ASEAN Responses to External Challenges from the Cold War to Indo-Pacific: Does ASEAN Still Play a Pivotal Role?

Abstract

This paper discusses how ASEAN responds to its international environment by specific reference to the concept of ASEAN centrality. The approach that has been used to explain the centrality of ASEAN, namely neorealism and constructivismgenerally emphasizes just one aspect, eitherexternal or internal. Therefore, we need an approach that can see how the two elements are filtered by ASEAN decision-makers to respond to the developments in the region. We argue that neo-classical realism can fill this gap. From neoclassical realism approach, theaccomplishment of ASEAN centrality is largely determined by the ability of decision-makers to formulate attitudes and positions in a solid manner in facing challenges and opportunities in the international structure. Failure to formulate joint responses solidly can result in the ease of ASEAN members being infiltrated by outside interests.