ASRJC 2025 JC2 H2 P2 Preliminary Exams_Suggested Responses

1 Anderson Serangoon Junior College History Unit Name: 2025 JC2 H2 Paper 2 Preliminary Examinations Class: Suggested Responses Section A – Source-Based Case Study Date: 1(a) Compare and contrast the evidence provided in Sources A and B on the reasons for Myanmar’s membership into ASEAN in 1997. [10] Similarities Sources A and B are similar in showing that Myanmar’s admission into ASEAN would help to foster regional cooperation and contribute to regional security. • Source A – ‘Myanmar’s admission to ASEAN marks a new chapter in regional harmony.’ • Source B – ‘Politically, it is better to bring them into the tent than leave them out where instability festers.’ Insights to similarities – Using common action CK By the 1990s, prevailing geopolitical and institutional context made it strategically important for Myanmar to join ASEAN. The end of the Cold War meant that there was little need to maintain the ideological blocs, meaning that Myanmar’s admission would be less likely to undermine current members’ interest. Furthermore, give the issues arising from the junta’s government against Aung San Suu Kyi, both ASEAN and Myanmar viewed that it was important for Myanmar not to be politically isolated. For ASEAN, Myanmar’s admission would allow it to continuously engage Myanmar over the issue to create opportunities for resolution, thereby helping to bring political stability. For Myanmar, its admission would minimise the political isolation that could help the junta go vernment maintain legitimacy. Differences Source A and B differ on the nature of the reasons for Myanmar’s membership into ASEAN in 1997. • Source A – ‘Our aspiration is to contribute to ASEAN’s goal of unity through peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.’ → highlighting that the goals are idealistic and for Myanmar to move towards more normative goals that are in alignment to regional goals. • Source B – Myanmar’s admission ‘is a pragmatic step: economically, Myanmar is rich in resources and offers untapped potential for trade and connectivity.’ Insights to differences – Using author’s purpose • Source A – Myanmar being a new member joining is likely to want to gain legitimacy by assuring ASEAN of its peaceful intentions to show a rhetorical alignment with ASEAN values. This was important in view of its reputation being under fire as a result of its oppre ssive response against protests the junta government and placing Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest despite being voted into government. Furthermore, given that this was a key priority for Myanmar and economically Myanmar was unlikely to make sign ificant contributions to regional economic cooperation, it would help to explain why Source A focused more on its contributions to the larger prevailing ASEAN goals. • Source B – Malaysian PM who was addressing the international community who at the time condemned ASEAN for admitting Myanmar into th