Department of Political Science

POS 2106: Politics & Governance in SEA

Learner MADELO, SHANIA O. Class Schedule M W 9:00 – 10:30 AM

Due Date SEPT. 19, 2020 Date Submitted SEPT. 19, 2020

LEARNER’S CONTEXT: Blended/Flexible Education and the Learner

Teaching Learning Activity (TLA) Worksheet No. 1

(Formative / Asynchronous Learning)

Instructions: Expectation Setting thru SWOT Analysis

✓ As we shift and adapt to this Flexible and Blended Education, the learners must be the
top priority!
✓ From a personal point of view, kindly identify at least three (3) Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats in this new learning environment.
✓ Use the SWOT Analysis Template below.

• Access to • Slow internet

technology (e.g. connectivity, less
smart phone, than 5mbps
laptop, internet internet speed
connection) • Rural setting
• Time management distractions and
skill disturbances
• Strong family • Limited internet
support system allowance
(consumable
within a month)

• Access to more • Unstable internet

online resources connectivity, or
subscribed by the internet provider
University Library problems/issues
• Discover online • Power interruptions
learning tools or or shortages
platforms to better (Brownouts or
understand the Blackouts)
lessons • Unforeseen
• Improve self-paced circumstances at
learning home

https://templatelab.com/lead-paint-disclosure/
 Department of Political Science
POS 2106: Politics & Governance in SEA

Learner MADELO, SHANIA O. Class Schedule M W 9:00 – 10:30 AM

Due Date SEPT. 19, 2020 Date Submitted SEPT. 19, 2020

MODULE 1: Regionalization and Regionalism

Teaching Learning Activity (TLA) Worksheet No. 2

(Summative / Asynchronous Learning)

Course Culminating Outcomes of Significance

At the end of the course, the learner is able to develop clearly and with purpose a
scholarly article on one or two key issue/s of politics and governance in Southeast
Asia, in the community of practice.

Module Outcome
At the end of the module, the learner is able to explain regionalization and regionalism.

Instructions:
✓ Read and study the required reading materials.
✓ Kindly answer the questions below comprehensively.
✓ Make sure to answer authoritatively (i.e. proposer citation of the reading material/s where
you based your answer).

Guide Questions:
1. What is regionalization?
2. What is regionalism?
3. Distinguish one from the other.
4. Discuss the major challenges of regional integration.
5. Explain the Southeast Asian experience of Regionalism.

Answers:

1. What is regionalization?

Regionalization, a result of spontaneous forces, is the classification process in

forming a socially constructed imagined community (region). Hoshiro (2013), in his study
titled "Regionalization and Regionalism in East Asia," delineated regionalization as an
increase in the cross-border flow of capital, goods, and people within a particular
geographical area. This process of shaping regions (movements from below) contributes
to the emergence of regional groups, actors, and organizations that highlights the roles of
the non-governmental core players (e.g. individuals and CSOs) amidst the diverse
motivating factors (political, security, and economy). The concentration of activity is at a
regional level thus both precede and flow from regionalism. The ‘wave’ of regionalization,
 Department of Political Science
POS 2106: Politics & Governance in SEA

which established regional governments, have generated trade alliances, blocs, and
formal institutions.

2. What is regionalism?

In international relations, the notion of regionalism is anchored on the

representation of a common sense of identity and purpose, solidified with the creation and
implementation of formal institutions which signify a particular identity and foster collective
action within the region of an imagined community, in the economic, security,
sociocultural, and political parameters.
In the journal of Fawcett (2013) titled "The History and Concept of Regionalism,"
he conceptualized regionalism as having a complex history primarily because of its
inherently debated and flexible nature with the divergence of views as an organizing
mechanism in international politics. At the start of the 21st century, regionalism has been
well instituted in the International Relations field of study, deriving the legitimacy of
regional organizations from treaties and charter (recognized of the formal status in the
international law), the articulation and implementation of distinctive regional norms and
practices (e.g. The ASEAN Way).
Regionalism highlights the trend towards sustaining governance on a regional
setting in response to the most pressing issues and challenges led to the formation of
economic, security, and political regionalism. As regionalism builds on the effects of
globalization where "global threats, global markets, global media, security, and prosperity
increasingly depend on an effective multilateral system,” a need to develop a
strengthened and united international society, well-performing international institutions,
and a rule-based international order is a primary objective (Fawcett, 2013). Consequently,
regionalism, in this view, is both the successor to the nation-state and an alternative to
globalization as what Heywood (2014) explicated in his book "Regionalism and Global
Politics", which engages the theory and practice of integration and cooperation as a result
of the state-leaders' political will and diplomatic relations between and among member-
states of the region.
 Department of Political Science
POS 2106: Politics & Governance in SEA

Understanding regionalism extends from promoting a sense of regional

awareness or community (soft regionalism) to subregional groups formalized by interstate
agreements and organizations (hard regionalism). (Fawcett, 2004)

3. Distinguish one from the other.

The point of defining a region becomes apparent in distinguishing regionalism from

regionalization. Region, regionalism, and regionalization are all linked in subtly various
ways, from formal or informal, to deliberate or spontaneous interactions within a specific
geographical area.
A region is defined by Heywood (2011) as a group of countries located in the same
geographically specified area. Moreover, a region implies more than just close physical
proximity among the component states wherein members of a common region also share
cultural, economic, linguistic, or political ties. Hence, a region is a socially constructed
imagined community.
The process of forming a region is called regionalization. It emerges from the
bottom up through societally directed processes emanating from markets, private trade,
and investment flows that are not government-controlled. Regionalization can be
described as a spontaneous, bottom-up process since the core players are non-
governmental firms or individuals. (Hoshiro, 2013)
On the contrary, regionalism is defined as a political will to build a formal
arrangement among member states within a region. The primary objective is integration,
cooperation, and identity-building. It can be represented as an artificial, top-down process
considering the main participants are governments or formal institutions. Regionalism
implies a policy whereby states and non-state actors cooperate and coordinate strategy
within a specific region. (Hoshiro, 2013)
Regionalization refers to the classification process, while regionalism implies a
realignment of political identities from the state to the region.
 Department of Political Science
POS 2106: Politics & Governance in SEA

4. Discuss the major challenges of regional integration.

As explicated by Menon (2019) in his journal titled “Regional Integration in Asia

and the Pacific, and Dealing with Short and Long Term Challenges,” he discussed the
major challenges of regional cooperation and integration in the context of Asia and the
Pacific. He identified two emerging developments that are likely to affect or induce new
challenges to regional cooperation and integration in the medium and long-term -
population ageing and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Population Ageing
An ageing population downshifts the narrative of a region's economic growth
possibilities because it means that there will be a decline in the working-age populace or
reduction in the labor force, decrease saving and investment rates, and escalating
pension and healthcare costs. Some of the most rapidly ageing countries in the world can
be found in Southeast Asia wherein there is a decline in fertility rate and population ageing
progress at a faster rate that is disadvantageous to most developing countries.
The region’s population is ageing at different speeds, causing many challenges to
labor markets, government tax, government spending, and economic performance and
prospects. A rapidly ageing population can have adverse effects, unless there are policy-
based solutions and institutions in place, which high unemployment rate and related
problems could arise.
As presented by Menon (2019), in the global context, more than half of the aging
populace were in the developed regions up until 1975, but in the year 2005, this had been
shifted, which means that many states in the region face the likelihood of ageing at low
levels of income.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)

In the study, the Fourth Industrial Revolution has been described as a set of
“disruptive technologies.” Artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and 3D printing have
been the causes of reconstructing our social, economic, and political systems in
unprecedented ways. These disruptive technological advancements or 4IR technologies
decrease the competitiveness of low-cost and low-skilled labor, which plays a role in the
 Department of Political Science
POS 2106: Politics & Governance in SEA

development of trade and investment in the region. The major technological innovations
extend the chance to enhance the day to day living, but also generate issues and
concerns of the future, fearing these new technologies (e.g. robots and artificial
intelligence) will supersede the human labor force leading to “technological
unemployment.”

Other Challenges of RCI

Apart from the indicated problems above, other related concerns of regional
cooperation and integration which are prominent in most regions are corruption;
economic, security, and political instability; autocratic rule; civil strife; lack of private sector
projects in regional integration plans; and the contentions of the production, stockpiling,
and use of nuclear weapons of some countries like Iran and the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea. In some instances, economic reforms have also not been properly
devised and implemented, which exacerbate poverty, especially in the developing
regions.

5. Explain the Southeast Asian experience of Regionalism

In the journal authored by Buszynski (2019) titled "Challenges to Southeast Asian

Regionalism in 2018," the Southeast Asian experience of regionalism was presented,
exposing the trends and developments that posed challenges to ASEAN and its prospect.

ASEAN’s Rohingya Problem

The Rohingya problem has beset ASEAN with its relationship with Myanmar for
the past three decades. This was a series of ongoing massacres by the Myanmar
government against the Muslim Rohingya people. Even described as a genocide, the
problem has been plaguing ever since, which paraded ASEAN’s failure to deal with
Myanmar invoking the non-intervention clause of ASEAN’s founding charter. The
Myanmar military and government strongly resisted the requests of ASEAN to control its
campaigns against the Rohingya. ASEAN has been held in abeyance by its non-
interference charter and the conditions by which the member states agreed.
 Department of Political Science
POS 2106: Politics & Governance in SEA

China and the South China Sea

The territorial dispute in the South China Sea has become a field of confrontation
involving China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, and even the United
States, leaving ASEAN on the sidelines, but exposed to its destabilizing repercussions.
China's economic influence and dominance present their capability to control the territory
in all situations. But as Vietnam will serve as the chair of ASEAN through 2020, the
chairmanship will endeavor the opportunity to strengthen the region to take constructive
effort on the South China Sea disputes, which have greatly threatened regional peace
and security.

Trade Regimes and ASEAN Centrality

ASEAN has become an emerging economic powerhouse through its extensive
internal integration by the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and external initiatives
such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). With this, ASEAN
has developed into a driving force in regional partnership and a-much pursued economic
confederate, which is beneficial to the ASEAN member states' economies. However,
ASEAN will grapple to sustain its centrality as newer regional associations are built. Trade
regimes also pose new challenges for ASEAN centrality, considering that they will cover
the region's principal economic partners and investors, dealing with the member states
directly and imposing their decisions that could affect the region.

Decolonization Process
The 10 member states of ASEAN have differing ethnicities, political systems,
cultures, economic activities, and colonization experiences (except for Thailand). As
ASEAN has developed over the years, becoming the primary diplomatic platform for the
Southeast Asian region, states recognize regional political and security cooperation,
further expanded its focus to include economic and social integration. But in terms of
actualizing the ASEAN regional identity, most member states have not yet fully achieved
the process of decolonization or removing of the remnants of the past, which can deter
the member states to uphold their new identity as ASEAN members.
 Department of Political Science
POS 2106: Politics & Governance in SEA

COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Covid-19 has gravely affected all sectors in ASEAN, from the healthcare system to
the economy. Recorded confirmed cases and deaths are increasing differently across all
member states, but it disproportionately afflicted minority groups and the marginalized
communities. On the other hand, the economic repercussions of Covid-19 will be
exacerbated by the immense increase in poverty following the pandemic. From the article
published by Global Asia (2020) titled "ASEAN’s Covid-19 Response: Why Minorities and
the Most Vulnerable Matter," it is estimated that 60 million people in East Asia and the
Pacific may be forced into poverty as a result of a 20 percent loss in income. In a separate
assessment, the Asian Development Bank stated that about 68 million jobs could be lost
due to the potential economic recession. This pandemic also highlights the predicament
in the ASEAN region with the differing economic response policies and the varying
concerns on the imposition of international travel restrictions.
 Department of Political Science
POS 2106: Politics & Governance in SEA

REFERENCES

Acharya, A. (2012). The Making of Southeast Asia: International relations of a region.

Ithaca; London: Cornell University Press. doi:10.7591/j.ctvrf89gv

Buszynski, L. (2019). Challenges to Southeast Asian Regionalism in 2018. Southeast

Asian Affairs 2019, 2-20. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/722669.

Buzan, B., Wæver, O. (2003). Regions and powers: the structure of international security.
United States of America, NY: Cambridge University Press

Fawcett, L. (2004). Exploring Regional Domains: A Comparative History of Regionalism.

International Affairs (Royal Institute of International Affairs 1944-), 80(3), 429-446.
Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.usc.edu.ph/stable/3569018

Fawcett, L. (2013). The History and Concept of Regionalism. Retrieved

fromcris.unu.edu/history-and-concept-regionalism

Global Asia. (2020). ASEAN’s Covid-19 Response: Why Minorities and the Most
Vulnerable Matter. Retrieved from https://www.globalasia.org/v15no2/focus/
aseans-covid-19-response-why-minorities-and-the-most-vulnerable-matter_domi
nique-virgilroberto-lie

Hettne, B. (n.d.). Regional Actorship and Regional Agency: Comparative Perspective.

Heywood, A. (2011). Global Politics. Palgrave Macmillan

Heywood, A. (2014). Regionalism and Global Politics. Retrieved from https://www.

macmillanexplorers.com/regionalism-and-global-politics/14245358

Hoshiro, H. (2013). Regionalization and Regionalism in East Asia. Retrieved from

https://www.iss.u-tokyo.ac.jp/publishments/dpf/pdf/f-162.pdf

Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia. (2018, December). Colonialism and ASEAN Identity:
Inherited “mental barriers” hindering the formation of a collective ASEAN identity.
Retrieved from https://kyotoreview.org/trendsetters/colonialism-asean-identity/

Menon, J. (2019). Regional Integration in Asia and the Pacific, and Dealing with Short and
Long Term Challenges. Southeast Asian Affairs 2019, 21-41. Retrieved from
https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/722670.

Spandler K. (2019). Introduction In: Regional Organizations in International Society.

Palgrave Studies in International Relations. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. Retrieved
from https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96896-4_1

Weiner, M. (1965). “Political Integration and Political Development”, Annals of the

American Academy of Political and Social Science, Vol. 358