Assessing Indonesia's Normative Influence: Wishful Thinking or Hidden Strength

Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies, Volume 3, Issue 1, pages 83-91, January 2016

Crawford School Research Paper

9 Pages Posted: 4 Mar 2016

See all articles by Mathew Davies

Mathew Davies

Australian National University (ANU) - Coral Bell School of Asia-Pacific Affairs

Susan Gail Harris Rimmer

Griffith University; Griffith Law School

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: January 15, 2016

Abstract

This article takes a critical stance on Indonesia's normative influence. Whilst normative influence does help explain why Indonesia matters beyond the widespread consensus that it is weak, we also feel that its influence is often overstated. We examine three components of Indonesia's normative influence, modelling, diplomacy and civil society activism. In each component we assess the strengths and weaknesses of Indonesia and identify where wishful thinking predominates over dispassionate analysis. We conclude by arguing that the Jokowi approach to foreign policy destabilises the traditional make-up of normative influence and, if it is pursued into the future, will lead to a re-composition of that influence.

Keywords: Indonesia, norms, ASEAN, civil society, pro-people's diplomacy

Suggested Citation

Davies, Mathew and Harris Rimmer, Susan Gail and Harris Rimmer, Susan Gail, Assessing Indonesia's Normative Influence: Wishful Thinking or Hidden Strength (January 15, 2016). Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies, Volume 3, Issue 1, pages 83-91, January 2016, Crawford School Research Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2740853

Mathew Davies (Contact Author)

Australian National University (ANU) - Coral Bell School of Asia-Pacific Affairs ( email )

Hedley Bull Building
130 Garran Road
ACTON, ACT ACT 2601
Australia

Susan Gail Harris Rimmer

Griffith University ( email )

170 Kessels Road
Nathan, Queensland QLD 4111
Australia

Griffith Law School ( email )

Nathan Campus, GU
Nathan 4111, 4111
Australia

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