A Conceptual Analysis on ‘ASEAN Way’ as a Normative Approach for Conducting Regional Affairs

S C Padmakumara

doi:10.4038/cjmr.v6i1.58

Abstract

The role of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become more important in conducting regional affairs with its distinctive approach to interstate relations and regional cooperation. This distinctive practice is called as ‘ASEAN Way’ and the scholars assert that it is a pragmatic and informal approach to conduct intraregional affairs. As viewed by the scholars, what sets the ASEAN apart from many other regional institutions is its own process of decision-making, typically referred to as the “ASEAN Way’ (Weber, 2019). The ASEAN Way consists of a code of conduct for inter-state behavior as well as decision- making process based on consultations and consensus among its member states (Acharya, 1997). This ASEAN model or ‘ASEAN Way’ provides example of how a region can manage its problem and develop a positive identity in International Relations. Therefore, both in terms of intraregional and extra regional perceptions, Southeast Asia has become a symbol of a dynamic and largely peaceful region (Acharya, 2012). The central objective of this paper is to conceptualize the significance of ‘ASEAN Way’ as a distinctive approach to conduct regional affairs and highlight its implications for sustaining regional cooperation. The idea of ‘ASEAN Way’ is examined in this paper with specific reference to two important propositions. The first holds that ‘ASEAN Way’ is a normative approach to conduct intraregional affairs and it possess distinctive features compared to other regional practices. The second proposition holds that ‘ASEAN Way’ is potential as a mean for peaceful settlement of regional disputes. In order to realize these objectives, this study intends to answer these two research questions; what are the distinctive features of ‘ASEAN Way’ as an approach to conduct regional affairs and how it can be attributed as a peaceful mean for settling regional disputes. This study adopts a qualitative approach and primarily depends on the secondary data to answer the aforesaid research questions.

Highlights

As per the scholarly perspectives, various approaches have been adopted to attribute Southeast as a region. One such approach involves a search for common attributes - physical, cultural and historical linkages and other approaches focus on the historical processes that could attribute Southeast Asia as a region (Acharya, 2012). Despite these approaches, ‘Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Way’ clearly reflects the soft regionalism adopted by the organization, relying primarily on consultations and consensus among the members
There are various models adopted for conducting regional affairs, the case of ASEAN Way is distinctive, because it demonstrates a unique and normative way of conducting regional affairs
It can be observed that the “ASEAN Way’’ has been differently treated by the scholars, but its core meaning as a method of conducting regional affairs lies on the practices of consultation seeking and consensus building among member states

Summary

Introduction

As per the scholarly perspectives, various approaches have been adopted to attribute Southeast as a region One such approach involves a search for common attributes - physical, cultural and historical linkages and other approaches focus on the historical processes that could attribute Southeast Asia as a region (Acharya, 2012). Despite these approaches, ‘ASEAN Way’ clearly reflects the soft regionalism adopted by the organization, relying primarily on consultations and consensus among the members. This approach is helpful in understanding the normative culture embedded within the ASEAN institutional structures. This method is broadly referred to as the “ASEAN way” or the “ASEAN process,” and involves the use of extensive consultation and consensus building to develop intramural solidarity ( Narine,1997).According to Narine ( 1997),the ‘ASEAN way’ has implications for a larger context of regional and intra- regional affairs .As the key principles of ASEAN Way ; dialogue and consultation can successfully alleviate intra- ASEAN tensions and engender the habit of cooperation, it should be able to produce similar effects in the larger Asia-Pacific region

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Conclusion