ASEAN regionalism in the post-cold war Asia-Pacific

Abstract

In conclusion, it can be observed that ASEAN institutions have undergone several stages of evolution reflecting the member countries' general attitudes towards regionalism in Southeast Asia. The mechanisms of ASEAN cooperation started modestly in 1967 until1976 when it was greatly overhauled by the ASEAN Heads of Government. Since then, the ASEAN institutions have continued to receive the attention of member governments although the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta that symbolises ASEAN cooperation, continues to remain modest. This is still so because member countries are pragmatic and careful not to create a huge centralised bureaucracy that can lead to inefficiency. Nevertheless, through the ASEAN structure, political leaders and officials from member countries interact with one another forming a network of personal and working relations crucial for ASEAN regionalism in the 1990s. Moreover, the Secretariat facilitates information flows and reduces costs of regional transaction. This further underpins regional activities. This conclusion reinforces the argument that in ASEAN, the process is in itself important. As Michael Leifer has argued, 'for ASEAN governments, a personalised process of consultation and cooperation has become more important than formal procedures for problem-solving'.43 Following this argument, the numerous number of meetings, besides producing papers and an unaccountable number of recommendations, Joint Communiques or Press Releases are important as well. These factors help to foster confidence in ASEAN as it enters the post-Cold War Asia Pacific. Show more