Forum: As Asean turns 58, don’t write it off just yet
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Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan wasn’t wrong when he called the recent Thai-Cambodian border clash “a major setback” for Asean’s credibility ( Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for Asean: Vivian Balakrishnan
The deadly confrontation indeed revealed cracks in Asean’s unity. But as Asean marks its 58th anniversary on Aug 8, it remains South-east Asia’s most crucial mechanism for maintaining peace and preventing the region from becoming a battleground for global powers.
Imagine a South-east Asia without Asean. A conflict like the one between Thailand and Cambodia could easily have escalated into a full-blown proxy war, with the US and China rushing in to “mediate” while advancing their own interests.
Asean, with all its flaws, is what keeps such worst-case scenarios in check.
True, Asean didn’t prevent the violence. But it helped stop further escalation. That’s no small feat.
Asean’s long-established habits of dialogue, backchannel diplomacy, and its preference for consensus over confrontation played a key role in cooling tempers.
Malaysia, as Asean chair, acted swiftly. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted emergency talks in Kuala Lumpur and brokered an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective – and most importantly, it kept the resolution within the Asean framework, away from external manipulation.
Mr Anwar managed to include the US and China as participants without surrendering control. His diplomatic finesse turned them into supporters rather than decision-makers – no small achievement in today’s tense geopolitical environment.
Asean’s consensus model is often mocked for being slow and ineffective. And yes, getting 10 (soon 11) nations to agree is always hard.
But Asean ministers did speak with one voice after the clash, affirming their commitment to non-interference and peaceful dialogue. That unity – even if fragile – matters.
Compared with other regional blocs, Asean’s performance holds up. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation hasn’t met in years. The EU is dealing with the aftermath of Brexit.
Meanwhile, Asean is expanding – welcoming Timor-Leste, pushing forward with the Asean Economic Community, and working towards its 2045 vision of a resilient, inclusive and people-centred region.
Still, there’s room for serious improvement. Asean must respond faster to crises, strengthen preventive diplomacy, and empower its rotating chair to act more decisively. Social media-fuelled nationalism also needs to be curbed to preserve diplomatic space.
Younger generations may take Asean’s presence for granted, but without it, regional disputes would be mediated in Washington or Beijing – not in South-east Asia.
On its 58th birthday, Asean may be showing its age. But it has also shown remarkable staying power, keeping the peace in a region marked by immense diversity for over half a century.
Minister Balakrishnan’s warning should be taken seriously. Asean must evolve. But don’t write it off just yet.
In a world increasingly defined by great power rivalry, Asean’s quiet strength may be South-east Asia’s best chance to shape its own destiny.
Piti Srisangnam
Executive Director, Asean Foundation
Suthichai Yoon
Co-founder, Nation Group, Thailand
