p... more As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs strong support from the public. However, ASEAN has been well-known for its state-centric, elitist, and non-existence of direct involvement from the people in ASEAN formation process. Previous researches have argued that any regional integration is influenced by the senses of identities among the people, but literatures show inconclusive findings on the effect of identities on supports. Thus, the study discusses the extents of regional and national identities and support for the ASEAN Community in 2015 among Gen Y public in four ASEAN countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. It aims to investigate the interplay of these three variables among the public. Specifically, the study hypothesizes that, while senses of regional identity influence the support for regionalism initiative positively, nationalism sentiments may jeopardise the regionalism initiative because they theoretically go against the sense of regional identities and support. Using statistical analysis, the study tested these hypotheses by analysing and statistically tested the opinion among 1,471 Gen Y respondents in these four ASEAN countries surveyed in 2015 and found a conclusive finding on the contestation of regional identity and nationalist sentiments in the context of Southeast Asian regionalism.

The Indonesian Nationalism and Perceived Threats of Neighbouring Countries: Public Opinion toward the ASEAN Community

http://ijssea.insightsociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=1&article_... more http://ijssea.insightsociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=1&article_id=102 Inspired by the European regionalism, ten ASEAN countries commenced their aspiration for ASEAN Community which is broad minded; living peacefully, steady, and prosperous; bounded together in a partnership and in a dynamic development in a caring community. However, contrasted with the European Union, the formation process of ASEAN Community lacks of the involvement of the public. This paper describes the results of a field survey of public opinion in Indonesia on nationalism sentiment and the predicted ASEAN community establishment’s impact to national security, national identity, national sovereignty, and the threat perceptions from other countries. Survey results discover some interesting findings. Contrary to the prerequisite of regional integration, the nationalism and national identity in the mass society is still high and this can be detrimental to the establishment of ASEAN...

Nationalist In Thinking, Worldminded In Action

http://staff.ui.ac.id/internal/0906050081/publikasi/MAKALAHGuidoBenny-NationalistInThinkingWorldm... more http://staff.ui.ac.id/internal/0906050081/publikasi/MAKALAHGuidoBenny-NationalistInThinkingWorldmindedInAction.docTheAttitudeOfIndonesianConsumersNearbyTheASEANFreeTrade.pdf "In the ASEAN’s Ministries of Trade’s Conference in 2006, it was decided that the implementation of economic integration under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) to be accelerated to 2015. Many observers have argued and some study have been conducted about the readiness of Indonesian business toward globalization. However, the study in the perspective of Indonesian consumers was very rare. This study is aimed to understand the attitude of Indonesian consumers towards economic globalization. The study adapted the constructs of consumers’ nationalism and worldmindedness revealed by Rawwas, Rajendran, and Wuehrer (1996). Data was collected, in September -October 2007, using survey questionnaires to 488 respondents in 13 cities (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tanggerang, Bekasi, Balikpapan, Denpasar, Makassar, Medan, Man...

Does public opinion count? Knowledge and support for an ASEAN Community in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore

International Relations of the Asia-Pacific

Scholars have remarked that the decision-making process in the Association of Southeast Asian Nat... more Scholars have remarked that the decision-making process in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is largely elitist in nature and concentrated within the higher echelon of leadership, with little public participation. Since ASEAN is moving toward community building by the year 2015, questions arise on whether the people are consulted, aware, and support this initiative – which is the focus of this article. The authors argue that increased awareness and knowledge of the public regarding the ASEAN Community initiative will eventually translate into increased support. Against this background, this article analyzes the extent the public in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are aware of and support the proposed initiative, based on public opinion surveys conducted by the authors in these countries. To support the discussion, this article also employs the Pearson chi-square test to analyze the relationship between public awareness and support for the ASEAN Community.

*ISI SSCI Impact Journal*
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Is an “ASEAN Community” Achievable? A Public Perception Analysis in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore on the Perceived Obstacles to Regional Community

Asian Survey

The formulation “ASEAN Community” has been criticized for being too elitist and lacking serious e... more The formulation “ASEAN Community” has been criticized for being too elitist and lacking serious efforts to solicit public opinion. This article examines how the people in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore view the concept of “community building” and the obstacles this initiative may encounter.

*ISI SSCI Impact Journal*
Please contact me directly for advice on how to get this article.

Is an “ASEAN Community” Achievable?

Asian Survey, 2012

ABSTRACT The formulation “ASEAN Community” has been criticized for being too elitist and lacking ... more ABSTRACT The formulation “ASEAN Community” has been criticized for being too elitist and lacking serious efforts to solicit public opinion. This article examines how the people in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore view the concept of “community building” and the obstacles this initiative may encounter.

KESAN SENTIMEN NASIONALISME TERHADAP KOMITMEN MENGUTAMAKAN KOMUNITI EKONOMI ASEAN: ANALISIS EMPIRIKAL DARIPADA SURVEI DI INDONESIA, MALAYSIA DAN SINGAPURA

Penulisan ini mengkaji bagaimana sentimen nasionalisme mempengaruhi komitmen awam bagi mempriorit... more Penulisan ini mengkaji bagaimana sentimen nasionalisme mempengaruhi komitmen awam bagi memprioritaskan penubuhan Komuniti Ekonomi ASEAN mahupun ketiga fiturnya – perdagangan bebas, aliran pekerja mahir/professional, dan pelaburan intra-ASEAN. Kajian menggunakan data statistik dari survei opini publik yang dijalankan terhadap 1,256 responden di sebelas bandar di Indonesia, Malaysia dan Singapura pada tahun 2010. Dapatan kajian yang telah diuji dengan menggunakan analisis regresi berganda mendapati beberapa dapatan penting atas hipotesis kajian bahawa terdapat asosiasi positif antara sentimen nasionalisme dan komitmen terhadap AEC dan ketiga-tiga fiturnya. Bagaimanapun, wujud perbezaan dalam dapatan di ketiga-tiga negara ASEAN dan juga isu-isu yang khas pada negara-negara membangun yang berlainan daripada dapatan pada integrasi Eropah. Akhirnya, kajian menunjukkan beberapa cadangan bagi keberjayaan inisiatif dan arahan bagi kajian selanjutnya pada bahagian akhir artikel ini.
This article examines how nationalist sentiment affects public's commitment to prioritize the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community and its three features - free trade, the flow of skilled/professional workers and intra-ASEAN investment. The study uses statistical data from a public opinion survey conducted on 1,256 respondents in eleven cities in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in 2010. The findings were tested using multiple regression analysis and found some important insights on the hypothesis of study. The sudy finds the existence of positive association between nationalism sentiments and commitment to prioritise AEC and its three features. However, the study finds some differences in findings in three ASEAN countries. In addition, the study also finds some issues in developing countries those are different from the findings of the European integration. Finally, some suggestions proposed for the success of regionalism initiatives and directions for future study are indicated at the end of the article.

Impact of Nationalist Sentiments and Commitment for Prioritising the ASEAN Economic Community: Empirical Analysis from Survey in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore

This study examines how nationalist sentiments affect the public's commitment to prioritize the p... more This study examines how nationalist sentiments affect the public's commitment to prioritize the proposed ASEAN Economic
Community and its three features – free flow of goods and services, free movement of skilled/professional workers and
freedom to invest in the region. It analyzes statistical data from public opinion surveys conducted to 1,040 respondents from
eleven cities in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in 2010. Tested by OLS regression analysis, the study finds some mixed
findings for the four hypotheses, differences in results in the three ASEAN countries, and issues specific to developing
countries that vary the results from the European integration.

Perceived Elitist and State-Centric Regional Integration Process: Impact on Public Opinions for the Formation of ASEAN Community

Scholars argue that ASEAN is a community of nations and not a community of people. Decision makin... more Scholars argue that ASEAN is a community of nations and not a community of people. Decision making in ASEAN have been concentrated within the higher echelon of leadership, with little public engagement. This article analyses whether public attitudes and supports for the formation of ASEAN Community were affected by the perception of elitist formation of the regionalism initiative. It employs public opinion surveys to gather feedback from respondents about issues under study. The surveys conducted in eleven cities in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Statistical analyses were employed for the study. Several findings were discovered; Firstly, it finds the respondents perceived that the formation of ASEAN Community is beneficial. Secondly, they strongly support the formation of the regional community. Thirdly, the formation is perceived as elitist and state-centric as they did not involve the people. Finally, the study concludes that the perceptions of elitist state-centric formation of ASEAN Community do have effects on the perception of benefits and supports. As such, the study implies that ASEAN should actively involve the public through public opinion surveys for its policies and issues of its establishment.

PUBLIC OPINION ON THE FORMATION OF THE ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY IN THREE ASEAN COUNTRIES

by Guido Benny and Rashila Ramli

In 1997, ten (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ASEAN member states envisaged an ASEAN Econ... more In 1997, ten (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ASEAN member states envisaged an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) with free flows of goods, services and investments, freer flows of capital features. In contrast with the process of establishing economic integration in the European Union, the process in ASEAN has never directly engaged the public. This study aims to gauge public opinion on the AEC through a survey research conducted in eleven major cities in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. It investigates the extent of public attitudes and aspirations in four dimensions—support, commitment, perceived benefits and aspiration—among the public in the three countries. Survey results show that the attitudes of the public were positive, but there were differences in the extent of support, commitment and perceived benefits. The study also finds that they seem to aspire for a different kind of integration from the European format of regional integration. In addition, comparison statistics showed that the Malaysian and Indonesian public exhibited more positive attitude and higher aspiration for economic integration. The finding implies that the ASEAN Secretariat—together with national governments—needs to formulate effective strategies to maintain positive attitudes and support for the integration initiatives. It further suggests that ASEAN should continuously monitor public opinion on the region's economic integration and develop strategies for fostering and maintaining good support from the public for further deepening the economic integration process.

TEKNIK PENULISAN MAKALAH ILMIAH: Pelatihan Penulisan Paper Ilmiah

TEKNIK PENULISAN MAKALAH ILMIAH: Pelatihan Penulisan Paper Ilmiah untuk mentarget kepada Jurnal I... more

The Genesis of Kashmir Dispute

Asian Social Science, Aug 30, 2013

In Indo-Pakistan relations, conflict, rivalry and hostility started immediately after their indep... more In Indo-Pakistan relations, conflict, rivalry and hostility started immediately after their independence in 1947 followed by the first Indo-Pakistan war. Their bilateral relations have always been jeopardized by the Kashmir issue. They fought three conventional wars and faced several crises during the pre-nuclear and nuclear periods over the question of Kashmir. Both states attempted to acquire nuclear weapons with the primary aims of balancing each other and deterring wars. As a result, the possession of nuclear weapons by India and Pakistan have in turn generated arms races, crises, rivalries and increased their hostile relations. Both countries have been trying to find mutually acceptable solution to the question of Kashmir issue since the time of its inception. In addition to the third party interventions, a number of bilateral negotiations at different levels have been initiated by the two countries to settle the protracted issue. This article provides critical examination on the genesis of this conflict. The article is divided into sections discussing the Hindu-Muslin antagonism, the formation of the Jammu-Kashmir state, the partition of 1948, accession of Kashmir to India and the UN intervention into this territorial dispute. The article employs a qualitative research methodology, primarily relying on the analysis of printed and written materials such as books, academic journals, magazines and newspapers. The primary findings suggest that the failure of bilateral negotiations has protracted the conflict and has contributed to the deepening of mistrust between these two nuclear countries.

Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs Indonesian Perceptions and Attitudes toward the ASEAN Community

The major criticism of the ASEAN Community idea is its elitist approaches. It lacks the most cruc... more The major criticism of the ASEAN Community idea is its elitist approaches. It lacks the most crucial components that have brought about the success of other similar regional organizations such as the European Union (EU): the involvement of the general public in the formation process. This study, therefore, analyses to what extent the Indonesian public understands and perceives the proposed regional community idea. By using statistical tests, the study accesses several interlinked factors such as knowledge about the ASEAN Community concept, perception of the process of establishment of the regional community, and perceived achievement of ASEAN as a regional organization to understand the Indonesian public's attitude. The study found that despite Indonesian respondents' relative lack of knowledge on the proposed formation of the ASEAN Community, they are indeed supportive of the idea. They also show some support for the proposed creation of the regional community under its thr...

The understanding of the idealization and conceptualization of ASEAN community: Comparative study between Malaysia and Indonesia

The Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) has embarked upon an ambitious plan; to create an ASEA... more The Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) has embarked upon an ambitious plan; to create an ASEAN Community by 2015. Based on the 2003 ASEAN Head of States declaration, the region envisages a formal community of Southeast Asian states with a government-led initiatives thorough socio-cultural integration and formal rules. Critics argue that the proposed formation of formal ASEAN community has been very much influenced by the development in the European Union hence forgetting the fact that idealization and conceptualization of regional community in Southeast Asia are still in an infant stage. The conceptualization and process of community building does not only involve states but also proper conceptual understanding and active involvement of population and other regional non-state actors. In other words, there must be a sense of belongings to the individual state's population in the area on the idea of regional community, for it to be successfully implemented. This article, there...

Regional Public Opinion Towards the Formation of Political Security Community in Southeast Asia

Asian Journal of Scientific Research, 2013

Economic versus Political Liberalisation in ASEAN: Public Opinion among University Students in Four Member Countries

International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies, Jan 15, 2018

As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs plausible level of public... more As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs plausible level of public awareness, good public perception and strong public support from the public for its legitimacy. The current paper discusses the opinion among the public pertaining to regional economic integration under the ASEAN Economic Community initiative in comparison to political-security cooperation under the ASEAN Political Security Community in 2015 among educated public in four ASEAN countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The study aims to solicit and

ECONOMIC VERSUS POLITICAL LIBERALISATION IN ASEAN: PUBLIC OPINION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN FOUR MEMBER COUNTRIES

As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs plausible level of public... more As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs plausible level of public awareness, good public perception and strong public support from the public for its legitimacy. The current paper discusses the opinion among the public pertaining to regional economic integration under the ASEAN Economic Community initiative in comparison to political-security cooperation under the ASEAN Political Security Community in 2015 among educated public in four ASEAN countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The study aims to solicit and

Attitude, Challenges and Aspiration for the ASEAN Community 2015 and Beyond: Comparative Public Opinion in Malaysia and Thailand

The study investigates attitude, perception, preparedness and aspiration towards the ASEAN Commun... more The study investigates attitude, perception, preparedness and aspiration towards the ASEAN Community among Gen Y public in Malaysia and Thailand. It uses opinion survey method in soliciting information from 734 Gen Y respondents – 374 in Kuala Lumpur and 360 in Bangkok between July and November 2015. The study showed that Gen Y in Malaysia and Thailand contended that of the ASEAN Community and its three pillars as highly relevant and beneficial for them individually and their country. Consequently, they exhibited great support for regional integration. Secondly, it reveals that Gen Y possesses strong sense of regional identities, but they also exhibited strong nationalism sentiments. Thirdly, they perceived lack of proper understanding and preparation among people for regional integration, unequal education opportunities, and institutional weaknesses and lack of political will in executing regional integration policies as the top three challenges for the establishment of ASEAN Community. Finally, majority respondents claimed to be prepared for the ASEAN Community. In addition, they aspired for stronger regional integration as in European Union, but with some uniquely Southeast Asian characteristics.

ISIS in Iraq: The Impact on National, Regional and Global Peace and Security

by Guido Benny and suror hammaze

Most countries consider ISIS as one of the most dangerous terrorist organization in which operati... more Most countries consider ISIS as one of the most dangerous terrorist organization in which operation has brought a major threat to national security and peace in many countries, as well to human, regional and global security and peace because of its ability to amass combatants, funding, and territory. In achieving its goals to establish a fundamentalist Islamic state as well as to impose its worldwide view of Islam extremism, it practices political and military tactics by the use of ruthless force on both Muslims and non-Muslims people. Ethnic cleansing carried out by ISIS towards Non-Muslims can be considered a very serious crime and represents a part of terrorist actions which aims to force the scenario of dividing Iraq and creating a terrorist front in its occupied territories in Iraq. The rapid advance of ISIS in Iraq has completely changed the balance of power in the country. In addition, it threatens not only the integrity of the country, but also leads to redrawing of borders across wider regions.

International Organizations Against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria: An Neoliberal Institutionalist Analysis

by Guido Benny and suror hammaze

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria/the Levant (ISIS/ISIL) has threatened human and national secu... more The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria/the Levant (ISIS/ISIL) has threatened human and national security of Iraq and Syria, as well as the rest of the world, as its influence spreads in forms of terrorism in many parts in the world such as Yemen, Libya, Sinai, Mali, Somalia, North-Eastern Nigeria, Pakistan, and some parts of Southeast Asia and Europe. USA has called for a formation of a new international coalition to confront ISIS in Iraq to provide a support for the Iraqi government institutions to impose the sovereignty of law and to provide equal opportunities for the members in federal governmental institutions. Following the declaration from the US President, an international coalition was formed by the USA, British, Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq on 10th September 2014, in addition to the military and humanitarian supports provided by NATO and EU states. A number of international organizations namely the UN and NATO, as well as regional organizations namely the Arab League and EU, have moved to contain the development of ISIS, but the results were limited and inconclusive. Using neoliberal institutionalist perspective, the study argues that an effective international organization is required to solve the crisis caused by ISIS and the shortcoming in solving ISIS crisis is caused by the non-existence of a unitary international organization. The study firstly identifies the current operating role of those international and regional organizations in response to ISIS in responding and preventing ISIS and its expansion. Secondly, the reasons behind the shortcoming of the current international coalition are discussed. Consequently, the study suggests the formation of a stronger international organization that manages the strategy to fight IS in Iraq.

Contestation of Regional and National Identities: Effect on Support for the Asean Community

As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs strong support from the p... more As a regionalism initiative, establishment of the ASEAN Community needs strong support from the public. However, ASEAN has been well-known for its state-centric, elitist, and non-existence of direct involvement from the people in ASEAN formation process. Previous researches have argued that any regional integration is influenced by the senses of identities among the people, but literatures show inconclusive findings on the effect of identities on supports. Thus, the study discusses the extents of regional and national identities and support for the ASEAN Community in 2015 among Gen Y public in four ASEAN countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. It aims to investigate the interplay of these three variables among the public. Specifically, the study hypothesizes that, while senses of regional identity influence the support for regionalism initiative positively, nationalism sentiments may jeopardise the regionalism initiative because they theoretically go against the sense of regional identities and support. Using statistical analysis, the study tested these hypotheses by analysing and statistically tested the opinion among 1,471 Gen Y respondents in these four ASEAN countries surveyed in 2015 and found a conclusive finding on the contestation of regional identity and nationalist sentiments in the context of Southeast Asian regionalism.

The Indonesian Nationalism and Perceived Threats of Neighbouring Countries: Public Opinion toward the ASEAN Community

http://ijssea.insightsociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=1&article_... more http://ijssea.insightsociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=1&article_id=102 Inspired by the European regionalism, ten ASEAN countries commenced their aspiration for ASEAN Community which is broad minded; living peacefully, steady, and prosperous; bounded together in a partnership and in a dynamic development in a caring community. However, contrasted with the European Union, the formation process of ASEAN Community lacks of the involvement of the public. This paper describes the results of a field survey of public opinion in Indonesia on nationalism sentiment and the predicted ASEAN community establishment’s impact to national security, national identity, national sovereignty, and the threat perceptions from other countries. Survey results discover some interesting findings. Contrary to the prerequisite of regional integration, the nationalism and national identity in the mass society is still high and this can be detrimental to the establishment of ASEAN...

Nationalist In Thinking, Worldminded In Action

http://staff.ui.ac.id/internal/0906050081/publikasi/MAKALAHGuidoBenny-NationalistInThinkingWorldm... more http://staff.ui.ac.id/internal/0906050081/publikasi/MAKALAHGuidoBenny-NationalistInThinkingWorldmindedInAction.docTheAttitudeOfIndonesianConsumersNearbyTheASEANFreeTrade.pdf "In the ASEAN’s Ministries of Trade’s Conference in 2006, it was decided that the implementation of economic integration under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) to be accelerated to 2015. Many observers have argued and some study have been conducted about the readiness of Indonesian business toward globalization. However, the study in the perspective of Indonesian consumers was very rare. This study is aimed to understand the attitude of Indonesian consumers towards economic globalization. The study adapted the constructs of consumers’ nationalism and worldmindedness revealed by Rawwas, Rajendran, and Wuehrer (1996). Data was collected, in September -October 2007, using survey questionnaires to 488 respondents in 13 cities (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tanggerang, Bekasi, Balikpapan, Denpasar, Makassar, Medan, Man...

Does public opinion count? Knowledge and support for an ASEAN Community in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore

International Relations of the Asia-Pacific

Scholars have remarked that the decision-making process in the Association of Southeast Asian Nat... more Scholars have remarked that the decision-making process in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is largely elitist in nature and concentrated within the higher echelon of leadership, with little public participation. Since ASEAN is moving toward community building by the year 2015, questions arise on whether the people are consulted, aware, and support this initiative – which is the focus of this article. The authors argue that increased awareness and knowledge of the public regarding the ASEAN Community initiative will eventually translate into increased support. Against this background, this article analyzes the extent the public in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are aware of and support the proposed initiative, based on public opinion surveys conducted by the authors in these countries. To support the discussion, this article also employs the Pearson chi-square test to analyze the relationship between public awareness and support for the ASEAN Community.

*ISI SSCI Impact Journal*
Please contact me directly for advice on how to get this article.

Is an “ASEAN Community” Achievable? A Public Perception Analysis in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore on the Perceived Obstacles to Regional Community

Asian Survey

The formulation “ASEAN Community” has been criticized for being too elitist and lacking serious e... more The formulation “ASEAN Community” has been criticized for being too elitist and lacking serious efforts to solicit public opinion. This article examines how the people in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore view the concept of “community building” and the obstacles this initiative may encounter.

*ISI SSCI Impact Journal*
Please contact me directly for advice on how to get this article.

Is an “ASEAN Community” Achievable?

Asian Survey, 2012

ABSTRACT The formulation “ASEAN Community” has been criticized for being too elitist and lacking ... more ABSTRACT The formulation “ASEAN Community” has been criticized for being too elitist and lacking serious efforts to solicit public opinion. This article examines how the people in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore view the concept of “community building” and the obstacles this initiative may encounter.

KESAN SENTIMEN NASIONALISME TERHADAP KOMITMEN MENGUTAMAKAN KOMUNITI EKONOMI ASEAN: ANALISIS EMPIRIKAL DARIPADA SURVEI DI INDONESIA, MALAYSIA DAN SINGAPURA

Penulisan ini mengkaji bagaimana sentimen nasionalisme mempengaruhi komitmen awam bagi mempriorit... more Penulisan ini mengkaji bagaimana sentimen nasionalisme mempengaruhi komitmen awam bagi memprioritaskan penubuhan Komuniti Ekonomi ASEAN mahupun ketiga fiturnya – perdagangan bebas, aliran pekerja mahir/professional, dan pelaburan intra-ASEAN. Kajian menggunakan data statistik dari survei opini publik yang dijalankan terhadap 1,256 responden di sebelas bandar di Indonesia, Malaysia dan Singapura pada tahun 2010. Dapatan kajian yang telah diuji dengan menggunakan analisis regresi berganda mendapati beberapa dapatan penting atas hipotesis kajian bahawa terdapat asosiasi positif antara sentimen nasionalisme dan komitmen terhadap AEC dan ketiga-tiga fiturnya. Bagaimanapun, wujud perbezaan dalam dapatan di ketiga-tiga negara ASEAN dan juga isu-isu yang khas pada negara-negara membangun yang berlainan daripada dapatan pada integrasi Eropah. Akhirnya, kajian menunjukkan beberapa cadangan bagi keberjayaan inisiatif dan arahan bagi kajian selanjutnya pada bahagian akhir artikel ini.
This article examines how nationalist sentiment affects public's commitment to prioritize the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community and its three features - free trade, the flow of skilled/professional workers and intra-ASEAN investment. The study uses statistical data from a public opinion survey conducted on 1,256 respondents in eleven cities in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in 2010. The findings were tested using multiple regression analysis and found some important insights on the hypothesis of study. The sudy finds the existence of positive association between nationalism sentiments and commitment to prioritise AEC and its three features. However, the study finds some differences in findings in three ASEAN countries. In addition, the study also finds some issues in developing countries those are different from the findings of the European integration. Finally, some suggestions proposed for the success of regionalism initiatives and directions for future study are indicated at the end of the article.

Impact of Nationalist Sentiments and Commitment for Prioritising the ASEAN Economic Community: Empirical Analysis from Survey in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore

This study examines how nationalist sentiments affect the public's commitment to prioritize the p... more This study examines how nationalist sentiments affect the public's commitment to prioritize the proposed ASEAN Economic
Community and its three features – free flow of goods and services, free movement of skilled/professional workers and
freedom to invest in the region. It analyzes statistical data from public opinion surveys conducted to 1,040 respondents from
eleven cities in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in 2010. Tested by OLS regression analysis, the study finds some mixed
findings for the four hypotheses, differences in results in the three ASEAN countries, and issues specific to developing
countries that vary the results from the European integration.

Perceived Elitist and State-Centric Regional Integration Process: Impact on Public Opinions for the Formation of ASEAN Community

Scholars argue that ASEAN is a community of nations and not a community of people. Decision makin... more Scholars argue that ASEAN is a community of nations and not a community of people. Decision making in ASEAN have been concentrated within the higher echelon of leadership, with little public engagement. This article analyses whether public attitudes and supports for the formation of ASEAN Community were affected by the perception of elitist formation of the regionalism initiative. It employs public opinion surveys to gather feedback from respondents about issues under study. The surveys conducted in eleven cities in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Statistical analyses were employed for the study. Several findings were discovered; Firstly, it finds the respondents perceived that the formation of ASEAN Community is beneficial. Secondly, they strongly support the formation of the regional community. Thirdly, the formation is perceived as elitist and state-centric as they did not involve the people. Finally, the study concludes that the perceptions of elitist state-centric formation of ASEAN Community do have effects on the perception of benefits and supports. As such, the study implies that ASEAN should actively involve the public through public opinion surveys for its policies and issues of its establishment.

PUBLIC OPINION ON THE FORMATION OF THE ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY IN THREE ASEAN COUNTRIES

by Guido Benny and Rashila Ramli

In 1997, ten (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ASEAN member states envisaged an ASEAN Econ... more In 1997, ten (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ASEAN member states envisaged an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) with free flows of goods, services and investments, freer flows of capital features. In contrast with the process of establishing economic integration in the European Union, the process in ASEAN has never directly engaged the public. This study aims to gauge public opinion on the AEC through a survey research conducted in eleven major cities in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. It investigates the extent of public attitudes and aspirations in four dimensions—support, commitment, perceived benefits and aspiration—among the public in the three countries. Survey results show that the attitudes of the public were positive, but there were differences in the extent of support, commitment and perceived benefits. The study also finds that they seem to aspire for a different kind of integration from the European format of regional integration. In addition, comparison statistics showed that the Malaysian and Indonesian public exhibited more positive attitude and higher aspiration for economic integration. The finding implies that the ASEAN Secretariat—together with national governments—needs to formulate effective strategies to maintain positive attitudes and support for the integration initiatives. It further suggests that ASEAN should continuously monitor public opinion on the region's economic integration and develop strategies for fostering and maintaining good support from the public for further deepening the economic integration process.

TEKNIK PENULISAN MAKALAH ILMIAH: Pelatihan Penulisan Paper Ilmiah

TEKNIK PENULISAN MAKALAH ILMIAH: Pelatihan Penulisan Paper Ilmiah untuk mentarget kepada Jurnal I... more

The Genesis of Kashmir Dispute

Asian Social Science, Aug 30, 2013

In Indo-Pakistan relations, conflict, rivalry and hostility started immediately after their indep... more In Indo-Pakistan relations, conflict, rivalry and hostility started immediately after their independence in 1947 followed by the first Indo-Pakistan war. Their bilateral relations have always been jeopardized by the Kashmir issue. They fought three conventional wars and faced several crises during the pre-nuclear and nuclear periods over the question of Kashmir. Both states attempted to acquire nuclear weapons with the primary aims of balancing each other and deterring wars. As a result, the possession of nuclear weapons by India and Pakistan have in turn generated arms races, crises, rivalries and increased their hostile relations. Both countries have been trying to find mutually acceptable solution to the question of Kashmir issue since the time of its inception. In addition to the third party interventions, a number of bilateral negotiations at different levels have been initiated by the two countries to settle the protracted issue. This article provides critical examination on the genesis of this conflict. The article is divided into sections discussing the Hindu-Muslin antagonism, the formation of the Jammu-Kashmir state, the partition of 1948, accession of Kashmir to India and the UN intervention into this territorial dispute. The article employs a qualitative research methodology, primarily relying on the analysis of printed and written materials such as books, academic journals, magazines and newspapers. The primary findings suggest that the failure of bilateral negotiations has protracted the conflict and has contributed to the deepening of mistrust between these two nuclear countries.