CO24198
Author: Nazia Hussain
Published: 20 December 2024
SYNOPSIS
To maintain the vision of an ASEAN regional architecture, the ASEAN member states will have to hang together as intensifying global power shifts and competitive dynamics threaten to pull them apart.
As the inclusive multilateral architecture of the world is being challenged by growing interstate rivalries, ASEAN’s role in maintaining economic cooperation, peace, and security in the region and beyond has come under question.
ASEAN-centred mechanisms are perceived as outdated and unable to deliver the desired outcomes. Intensifying competition between the United States and China has evoked criticism that ASEAN lacks a unified approach to the contest between the two great powers.
ASEAN must further contend with the rise of new “minilaterals” that, while not always overtly exclusive, has been designed for strategic competition and, therefore, have exclusive characteristics.
The ASEAN leadership appears cautious about these broad trends. It maintains a public posture of measured optimism that peaceful coexistence is still essential for regional economic growth, prosperity, and mutual well-being.
Is this a fair assessment? How has ASEAN fared amidst the geopolitical uncertainties of this divided world? A few illuminating situations are germane.
For full article, please open the link:
https://www.rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/rsis/amidst-geopolitical-uncertainties-how-has-asean-fared/
The Romanian Institute for Europe-Asia Studies (IRSEA) and S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU have agreed to enter into an informal agreement on republishing their studies and analysis.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position or view of IRSEA.