The document discusses ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), noting that while the ASEAN way of consensus building has helped prevent war and balance interests, it can also result in ASEAN being seen as ineffective or lacking formal mechanisms. The benefits of regional integration include an enlarged market, increased legal security for citizens, and a stronger voice in global trade, but some states may benefit more than others and contradictions can arise. The document also notes that ASEAN community building requires involvement from all sectors of society, and covers many new policy areas important both within and outside the region.

1. Chapter 1 why ASEAN matters
ASEAN’s way into the 21st century
 The ASEAN way refers to a low level of supranational elements and preference for
consensus-building.
 The ASEAN way has been useful and has to be modified and adjusted in application if
ASEAN is to continue to be relevant and effective in 21st century.
 ASEAN’s basic principles could be compromised by imposing albeit indirectly, an
economic direction that seeks globalismends.
 ASEAN tries its best to have enhanced political, economic and sociocultural
collaboration of diverse countries as it strives for future regional reiteration.
Pro and cons of regional integration
 Has been no open war among member states since 1967.
 It known as paper tiger or talk shop and lack of formal mechanisms to solve dispute.
 The principle of consensus making helps balance different interests but the results in
increased legal security and even visa free entry within the region.
 Low expenses of apparatus but difficult to create collective identity due to cultural and
political diversity.
 Enlarged market attracts foreign direct investment but some member state might
benefit more from integration than others.
 Increased legal security for citizens while traveling and working but occasional
contradictions between rhetoric and action
 Regional block has stronger voice in global trade talk but complicated structure might
lead to overlap and difficulties in understanding
 Breaking the power of selfish national interest group preventing reforms but increase
bureaucracy might consume a disproportion share of public money.
More than summits: ASEAN as a new topic
 It various bodies are more and more aware that ASEAN community can be built only
when all sector of society get involved.
 The new topic, its policy fields are daintily newsworthy and important for media within
and outside.

2.  From disaster management to poverty eradication, form free trade agreements to it
single window, from the games to youth empowerment.
 They could very well study the positive and negative implications of globalization, for
instance in the context of the social list it brings to disadvantaged people.