Tag: ASEAN

ASEAN’s dilemma in the Myanmar crisis: the diplomatic deadlock

It has been over four years since the democratic administration of Aung San Suu was overthrown in a coup d’état, an act that caused a profound rupture in Myanmar’s political and economic stability. Following February 2021, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar descended into a full-scale humanitarian crisis, drawing the attention of various regional and international actors. Among these, the Association of South East Nations (ASEAN) assumed a central role in diplomacy, in an attempt to de-escalate the conflict within their fellow member state. … Continue readingASEAN’s dilemma in the Myanmar crisis: the diplomatic deadlock

Posted on by Joan Lim

HOW SPECIAL WAS THE ASEAN-AUSTRALIAN SPECIAL SUMMIT 2024?

At the beginning of March, Melbourne was bustling with preparations for a special occasion: it was the Australia-ASEAN Special Summit, marking 50 years of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations. There were many reasons to be hopeful – it could usher in a new era of trade and investment between two competent and eager parties. One undoubtedly a giant in the Asia-Pacific who, after decades of hanging out with its powerful friends all the way across the globe, finally realised it might be better off being on good terms with its neighbour. The other, despite its incredibly turbulent past, has grown to become a formidable power in its own rights and is increasingly asserting its command in this neighbourhood. Eager as the parties might be, however, there are some elephants in the room – ones that have long threatened the region’s stability and stalled its consensus  – that would sit high on the Summit’s agenda.  … Continue readingHOW SPECIAL WAS THE ASEAN-AUSTRALIAN SPECIAL SUMMIT 2024?

AUSTRALIA-ASEAN SPECIAL SUMMIT: A TURNING POINT IN FOREIGN POLICY?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has for the very first time held a summit in Australia. Hosted at Sydney’s Darling Harbour Conference Centre in March, the summit brought together global leaders, government officials, and business figures over two days. This historic event has … Continue readingAUSTRALIA-ASEAN SPECIAL SUMMIT: A TURNING POINT IN FOREIGN POLICY?