ASEAN faces defining moment amid great power rivalry, internal rifts
From the crisis in Myanmar and disputes in the South China Sea to growing competition among major powers, ASEAN's long-standing weaknesses in crisis management and collective decision-making have become increasingly apparent, raising questions about its ability to respond effectively.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) faces a defining moment as it grapples with significant challenges, including external pressures, internal rifts, and growing competition among major powers. Established six decades ago to promote peace, stability, and cooperation among Southeast Asian nations, ASEAN now confronts questions about its ability to respond effectively to the evolving regional landscape.
The crisis in Myanmar, disputes in the South China Sea, and intensifying rivalry among major powers have exposed ASEAN's long-standing weaknesses in crisis management and collective decision-making. Analysts contend that these factors have intensified, raising concerns about the bloc's unity, effectiveness, and relevance in the face of mounting challenges.
Dafri Agussalim, executive director of the ASEAN Studies Center at Gadjah Mada University, expressed concern over the current state of ASEAN, stating, "ASEAN is not in a good place at the moment." He attributed recent growth in external pressures, particularly the transformation of ASEAN into a theater for major power competition, to the resurgence of a realist approach to international relations.
As ASEAN commemorates its 59th anniversary on Saturday, the organization's 59 member states gathered in Jakarta to observe the milestone. The ceremony featured a flag-raising ceremony and a series of commemorative events attended by diplomats and officials from member states.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
