navigating a Multipolar World: ASEAN‘s Expanding Diplomacy
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) finds itself at a critical juncture, increasingly courted by a diverse range of global powers as the international order shifts. While historically maintaining a position of neutrality, ASEAN is now actively broadening its diplomatic engagements with groups like BRICS, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and perhaps the African Union and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This expansion, however, presents both opportunities and significant challenges for the regional bloc.
The impetus for this outreach stems from a growing dissatisfaction with the existing global framework. For some nations, the promotion of “liberal democracy and free markets” is perceived not as a universal ideal, but as a justification for Western dominance. Beijing, Moscow, and many in the Global South hold this view, creating a fractured narrative that ASEAN cannot afford to ignore. The institution’s strength lies in its ability to foster dialog, demonstrating that coexistence is possible even without complete consensus.
ASEAN has long functioned as a crucial “middle space,” facilitating dialogue between competing powers rather than aligning as a bloc or becoming a pawn in their games. Maintaining this role requires a delicate balance between ambition and restraint. Overextending itself by deepening ties with numerous partners risks overpromising and underdelivering, necessitating careful management of expectations - both its own and those of external actors.
The region is experiencing increased attention from major players.The United States seeks a strong Southeast Asian presence within its Indo-Pacific strategy, while China aims to strengthen its influence through trade, infrastructure projects, and security dialogues. India, Russia, and nations within the Middle East are also actively engaging with ASEAN in ways previously unseen. This widening network of linkages presents a double-edged sword: skillful management can enhance ASEAN’s strategic importance, while mismanagement could lead to internal fractures.
This broadening diplomacy reflects a wider global trend - a search for alternatives amidst eroding trust in established multilateral institutions, intensifying great-power competition, and the fragmentation of global supply chains. ASEAN is attempting to create “islands of dialogue” to foster stability in this turbulent habitat.
The recent admission of Timor-Leste demonstrates ASEAN’s capacity for expansion, but growth alone is insufficient. Effective governance is crucial to ensure continued relevance. Success would demonstrate the ability of middle and small powers to shape global politics by building bridges across continents and cultures. Failure, however, risks the region becoming ensnared in a binary competition between great powers, losing its ability to manoeuvre.
Malaysia’s upcoming Group Chairmanship in 2025 underscores the region’s awareness of these high stakes. In a world defined by rivalry, ASEAN’s survival depends on building as many connections as possible, even if those connections appear fragile.
Phar Kim Beng, PhD is the Professor of Asean Studies at International Islamic University of Malaysia and Director of Institute of Internationalisation and Asean Studies (IINTAS).
Disclaimer: This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
