History · JC 1 · Regional Cooperation and ASEAN · Semester 2

ASEAN Centrality and External Relations

Evaluating ASEAN's role in the broader Asia-Pacific region, including its engagement with major powers through forums like ARF and EAS.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• MOE: ASEAN Centrality and External Relations - JC1

About This Topic

This topic examines the concept of 'ASEAN Centrality', the idea that ASEAN should be the primary platform for managing regional security and economic relations in the Asia-Pacific. Students analyze the various ASEAN-led frameworks, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Plus Three, which bring together major powers like the US, China, Japan, and India. The curriculum explores how a group of small and medium powers can maintain 'centrality' among giants.

Students evaluate the challenges to ASEAN centrality, including the rising US-China rivalry and the emergence of 'minilateral' groups like the Quad and AUKUS. Understanding this concept is vital for grasping the regional security architecture and ASEAN's role as a 'diplomatic hub.' This topic comes alive when students can engage in role-plays of these 'Plus' meetings and structured discussions on the 'great power' dynamics.

Key Questions

1. Explain the concept of 'ASEAN Centrality' in the Asia-Pacific security architecture.
2. Analyze the significance of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS).
3. Assess the challenges ASEAN faces in maintaining centrality amidst great power competition.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the concept of ASEAN Centrality and its theoretical underpinnings in regional security studies.
• Analyze the specific roles and contributions of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS) in promoting regional dialogue and cooperation.
• Evaluate the impact of great power competition, specifically US-China rivalry, on ASEAN's ability to maintain its central position in the Asia-Pacific.
• Compare and contrast the effectiveness of ASEAN-led multilateral forums with emerging minilateral security arrangements like the Quad and AUKUS.

Before You Start

Introduction to International Relations Theories

Why: Students need a basic understanding of concepts like realism and liberalism to grasp the power dynamics inherent in ASEAN Centrality and great power competition.

History of Post-War Southeast Asia

Why: Knowledge of ASEAN's formation and early development provides essential context for understanding its current role and aspirations in regional governance.

Key Vocabulary

ASEAN Centrality	The principle that ASEAN should be the primary driver and focal point for regional security and economic architecture in the Asia-Pacific, guiding interactions among major powers.
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)	A key ASEAN-led security dialogue mechanism that brings together foreign ministers from ASEAN member states and its dialogue partners to discuss political and security issues.
East Asia Summit (EAS)	A premier leaders-led forum in the Asia-Pacific, focusing on strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest, including security.
Multilateralism	A system of cooperation among three or more states, typically based on shared principles and institutions, as exemplified by ASEAN's approach.
Minilateralism	Cooperation among a small group of states, often on specific issues or for particular strategic purposes, such as the Quad or AUKUS.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

ASEAN centrality means ASEAN 'controls' the big powers.

What to Teach Instead

It means ASEAN provides the 'venue' and the 'agenda' for dialogue, acting as a neutral facilitator that everyone can agree to meet with. Peer discussion of the 'honest broker' role helps clarify this.

Common Misconception

ASEAN centrality is guaranteed by international law.

What to Teach Instead

It is a political concept that must be constantly earned and maintained through effective diplomacy and by remaining relevant to the interests of the major powers. A 'risks to centrality' analysis helps students see its fragile nature.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The East Asia Summit

Students act as representatives of ASEAN and the major powers (US, China, Russia, etc.). They must try to set the agenda for the meeting, illustrating how ASEAN tries to keep the 'big powers' talking while maintaining its own leadership.

50 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share: Is ASEAN Still Central?

Students discuss the impact of new groups like the Quad (US, Japan, India, Australia) on ASEAN's role. They reflect on whether these groups undermine or complement ASEAN's diplomatic efforts.

25 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle: The ARF's Goals

Groups research the three stages of the ASEAN Regional Forum: confidence building, preventive diplomacy, and conflict resolution. They evaluate how far the ARF has progressed in each stage.

45 min·Small Groups

Real-World Connections

• Foreign service officers working in embassies across Southeast Asia regularly engage with ASEAN-related dialogues, advising their governments on regional security dynamics and economic opportunities.
• Analysts at think tanks like the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) produce reports and policy recommendations for governments on navigating the complexities of ASEAN Centrality and great power competition in the Indo-Pacific.
• Business leaders involved in regional trade agreements and supply chain management must understand the stability and diplomatic frameworks fostered by ASEAN to make strategic investment decisions in countries like Vietnam and Indonesia.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are a diplomat from a small ASEAN nation. How would you advocate for ASEAN Centrality in a meeting with a representative from a major power like China or the United States?' Students should discuss strategies for asserting ASEAN's role and managing external influence.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short news clipping about a recent ARF or EAS meeting. Ask them to identify one key security issue discussed and explain how ASEAN's role (or lack thereof) in addressing it relates to the concept of ASEAN Centrality.

Exit Ticket

On a slip of paper, have students write down one challenge to ASEAN Centrality and one specific ASEAN-led forum that attempts to mitigate this challenge. They should also briefly explain why the forum is relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'ASEAN Centrality'?

ASEAN Centrality is the idea that ASEAN should be the 'driver' or the focal point of regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, ensuring that the interests of Southeast Asian states are not sidelined by the competition between major powers.

What is the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)?

The ARF is a key forum for security dialogue in the Asia-Pacific. It brings together 27 members, including the ASEAN states and their dialogue partners, to discuss regional security issues and build trust through 'preventive diplomacy.'

How does the US-China rivalry affect ASEAN?

The rivalry puts pressure on ASEAN states to 'choose sides,' which threatens ASEAN unity. ASEAN's goal is to maintain good relations with both powers and to use its forums to encourage them to engage in peaceful dialogue rather than confrontation.

How can active learning help students understand ASEAN centrality?

By simulating an East Asia Summit, students can experience the 'diplomatic balancing act' that ASEAN must perform. This hands-on approach helps them understand the strategic importance of being a 'neutral' host and the challenges of managing the conflicting interests of global giants.