ASEAN

The essentials

The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was set up in 1967 through the Bangkok Declaration by five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Other states of the region joined later. Its aims were to speed up economic growth, promote social progress and cultural development, and support regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the UN Charter.

ASEAN is known for the "ASEAN Way": a style of working that is informal, non-confrontational and cooperative, relying on consultation and consensus and respecting national sovereignty.

Key points

• The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), set up in 1994, deals with political and security dialogue in the region.
• ASEAN decided to build an ASEAN Community based on three pillars: the ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
• The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) aimed to reduce tariffs among members.
• ASEAN has trade and dialogue arrangements with major powers including India, China, Japan and South Korea.
• Its economic growth and diplomatic role have made it an important regional centre in Asia.
• India's Look East policy (later called Act East) sought closer ties with ASEAN.

Exam tips

Memorise the five founding members and the three pillars of the ASEAN Community. Questions often ask what the "ASEAN Way" means.

Common mistakes

• Listing India or China as founding members; they are dialogue partners, not members.
• Thinking ASEAN works through binding supranational institutions like the EU; its style is consultative.