AI Brief
- ASEAN was established in 1967 to promote economic cooperation, development, and regional peace amid Cold War ideological divisions in Southeast Asia.
- The bloc faces challenges in maintaining unity and resolving conflicts, especially amid intensified US-China geopolitical competition and diverse member interests.
- Key priorities include enhancing conflict resolution, strengthening regional cooperation, and addressing climate change while maintaining ASEAN's relevance and influence.
WHAT IS ASEAN AND WHEN WAS IT FOUNDED?
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded in 1967 during the Cold War, when ideological divisions between communist and democratic states shaped the region's political landscape. Former Philippine ambassador Laura Quiambao-Del Rosario said the bloc was established to promote economic cooperation and development while addressing regional conflicts and differences among neighbouring countries. Its broader political objective was to promote peace and security in Southeast Asia.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES CURRENTLY FACING ASEAN?
ASEAN faces mounting challenges in maintaining regional unity and addressing conflicts among its member states, particularly as geopolitical competition between the United States and China intensifies, Del Rosario said.
One of the bloc's most urgent priorities is establishing an effective conflict resolution mechanism, she said, citing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia and the Philippines' maritime disputes with China. ASEAN's diverse political systems and national interests also complicate consensus-building, while competition between Washington and Beijing has exposed divisions among some of its members.
WHAT ARE INTERESTING THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS YEAR?
The impact of US political developments under President Donald Trump after the recent midterm elections on Southeast Asia, as well as the evolving strategic competition between Washington and Beijing, will be key issues to watch, Del Rosario said. ASEAN may need to reassess its centrality in the regional political architecture as major powers increasingly seek to influence member states. "I think people will see that ASEAN will be more pragmatic," she said.
WHAT WOULD BE THE BIGGEST OR MOST SIGNIFICANT OUTCOME ASEAN IS HOPING TO ACHIEVE THIS YEAR?
A more effective approach to conflict resolution and stronger regional cooperation should be among ASEAN's most important priorities, Del Rosario said. The bloc's ability to maintain unity amid competing national interests and external pressures, particularly from the United States and China, will be a key test of its relevance and influence.
She also called for ASEAN to place greater emphasis on challenges that threaten humanity, particularly climate change, arguing that economic development and energy security should not come at the expense of vulnerable communities. The global community should watch whether the bloc can translate its regional cooperation agenda into concrete action on security, geopolitical stability and climate resilience.
