Although facing challenges, ASEAN centrality continues to impact regional dynamics by influencing how actors approach their interests and strategies. To bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality, ASEAN must adapt to remain relevant and effective in the face of growing competition and threats. This article explores the importance of ASEAN’s central role, evaluates how various actors deploy the ASEAN centrality narrative strategically, and suggests areas where ASEAN should focus on to maintain centrality in regional affairs.
Importance and Effectiveness of ASEAN Centrality
The concept of centrality was enshrined in the ASEAN Charter of 2007, emphasizing ASEAN’s role as the primary driving force in regional cooperation. ASEAN centrality is viewed through various lenses, including roles as a regional leader, convener, hub, driver of progress, and scope setter. ASEAN has successfully built a network of institutions, enhancing regional security, economic integration, and socio-cultural cooperation. By expanding its institutional ecosystem to include forums like ARF, EAS, ADMM+, and EAMF, ASEAN has become the primary platform for regional dialogue and cooperation.
ASEAN’s unique balancing act between major powers like the US and China has helped maintain stability in the region. By promoting norms such as non-interference, consensus-based decision-making, and peaceful dispute resolution, ASEAN has shaped regional norms and socialized external powers to respect these norms. However, the rise of great power competition poses challenges to ASEAN centrality, requiring the organization to navigate delicate relationships while maintaining its autonomy.
Internal challenges within ASEAN, such as diversity among member states and limited institutional capacity, further complicate efforts to maintain centrality. The organization’s consensus-based decision-making has sometimes led to weak outcomes on issues like the South China Sea disputes. Additionally, the emergence of minilateral groupings and alternative frameworks presents a challenge to ASEAN centrality, potentially diminishing its convening power.
Strategic Deployment of the ASEAN Centrality Narrative by Different Actors
ASEAN centrality is often employed as a strategic narrative by various actors to advance their interests. While ASEAN collectively uses centrality to maintain relevance and credibility, individual member states may prioritize specific alignments based on national interests. External powers like China and the US may rhetoricallt support ASEAN centrality while pursuing actions that could undermine it. China, for example, engages in bilateral approaches that sideline ASEAN in matters involving territorial claims with member states, undercutting ASEAN’s position as a regional convener.
Further, minilateral arrangements like the Quad and AUKUS present challenges to ASEAN centrality by potentially bypassing ASEAN-led mechanisms in addressing regional security issues. These developments underscore the need for ASEAN to engage proactively with these frameworks to maintain its central role in regional affairs.
Beyond the Narrative: Sustaining the Substance of ASEAN Centrality
ASEAN must adapt and evolve to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality, enhancing its responsiveness, effectiveness, and cohesion. This includes strengthening institutional mechanisms, developing flexible decision-making processes, and engaging with external initiatives while maintaining strategic autonomy. By balancing continuity with change, ASEAN can position itself as an independent actor in the face of shifting power dynamics, ensuring its continued relevance in regional affairs.
In conclusion, ASEAN centrality remains crucial in shaping regional dynamics and fostering cooperation. However, to uphold its centrality, ASEAN must navigate internal challenges, engage with external powers judiciously, and adapt to changing regional dynamics. By doing so, ASEAN can strengthen its leadership role and maintain its relevance in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
