Does ASEAN matter? Reconciling realist and constructivist approaches to regional security in Southeast Asia

Essay from the year 2007 in the subject Politics - Region: South Asia, grade: A (sehr gut/excellent), Victoria University of Wellington, course: Regional integration in Southeast Asia, language: English, abstract: Focusing on ASEAN's relevance as a regional security organisation, this study aims to expound the prevailing driving forces, interests and obstacles to an effective crisis management. Drawing on the theoretical background of neo-realist and constructivist approaches, the paper argues that neither the neo-realist nor the constructivist approach is able to fully conceptualise ASEAN's role in regional security. While only an eclectic, multi-dimensional approach grasps the variety of its multiple facets, the latter seems to be highly contingent on the interplay of external structural and internal sociological dynamics. While the organisation appears in this out sketched context as a relatively important player in times of political and economic stability, having its merits in conflict-preventive measures through the building of trust and the construction of a common identity, the regime shows strong enervations in times of crisis.