Ambitions Versus Capacity: The Role of Institutions in ASEAN

Abstract

Is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) receptive to the norm exports of the EU? Is it thus appropriate to analyse ASEAN in comparison to the EU, or does ASEAN provide a distinct example of regionalism? This chapter explores these questions in the context of a particular empirical puzzle. The 2008 ASEAN Charter purportedly establishes a ‘legal and institutional framework’ for ASEAN. It contains several apparent institutional innovations, including the strengthening of the ASEAN Secretariat. However, these ambitions are not matched by changes to the Association’s institutional capacity. This chapter reviews the institutional innovations made by the Charter, and argues that change in ASEAN institutions is contingent upon traditional interpretations of ASEAN norms—particularly sovereignty, non-interference and the ‘ASEAN Way’ of consensus decision-making. ASEAN states do consider the EU ‘model’ to some extent, but they often do this to highlight the ways in which ASEAN is distinct. Thus, for the most part, ASEAN is a ‘resister’ of EU norm exports.