ASEAN as a Model for Third World Regional Economic Co-operation?

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the usefulness of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to its members and to what extent it may be used as a model for regional co-operation by other Third World countries. The direct impact of ASEAN on economic de velopment in Southeast Asia cannot be considered of decisive importance to date. However, ASEAN was instrumental in preserving peace and stability in the region, which probably was a crucial factor conducive to the favourable developments. The patient, gradual deepening of relations between the member countries also seems to have prepared the ground for more substantial future co-operation and integration. The main lesson for other countries is prob ably the fact that ASEAN was able to accomplish a great deal for the very reason that its ambitions were realistic and not overly far-reaching in the first place.