Asean, a fragmented integration in a changing world

This paper looks at the way the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) operates, in terms of the participation of its member states. Since its inception in 1967, Asean has apparently been driven by realism. But other mechanisms have gradually come into play and some group dynamics have emerged over time through the summits and treaties. Several aspects of this process should be highlighted: - the achievement of independence among countries in the area and the consolidation of this independence; - a willingness to resist the rise of communism in the region; the easing of tension and the stabilising role in the region played by the Association; - the common desire to promote growth and the efforts to create a sense of identity; - the growing role played by the Association and its member states in a multilateral framework and especially in relation to the People’s Republic of China (PRC)