I fully agree with the author’s conclusion that ASEAN countries should increase their institutional capability and build interstate trust in order to become a smart mediator that can deal with external actors without sacrificing their own interests.

In order to give tangibility to such an ambitious objective, ASEAN must   strongly cultivate its centrality in Asia, as provided for in its charter. To that end, it must strive to maintain, enhance and galvanize its credibility by using all available instruments of multilateral diplomacy to cope with increasing regional and global challenges. It has to demonstrate that it can perform well diplomatically as a formidable partner and competitor in the world arena. Moreover, in order to succeed, ASEAN needs robust assistance from civil society, including academia. Popular support can further strengthen the political will of its 10 members to make ASEAN an authentic, recognized player during the current era of multi-polarization.

It requires energetic efforts to increase ASEAN’s role in the irreversible process of globalization.

Functioning in a world characterized by global vulnerabilities and perplexities, ASEAN should try its best to become a dynamic diplomatic partner, able to bring valuable contributions to the solution of major regional and global problems and further consolidate peace-oriented values in the region.
 
Ioan Voicu
Bangkok
 

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