The Association of Southeast Asian Nations

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional organization comprising ten Southeast
Asian states which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic integration
amongst its members. Since its formation on August 8, 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, the organizations membership has expanded to include
Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Vietnam. Its principal aims include
accelerating economic growth, social progress, and socio-cultural evolution among its members,
alongside the protection of regional stability and the provision of a mechanism for member
countries to resolve differences peacefully.
The ASEANs main purpose in the declaration was to accelerate economic growth, social
progress, and cultural development in the region. The organizations wants to promote regional
peace and stability and collaboration and on matters of common interest. They provide assistance
to each other in the form of training and research facilities and promote Southeast Asian studies.
The organization also maintains close, beneficial co-operation with existing international
organizations with similar aims and purposes.
The 'ASEAN Way' refers to a methodology or approach to solving issues that respects the
cultural norms of Southeast Asia. A working process or style that is informal and personal.
Policymakers constantly utilize compromise, consensus, and consultation in the informal
decision-making process... it above all prioritizes a consensus-based, non-combinational way of
addressing problems. Quiet diplomacy allows ASEAN leaders to communicate without bringing
the discussions into the public view. Members avoid embarrassment that may lead to further
conflict.
The ASEANs effects on the United States should be favorable if the U.S. agrees. First, the AEC
will enhance U.S.-ASEAN commercial ties. U.S. economic interactions with ASEAN countries
are significant and rising. Second, ASEAN economic integration will favor strategic interests of
the United States. ASEAN countries are critical allies in the war on terror, and some have
long-standing (albeit low-level) insurgencies. And lastly, ASEAN integration will help balance
the economic power of China and India. Individually, ASEAN countries are, perhaps, too small
to be important players in the economic and security game, but as an integrated group of a halfbillion people they would be in the major league. The rise of ASEAN as an economic power
with similar advantages in production and scale to those of China and Indiawill help to
bring greater symmetry and balance to managing this important period of transition.( Plummer,
2016)
References
ASEAN. Association of Southeast Asians Nations. Retrieved from http://asean.org/
Plummer, Michael. How (and Why) the U.S. Should Help Build an ASEAN Economic
Community. East West Center. Retrieved from http://www.eastwestcenter.org/news-center/eastwest-wire/how-and-why-the-us-should-help-build-an-asean-economic-community.