Understanding ASEAN

What is ASEAN ?

         The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), was officially formed on 8th August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand. The organisation came into existence with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration, also known as the Bangkok Declaration.

The original member states or the founding fathers of  ASEAN were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand,

• Brunei Darussalam became a member on 7th January 1984, followed by 

• Viet Nam on 28th July 1995, 

• Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23rd July 1997, and 

• Cambodia on 30th April 1999. 

Together, these ten countries constitute the current membership of ASEAN.

ASEAN Countries
Indonesia	Brunei
Malaysia	Vietnam
Philippines	Laos
Singapore	Myanmar
Thailand	Cambodia

        The primary objective of ASEAN is to foster political and social stability within the Asia-Pacific region, especially in the aftermath of colonial rule. By promoting cooperation and understanding among its member states, ASEAN seeks to maintain peace and prosperity for the entire region.

• The motto of ASEAN is "One Vision, One Identity, One Community," which reflects the organisation's commitment to working together as a unified and integrated entity despite the diversity among its member countries.

• ASEAN Day is observed every year on 8th August, to commemorate its establishment and celebrate the spirit of regional cooperation,

• The ASEAN Secretariat, Located in  Jakarta, Indonesia 

Principles of ASEAN:

The ASEAN fundamental principles, as contained in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) of 1976,

• Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations.
• The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or coercion.
• Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another.
• Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner.
• Renunciation of the threat or use of force.
• Effective cooperation among themselves.

Objectives of ASEAN:

The objectives of ASEAN, as outlined in the ASEAN Declaration or Bangkok Declaration signed on August 8, 1967, are as follows:

• To accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian Nations.
• To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
• To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, and administrative fields.
• To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilisation of agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, the improvement of transportation and communications facilities, and the raising of the living standards of peoples.
• To promote Southeast Asian studies.
• To maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organisations.

Significance of the Grouping: 

• Market Size: ASEAN is one of the largest markets in the world, with a combined population of over 650 million people. Its consumer base presents significant opportunities for businesses and investors, making it an attractive market for international trade and commerce.

• Economic Strength: As mentioned, ASEAN is the 6th largest economy in the world, and it ranks as the 3rd largest economy in Asia, after China and Japan. 

• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): ASEAN has signed various FTAs with major economies such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand. 

• Investment Destination: ASEAN is recognised as one of the world's most popular investment destinations.

Genesis of ASEAN :

        The genesis of ASEAN lies in the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (also known as the Bangkok Declaration) on August 8, 1967, by its founding fathers: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The establishment of ASEAN was a response to regional political and security concerns, particularly related to the escalating tensions during the Vietnam War and the broader context of the Cold War.

Key milestones in ASEAN's development are as follows:

• 1967: ASEAN was founded with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok.

• 1984: Brunei became a member of ASEAN.

• 1991: The end of the Cold War created a conducive environment for the expansion of ASEAN's membership.

• 1995: Vietnam joined ASEAN, marking a significant development in the region's integration.

• 1997: Laos and Myanmar became members of ASEAN.

• 1997: Members signed a deal to establish a nuclear-free zone in Southeast Asia, showcasing the region's commitment to promoting peace and security.

• 1997: Adoption of ASEAN Vision 2020, which outlined the bloc's long-term goals and aspirations.

• 2003: The Bali Concord II was adopted, aiming to accelerate the establishment of an ASEAN Community.

• 2007: The Cebu Declaration set the target for the creation of an ASEAN Community by 2015.

• 2008: The ASEAN Charter came into force, providing a legal framework and making ASEAN a legally binding agreement.

• 2015: The ASEAN Community was officially launched, marking a significant milestone in the integration process.

• 2020 : Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was signed by ASEAN countries  and China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand. (India is Not a member of RCEP)

The ASEAN Community is built upon three pillars:

• ASEAN Political-Security Community: Focused on promoting political and security cooperation among member states, fostering a peaceful and stable region.

• ASEAN Economic Community: Aims to create a single market and production base, facilitating the flow of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor within the region.

• ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community: Seeks to strengthen social and cultural ties among member states, promoting regional awareness and cooperation in areas such as education, culture, and human development.

Since its establishment, ASEAN has played a crucial role in fostering regional cooperation, addressing shared challenges, and promoting peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia.

Institutional Mechanism of ASEAN :

• Chairmanship: The ASEAN Chairmanship rotates annually among member countries based on the alphabetical order of the English names of the member states. The Chair country plays a crucial role in leading ASEAN's activities, hosting meetings and summits, and representing the organisation in various international forums during its tenure.

• ASEAN Summit: The ASEAN Summit is the highest policy-making body of the organisation. It brings together the leaders of ASEAN member countries to discuss regional issues, set policy directions, and make important decisions. The Summit typically meets annually, and sometimes more frequently, to address pressing matters.

• ASEAN Ministerial Councils: These councils were established under the ASEAN Charter to support the Summit and address specific areas of cooperation. The three main ministerial councils are

1. ASEAN Political-Security Community Council: This council focuses on political and security issues, including conflict resolution, regional stability, and cooperation on security matters.
2. ASEAN Economic Community Council: This council deals with economic integration, trade, investment, and economic cooperation among ASEAN member states.
3. ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council: This council concentrates on social and cultural matters, such as education, health, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

• Decision Making: ASEAN's decision-making process is primarily based on consultation and consensus. Member states engage in extensive discussions and negotiations to reach agreements and decisions that are acceptable to all participants. This approach ensures that decisions are made collectively and in a manner that respects the principles of sovereignty and equality among member states.

• ASEAN Secretariat: The ASEAN Secretariat serves as the administrative and coordinating body of ASEAN. It supports the activities of the organisation, facilitates communication among member states, and provides necessary administrative functions.

Forums Lead By ASEAN :

ASEAN leads several important forums aimed at promoting cooperation and addressing regional issues:

• ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): The ARF was established in 1993 as a multilateral platform for political and security dialogue and cooperation. Comprising twenty-seven member countries, including ASEAN nations and their external partners, the ARF addresses regional security challenges and actively promotes confidence-building measures in the region. Its primary goal is to foster preventive diplomacy and strengthen cooperation among participating countries.

• ASEAN Plus Three: Launched in 1997, this consultative group brings together the ten ASEAN member countries with China, Japan, and South Korea. The forum aims to enhance economic and financial cooperation among the participating nations.

• East Asia Summit (EAS): First convened in 2005, the EAS is a significant summit attended by the leaders of ASEAN countries along with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. ASEAN plays a central role in setting the agenda for discussions, which focus on promoting regional security and prosperity.

• ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Meeting: This platform was established in 2010 and includes all ten ASEAN member states and eight Plus countries: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea (ROK), Russian Federation, and the United States. ADMM-Plus aims to strengthen security and defense cooperation in the region to foster peace, stability, and development.

These forums play crucial roles in facilitating dialogue, cooperation, and trust-building among participating countries within the ASEAN region and with its dialogue partners.

Strengths of ASEAN :

• Regional Stability and Cooperation: The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) have effectively promoted peace and cooperation among member states and beyond.

• Economic Growth and Trade: ASEAN's large population of over 630 million and rapidly expanding middle class create a dynamic market for manufacturing and trade, making it the fourth-largest exporter in world trade.

• Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity: The region's rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and religions fosters opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and cooperation, leading to more inclusive decision-making.

• Strategic Location and Trade Routes: Positioned at major trade routes like the Strait of Malacca, ASEAN serves as an essential hub for commerce and logistics.

• Diplomatic Engagement and Global Influence: ASEAN's ties and free trade agreements (FTAs) with major powers enhance its global influence and ability to address global issues.

Challenges of ASEAN

• Strategic Competition between Major Powers: Escalating competition between the United States and China in the Asia-Pacific places pressure on ASEAN countries to choose sides, potentially destabilising the region.

• Diverse Interests and Priorities: ASEAN member states' differing social, economic, and political challenges can hinder reaching consensus on regional issues and initiatives.

• Internal and External Security Challenges: Border disputes, conflicts, illegal migration, ethnic crises, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea complicate regional stability.

• Constraints and Disparities: Corruption, demographic changes, uneven social development, economic disparities, technology adoption, and environmental degradation pose challenges for ASEAN's progress.

• Human Rights Concerns: Contentious issues regarding human rights and sovereignty, as seen in the case of the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, present challenges for the association.

• Consensus Decision-making Limitations: ASEAN's focus on consensus decision-making can hinder effective problem-solving on complex issues.

Strategies to Overcome Challenges

• Diplomatic Balancing and Conflict Management: ASEAN should adopt a nuanced approach in managing strategic competition between major powers to maintain regional stability.

• Strengthening Regional Cooperation: Addressing security concerns and promoting cooperation will help overcome diverse interests among member states.

• Sustainable Development and Human Rights: Focusing on sustainable development and human rights protection will enhance ASEAN's relevance and credibility.

• Inclusive Growth and Economic Integration: Bridging economic disparities and promoting inclusive growth will lead to greater regional harmony.

• Unity and Resilience: Foster unity and resilience within ASEAN to effectively tackle challenges and ensure stability and prosperity in the region.

By addressing these challenges proactively, ASEAN can continue to play a vital role in the evolving geopolitical landscape and promote peace, cooperation, and economic progress in the region.

UPSC Previous Year Questions:

1) The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (2016)

(a) G20
(b) ASEAN
(c) SCO 
(d) SAARC

Answer: Option (b)

2) Consider the following countries (2018)

1. Australia

2. Canada

3. China

4. India

5. Japan

6. USA

Which of the above are among the 'free-trade partners' of ASEAN? 

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5

(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 

(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 

(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6

Answer: Option (c)