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Discuss: Can ASEAN Lead Asian Integration?

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L to R: Former ASEAN Sec. Gen. Ong Keng Yong, Indonesian Foreign Minister N Hassan Wirajuda, and ASEAN Sec. Gen. Surin Pitsuwan, in Jakarta, January 7, 2008. (Ahmad Zamroni/AFP/Getty Images)
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L to R: Former ASEAN Sec. Gen. Ong Keng Yong, Indonesian Foreign Minister N Hassan Wirajuda, and ASEAN Sec. Gen. Surin Pitsuwan, in Jakarta, January 7, 2008. (Ahmad Zamroni/AFP/Getty Images)

While starting as a loose coalition of developing countries, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is now recognized as an increasingly dynamic international player.

Through regional arrangements, such as the recently established East Asia Free Trade Area (EAFTA) and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership, ASEAN is expecting to reach economic integration by 2015, and play a more powerful role in the global economy.

But as the U.S. and China continue to jostle for influence in the region, and as ASEAN countries face social instability and regional economic and military imbalances, will ASEAN be able to lead Asian integration?

Join the discussion below.

Geraldine | 10:17:10 09:40pm
Please provide me with theoritical definition of Asian integration. I really this formy study on the role of students in promoting Asian integration. Thank you.
Charles Nearing | 02:27:10 05:36am
I am into a 3rd year of research on this topic. I have made quite an extensive list of arguments for and against such an intergration. I personally believe ASEAN is developing the right path toward such an organizational leadership, as well as a potential for being the mediator between Asian interregional disputes and tention (India/China, Japan/China, ROK/North Korea, Myanmar). I would say the IR field will change as ASEAN develops further, with more interest placed on the dynamic cultural relationships that ASEAN has fostered. No matter how an intergration will happen, it will happen. Throughout history the Asian region have been more or less peaceful. In contrast since the 1600s the West hasn't had a single year of peace. I feel the biggest threat to a potential Asian intergration is the external Western interests.
Laily Fitry | 02:25:10 02:02am
Asian Integration? I'm up for it. but i believe that ASEAN's bigger role in encouraging Asian Integration would most depend on it's capacity to enhance it's own integration (ASEAN integration). As Indonesian, i witnessed many dramatic changes as the impact of ASEAN Integration phase. but, unfortunately, the changes mostly took place on economic and political sector. while, if we turn our attention to the 3 pillars of ASEAN Integration, we will find out that the cultural pillar is somewhat left behind. in the other hand, cultural ties probably being the most sophisticated element of integration to be formed. and, this is what ASEAN need. A common identity that can synergies it's cultural differences.
Jean | 02:17:10 01:30pm
Possibly, but they will only get as far as China and the U.S. will allow. ASEAN may be reaching new heights in its economy, but the "major powerhouses" will always have the final word.
Chen Chow | 02:17:10 11:20am
As someone who is living in ASEAN, I have seen greater integration within ASEAN region, particularly in the airline, banking, telecommunication, online job board sector. Some ASEAN giants have emerged, and through a series of M&A or regional expansion, now in each of these sectors, a few major conglomerates are the main players. So, I would see that ASEAN Integration would be driven from economics angle and perhaps from sports angle (eg: ASEAN Basketball League). However, in terms of driving entire Asian Integration, I still think that the major powerhouses (China, Japan, Korea, India) need to play a crucial role in driving it. Having an integrated ASEAN helps the process, but it won't happen without the push from major players.

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