MacroscopeThe ‘Asean way’ has more to offer Asia than a Nato-like security alliance

Caught in the bruising US-China contest for influence in the region and other challenges, Asia must find better ways to resolve conflict and promote economic development

With its strong and peaceful growth, unassuming Asean may provide some answers

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From the left, Myanmar Health Minister Thet Khaing Win, Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and South Korea’s Vice-Health Minister Lee Ki-il meet at the Asean Plus Three Health Ministers’ Meeting in Nusadua, Bali, Indonesia, on May 15. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 12:30pm, 12 Jun 2022

Can nothing save Asia from the fate of becoming a long-term battleground as the US and China vie for economic and strategic influence in the region, while Quad powers Japan, India and Australia take sides, North Korea postures menacingly and Russia looms as a dark presence on the horizon?

It will be economic imperatives that force a retreat from the dangerously “squeezed” position that much of Asia (as well as Europe and other parts of the world) now find themselves in, as a result not only of the Ukraine war but also of aggressive superpower interference in the affairs of others.

Relentlessly rising prices and the threat of a prolonged recession will compel governments in democratic and authoritarian polities alike to bow to popular demand for a halt to growing hostility. Hunger for food and fuel threaten to provoke popular unrest and policy shifts in Asia and beyond.

Salvation will certainly not come about through any extension of Nato-like security arrangements for Asia, which would only increase tensions and the chances of conflict. It will more likely happen via what might be termed the “Aseanisation” of Asia.

What would this look like? It would mean that more Asian powers accept the notion of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, which has been the guiding principle adopted by the 10 states that comprise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Economic and strategic exigencies are pushing towards wider acceptance of this principle in Asia as a whole, and beyond, because the alternative is potentially suicidal rising ideological and strategic friction, accelerated rearmament and, ultimately, open conflict.