Indonesian Relations during the Economic Crisis: Where Has Indonesias Bargaining Power Gone?
by TIMO KIVIMAKI The U.S.–Indonesian diplomatic “bargaining setting” has changed dramatically since the end of the Cold War. The changes in the structure of global power explain why, during the Asian economic crisis, the United States was able to wield considerable influence in support of its political objectives vis-a-vis Indonesia. It will be argued in this article that the hegemonic structure of Cold War international relations protected Indonesia’s authoritarian elite from the global pressure towards democracy, and that the end of the Cold War explains why Indonesia became very exposed to this pressure during the regional economic crisis. While recognizing some of the positive aspects in the loss of bargaining power of Indonesia’s authoritarian elite, the article also sees problems related to it and offers suggestions on how democratic Indonesia might avoid external pressures. Introduction After the meltdown of its economy and the rescue operation launched by the International Mon
