Regional Institutions Must Reclaim Original Purpose
Navigating a Changing Indo-Pacific
As geopolitical competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific, regional institutions like ASEAN must reclaim their original purpose of confidence-building and conflict prevention, said the Head of the National Security College (NSC) at the Australian National University.
Reclaiming ASEAN’s Original Purpose
Professor Rory Medcalf, currently in Malaysia to attend the 17th ASEAN Regional Forum Experts and Eminent Persons (ARF EEP) meeting, stressed the importance of “middle players” in navigating a world no longer reliably governed by a stable balance between China and the United States (US).
The Role of Middle Players
“I think that to begin with thinking about the interests of our nations in the Indo-Pacific, whether it’s Australia, whether it’s Malaysia, whether it’s other middle powers in particular.
"I do think that it remains very useful to look at the broader geopolitical framing," he said while speaking on the recent Bernama TV’s Diplomatic Dispatch.
A Broad Coalition of Actors
He pointed to a broad coalition of actors in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting ASEAN, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and India as part of what he described as an extraordinary cast of countries that the region can work with.
Reinvigorating Regional Institutions
He added that the “Trump shock” had prompted a need to reinvigorate regional institutions, particularly those centred around ASEAN, and to approach them with renewed seriousness of purpose.
Malaysia’s Role as ASEAN Chair
Meanwhile, addressing Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair, he commented that the country faces an intense diplomatic workload in leading the region, cautioning that if countries do not step up now, the opportunity to make meaningful progress could be lost.
Upholding Key Principles
He stressed that the current turbulence in the international system presents an opportunity for Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, as well as for ASEAN’s partners like Australia, to uphold key principles such as international law, mutual respect, the equal sovereignty of nations, and adherence to rules.
Regional Cooperation
He cited Japan as a major power in the region and noted that South Korea also has much to contribute. He added that Australia plays its own distinct role, while within ASEAN, each member state brings unique strengths and varying levels of influence and capacity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the current international system presents an opportunity for regional institutions like ASEAN to reclaim their original purpose of confidence-building and conflict prevention. By upholding key principles such as international law, mutual respect, and adherence to rules, ASEAN can play a crucial role in navigating a world no longer reliably governed by a stable balance between China and the US.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of regional institutions like ASEAN?
A: Regional institutions like ASEAN must reclaim their original purpose of confidence-building and conflict prevention in the face of intensifying geopolitical competition across the Indo-Pacific.
Q: What is the role of middle players in navigating a changing Indo-Pacific?
A: Middle players, including countries like Australia, Malaysia, and other middle powers, must work together to navigate a world no longer reliably governed by a stable balance between China and the US.
Q: What is Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair?
A: Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, faces an intense diplomatic workload in leading the region, cautioning that if countries do not step up now, the opportunity to make meaningful progress could be lost.
Q: What are the key principles that ASEAN should uphold?
A: Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, and its partners like Australia should uphold key principles such as international law, mutual respect, the equal sovereignty of nations, and adherence to rules.