Transformation of security-oriented institutions Cases of ASEAN, ECOWAS, and OAU/AU

This dissertation constructs a theoretical model to explain causes and processes of transformation of security-oriented institutions (SOIs). SOIs are defined as multi-purposed state-based groups whose original purpose implicitly derives from political/military security interests of member states. The theoretical basis is established by the combination of conceptual frameworks from punctuated equilibrium in the evolutionary biology field and historical institutionalism in the comparative politics field. Specifically focusing on SOIs created and led by developing states, this study serves as a model explaining both continuity and change in international institutions, which has yet to be explored in the International Relations field.;The central theoretical claim is that expected changes in the regional/intra-regional balance of power are likely to trigger SOIs' institutional transformation, while the member states' expectations for SOI's security utility shapes the direction of such an institutional transformation. In this setting, the nature of institutional security utility defined by past institutional decisions largely shape the member states' expectations, and institutional norm entrepreneurs play a significant role in reformulating such institutional utility by introducing new norms and rules into the given institution.;To test the hypotheses, this dissertation employs cases of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Economic Community of the West African States (ECOWAS), and the Organization of African Unity (OAU)/African Union (AU). Each case has two within-case studies, namely the periods of 1968--1976 and 1988--1997 for ASEAN, the periods of 1976--1981 and 1989--1999 for ECOWAS, and the periods of 1979--1982 and 1989--2002 for OAU/AU.;The empirical evidence for this study indicated the general validation of the three hypotheses. The findings suggest that changes in the regional/intra-regional balance of power trigger institutional transformation. Also, it is member states' expectations and internal discussions within SOIs that shape a specific direction of transformation, although other factors, such as timing of interpretation of institutional objectives, a fait accompli strategy in decision-making process, and an institution's material capabilities, should be also considered. SOIs' past decisions constrains a degree of freedom to introduce new norms and rules in the institutions.