Asean member states don’t hedge: They spread and deepen their options to be polytropous — Phar Kim Beng

On September 10, a report highlighted that Southeast Asian foreign policy is no longer simply described as "hedging." Instead, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member states are spreading and deepening their options, which could be better described as polytropous diplomacy. This Greek term, meaning "many-turned" or "of many ways," refers to the ability to adapt and maneuver through difficult circumstances, much like the legendary figure of Odysseus.

Asean states maintain relationships with various global powers, including the United States, China, Japan, India, Australia, the European Union, Russia, and Gulf states. They do not choose sides merely because they cannot predict the outcome of great-power competition. Rather, they deliberately expand their options by developing diplomatic, economic, technological, and strategic pathways before they become necessary.

This approach differs from traditional risk management, where individuals protect themselves against adverse outcomes by maintaining positions on different sides. Asean diplomacy is active, creating multiple pathways before they become urgently required. When one pathway becomes difficult, another remains available. When relations with one major power become strained, other relationships can absorb some of the pressure.

The misconception that Southeast Asia is exclusively about US-China competition also misunderstands the region. Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and the European Union are among Southeast Asia's most important economic and technological partners. Meanwhile, the Gulf states are increasingly significant sources of investment and capital.

The objective of polytropous diplomacy is not to achieve neutrality but to ensure the region's strategic future is not overly dependent on one external power. Spreading alone is not enough; Asean countries must also deepen their relationships. While some partnerships may remain superficial, a genuinely polytropous strategy requires several layers of engagement.

This deliberate multiplication of relationships allows Asean to never let its strategic future depend excessively on one external power. The diplomatic architecture of Asean, featuring various arrangements and partnerships, serves this purpose. Although it may appear crowded to outsiders, this density creates overlapping networks that generate strategic options.