ASEAN & MULTILATERALISM

ASEAN & ARF

The ARF is the principle forum for security dialogue
in Asia.
27 members
Was established in 1994
Provides a setting in which members can discuss
current regional security issues and develop
cooperative measures to enhance peace and security in
the region.
The ARF is characterized by consensus decision
making and minimal institutionalization.
 Cambodia Canada

Brunei China
Darussalam
Australia
DPRK

Vietnam
European Union

United States India

Thailand ASEAN Regional Forum Indonesia

(ARF)
Singapore
Japan

Russia Laos

Rep. of
Mongolia
Korea

Philippines Malaysia

4 Papua New Myanmar

Guinea New
Zealand
 ASEAN Regional Forum
Three-stage process
Stage 1 on Confidence Building Measures,
Stage 2 on Preventive Diplomacy
Stage 3 on Conflict Management

Gradual evolutionary approach, decision-making by

consensus
Movement at a pace comfortable to all members
ARF – the progress
To date – the ARF is in overlap phase – between Phase
1&2
Before ARF, there was no region – wide m/l dialogue
on security matters.
Traditional sec issues as well as non-traditional sec
issues were addressed officially at the 10th ARF.
Introduction of CBMs is a major achievement
ARF - the achievement
Its enhancement for cooperation – regional security
Though no formal sanctions it has formulated
sufficient principles, norms & rules
The CBM is within ARF – increased transparency
within Asia Pacific
The ARF achieve all these with modest transaction
cost compared to the bilateral consultation of
concerned members.
ARF functions as an important channel of
communication for governments in the region.
The ARF - Constraints
It is not a system of collective security & was never
intended to be one
No mechanism of direct conflict management
Because of non binding character – ARF has no
capacity for autonomous action
Conflicts are discussed during the ministerial meetings
– therefore may not be the suitable forum
The ASEAN Way as the method to operate ARF – may
not be appropriate
ASEAN & EU
 EU ASEAN

Formed in 1957 Formed in 1967

To stop challenging each
Was created for
other, post colonial
peacekeeping, economic borders, sovereignty &
prosperity and preservation territorial integrity have
been most priority.

Goal – economic & politic Goal – was to crate &

integration – e & monetary promote a climate of

regional security &
union, E currency
stability for nat. building &
e. dev.
EU ASEAN

More formal & Consensus, informal,

institutionalized persuasion discussion
Decisions are made by No voting
voting
EU govt – show Prefer private, bilateral,
differences in public sweep under t carpet
Treaty Declaration
Members - 27 Members - 10
 East Asia Summit
Started in KL in 2005
Addition to ASEAN Plus Three Process
Inculcated bureaucratic cooperation and coherence
Developed mutual confidence and trust
Focused on more strategic issues
 Cooperation in energy security, finance, health pandemic, education,
environment
ADB’s Illustration of Regional and
Trans-regional Forums

Source: ADB’s Emerging Asian Regionalism, A Partnership for Shared Prosperity

ASEAN’s Partnerships in Regional Contexts

Separately:

ASEAN Plus One

mechanisms with
individual Dialogue
Partners of ASEAN
 ASEAN External Economics Relations

ASEAN-Russia
ASEAN-Canada

ASEAN-China FTA
ASEAN-EU ASEAN-US TIFA
ASEAN-Korea FTA

ASEAN-Japan CEP
ASEAN-Pakistan

ASEAN-GCC

ASEAN-India FTA

ASEAN-Australia-
New Zealand FTA
AFTA (ASEAN FREE TRADE
AREA)
Why AFTA?
To provide ASEAN with a new
purpose – after the cold war – to
remain relevant
ASEAN states were deeply
concerned about the growth of
economic regionalism – hope that
ASEAN would provide louder voice
in the i/national eco. negotiations
Trade liberalization within ASEAN
members
ASEAN was worried that
international trade and investment
would be diverted from its members
towards China and other regions.
 Conclusion
ASEAN lies at the heart of many multilateral initiatives
Well placed to play unique role in evolving regional
architecture
Rise of big powers and new developments
Challenges
Closer engagement with countries who can contribute to
peace and stability in the region
Course Outcome
I understand that there are other regional organizations
I am able to define the concept multilateralism
I am able to identify few regional organizations
I am able to describe ASEAn’s role with other
countries
I am able to describe ASEAN’s role with other
institutions
I am able to differentiate the various roles and
functions of ASEAN and other multilateral institutions