Cooperation in Contention: The Evolution of ASEAN Norms

This paper is motivated by several questions: what is the impact of recent challenges on ASEAN’s ‘experiment’ in regional cooperation? Does the Association represent a vehicle for effective cooperation, or are its declared aims merely rhetorical? More specifically, to what extent do member states identify with each other and regard security as interdependent? In exploring these questions, this paper demonstrates the ongoing evolution of ASEAN norms. Analyses of the Association’s development should recognize the dynamic nature of its principles and practices, as member state behaviour responds to changing circumstances.