TIMOR-LESTER CAN STRENGTHEN ASEAN CENTRALITY AMID GLOBAL

CRISES

DELROSARIO, VIANCA MAE C.

SERRANO, KRISTINE MARGARETTE R.

HT104ITM

LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

I. INTRODUCTION:

The imminent inclusion of Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast

Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents a pivotal moment for the organization, offering a potential

pathway to reinforce its centrality amidst escalating global crises. As ASEAN grapples with

mounting regional uncertainties and unresolved conflicts, Timor-Leste's accession holds promise

in solidifying ASEAN's position as a key player in regional diplomacy and crisis management.

However, this decision also brings to the forefront critical issues regarding ASEAN's internal

cohesion, its adherence to democratic values, and its capacity to navigate complex geopolitical

dynamics.

In the face of escalating great power rivalry, unresolved conflicts like Myanmar's civil war, and

broader geopolitical tensions, ASEAN's ability to maintain its centrality and effectively address

pressing regional and international issues is under scrutiny. Timor-Leste's prospective

membership introduces a democratic element into ASEAN's predominantly authoritarian

composition, raising questions about the organization's commitment to democratic principles and

its capacity to reconcile diverse political systems among member states. Moreover, ASEAN has

grappled with internal divisions and organizational drift, hindering its effectiveness in addressing

major regional issues. The addition of Timor-Leste may exacerbate these divisions, further

weakening ASEAN's capacity to form consensus and take collective action.

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CRISES
In essence, the integration of Timor-Leste to ASEAN provides a chance for the organization to

maintain its prominence in the face of international crises, but it also emphasizes how critical it

is for ASEAN to address internal issues, maintain democratic principles, and strengthen group

decision-making processes.

II. BACKGROUND:

Timor-Leste's potential accession to ASEAN presents a significant opportunity for the region to

bolster its centrality and address pressing global challenges. As detailed in the East Asia Forum

article titled "Timor-Leste can Strengthen ASEAN Centrality Amid Global Crises," authored by

Jose Ramos-Horta and Narayanan Ganesan, the country's geographical proximity to ASEAN

member states, coupled with its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region, underscores the

need for a comprehensive understanding of the background factors influencing this case study.

Timor-Leste's history is marked by a tumultuous struggle for independence, culminating in its

formal separation from Indonesia in 2002. Despite achieving sovereignty, the nation continues to

face numerous challenges, including political instability, economic vulnerability, and social

development gaps. These factors have implications for Timor-Leste's potential integration into

ASEAN and its ability to contribute meaningfully to the region's stability and prosperity.

Moreover, ASEAN itself is confronted with an array of complex issues, ranging from

geopolitical tensions to environmental crises and public health emergencies. Against this

backdrop, the bloc's efforts to maintain its centrality in regional affairs require careful

consideration of new member states' interests and capabilities, including those of Timor-Leste.

III. Proposed Solutions/Changes

 TIMOR-LESTER CAN STRENGTHEN ASEAN CENTRALITY AMID GLOBAL
CRISES
To effectively leverage Timor-Leste's potential accession as the 11th member of the Association

of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to strengthen ASEAN's centrality amid global crises,

several specific solutions and changes are needed:

Strategic Diplomatic Engagement: ASEAN should prioritize strategic diplomatic engagement

with Timor-Leste to facilitate its smooth integration into the organization. This approach

involves establishing bilateral dialogues, technical assistance programs, and capacity-building

initiatives tailored to Timor-Leste's needs and priorities within ASEAN.

-Why this solution? Diplomatic engagement is crucial for fostering mutual understanding, trust,

and cooperation between Timor-Leste and existing ASEAN member states. By actively involving

Timor-Leste in ASEAN's decision-making processes, the organization can demonstrate its

commitment to inclusivity and strengthen its regional cohesion.

Capacity-Building and Institutional Support: ASEAN should provide comprehensive capacity-

building support and institutional assistance to Timor-Leste to enhance its ability to participate

effectively in ASEAN's activities and initiatives. This includes technical assistance, training

programs, and knowledge-sharing platforms focused on areas such as governance, economic

development, and regional cooperation.

-Why this solution? Strengthening Timor-Leste's institutional capacities and governance

frameworks is essential for ensuring its meaningful integration into ASEAN. By empowering

Timor-Leste to address its developmental challenges and contribute actively to ASEAN's

objectives, the organization can enhance its regional resilience and effectiveness.

Promotion of Democratic Values and Human Rights: ASEAN should reaffirm its commitment to

democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law, both within member states and in its

external engagements. This involves establishing mechanisms for promoting democratic

 TIMOR-LESTER CAN STRENGTHEN ASEAN CENTRALITY AMID GLOBAL
CRISES
governance, protecting human rights, and addressing instances of authoritarianism or governance

abuses within the region.

-Why this solution? Upholding democratic values and human rights is fundamental to ASEAN's

credibility and legitimacy as a regional organization. By advocating for democratic norms and

principles, ASEAN can strengthen its regional centrality and contribute to a more inclusive and

sustainable regional order.

Supporting Evidence:

Concepts from Class: Discussions on the importance of diplomatic engagement, capacity

building, and democratic governance in the development of regional cooperation and stability

arose from my reading, which I obtained from our exclusive study site.

Outside Research: Studies highlighting the significance of ASEAN's role in promoting

democratic values, human rights, and good governance in Southeast Asia, and their impact on

regional dynamics and stability.

By implementing these solutions, ASEAN can effectively harness the potential of Timor-Leste's

accession to strengthen its regional centrality amid global crises while addressing critical

challenges related to democratic governance, institutional capacity, and human rights within the

region.

IV. Recommendation/Conclusion

Strategic Diplomatic Engagement:

ASEAN member states need to provoke excessive-level diplomatic dialogues with Timor-Leste

to discuss its integration into ASEAN and address any issues or challenges. This will include

bilateral meetings, diplomatic visits, and exchanges among authority’s officials.

 TIMOR-LESTER CAN STRENGTHEN ASEAN CENTRALITY AMID GLOBAL
CRISES
The ASEAN Secretariat must facilitate ordinary consultations and working organizations to

assist Timor-Leste in apprehending ASEAN's norms, values, and selection-making strategies.

This will contain organizing workshops, seminars, and schooling sessions tailor-made to Timor-

Leste's needs.

Capability-constructing and Institutional assist:

ASEAN member states, in collaboration with global companions and applicable businesses, must

provide technical assistance and training programs to beautify Timor-Leste's institutional

capacities and governance frameworks. This will include sharing great practices, knowledge, and

assets in areas inclusive of public management, financial improvement, and nearby cooperation.

ASEAN must set up a committed fund or useful resource pool to aid Timor-Leste's development

initiatives and initiatives inside the region. This fund could be controlled mutually by ASEAN

member states and administered by the ASEAN Secretariat to ensure transparency and

accountability.

Regional Collaboration and Partnerships:

ASEAN needs to collaborate with global partners, which include regional businesses and

development groups, to support Timor-Leste's sustainable development and integration efforts.

This may include joint projects, applications, and projects aimed toward addressing key

improvement demanding situations and promoting local cooperation.

Timor-Leste must actively search for partnerships and cooperation with ASEAN member states

and regional stakeholders to leverage assets and expertise for its improvement priorities. This can

involve forging strategic alliances, signing bilateral agreements, and taking part in nearby

networks to enhance diplomatic and monetary ties inside Southeast Asia.

Responsibilities:
 TIMOR-LESTER CAN STRENGTHEN ASEAN CENTRALITY AMID GLOBAL
CRISES
ASEAN Secretariat: Facilitate diplomatic dialogues, provide technical help, and coordinate

potential-constructing initiatives for Timor-Leste's integration into ASEAN.

ASEAN Member States: interact in bilateral discussions with Timor-Leste, offer financial and

technical support, and promote democratic values and human rights in the location.

Timor-Leste authorities: Actively take part in ASEAN-led projects, seek partnerships with nearby

stakeholders, and put into effect necessary reforms to align with ASEAN's norms and principles.

In conclusion, by pursuing strategic diplomatic engagement, capability-constructing assistance,

and promotion of democratic values, ASEAN can efficiently harness Timor-Leste's capability to

reinforce local centrality amid international crises. Persevering talk, cooperation, and

collaboration amongst ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, alongside assistance from

worldwide companions, are critical for understanding the shared dreams of peace, balance, and

prosperity in Southeast Asia.

V. References

Marston, H, (2023), January 03, East Asia Forum

https://eastasiaforum.org/2023/01/03/timor-leste-can-strengthen-asean-centrality-amid-global-

crises/

Prabang, L , (2024), January 29, ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat

https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Press-Statement-by-the-Chair-of-the-AMM-

Retreat-29-Jan-2024.-Final.pdf

Farrelly, N, (2021), July 19, Responding to East Asian Economic and Institutional Innovation

https://www.twai.it/articles/asean-crisis-response-global-implications/

Shibata, N, (2023) 14:08 JST, East Timor Faces Economic challenges ahead of joining

ASEAN
 TIMOR-LESTER CAN STRENGTHEN ASEAN CENTRALITY AMID GLOBAL
CRISES
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/East-Timor-faces-economic-

challenges-ahead-of-joining-ASEAN