Module 8 Lesson Proper
Module 8 Lesson Proper
General Education 3
ASIAN REGIONALISM
I. LESSON OVERVIEW:
This module will explore the concept of regionalism in Asia, focusing on its historical
development, key organizations, and its impact on economic, political, and cultural ties within
the region.
II. OBJECTIVES:
1. Define and explain the concept of regionalism and its significance in the context of
Southeast Asia.
2. Identify the historical origins and evolution of ASEAN, highlighting key milestone and
challenges.
ASIAN REGIONALISM
VVV
The Contemporary World 2
General Education 3
Regionalism- is a process where countries within a specific geographic region come together
to collaborate and address shared interests or challenges. It often involves economic, political,
and cultural cooperation. Regionalism can take the form of trade agreements, security alliances,
or cultural exchanges aimed at promoting stability, prosperity, and mutual benefits among the
member countries.
There are several dimensions of regionalism. These dimensions are classified as the following:
1. Economic regionalism- is the most important and well- known form of regionalism in the
international system currently. The most recognizable examples of this dimensions of
regionalism is the European Union’s (EU), Single market and Eurozone.
2. Political regionalism- is focused on the essential formations in the region’s political
community, involving the development of transnational policy- networks and expression
of shared political interests among leaders in the region, advancement in policy co-
ordination, and common policy enterprises (Dent, 2008).
3. Security regionalism- is expressed also in political terms, especially if the traditional
political military arrangement of security is observed. A clear example of this is North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
4. Socio- cultural regionalism- refers to the development of a sense common identity of a
region’s society (Dent,2008). Regions are thus socio- politically and socio- culturally
constructed by it’s member nation- states.
What is ASEAN?
is a regional organization founded on August 8, 1967, to promote political, economic, and
cultural cooperation among Southeast Asian countries. Its main goals are to foster regional
stability, economic growth, and social progress while ensuring peace and collaboration
between its member states. Its combined population is nearly 640 million people and it has
combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) amounting $2.57 trillion (Albert, 2017).
Member Countries: ASEAN originally had five founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Today, it has expanded to include ten members:
1. Brunei
2. Cambodia
3. Indonesia
4. Laos
5. Malaysia
6. Myanmar
7. Philippines
8. Singapore
9. Thailand
10. Vietnam
ASEAN Plus
refers to the framework in which the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
engages with external countries to promote regional cooperation in various areas such as
trade, security, and cultural exchanges. The term "ASEAN Plus" is often followed by
numbers, like ASEAN Plus Three or ASEAN Plus Six, representing the external partners
involved.
ASEAN Plus Three was established in 1997 during the Asian financial crisis, and it focuses
on strengthening economic and financial cooperation, food security, and promoting East
Asian integration. It has expanded into areas such as trade, tourism, education, and health.
ASEAN Plus Six laid the foundation for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP), one of the largest free trade agreements in the world, which aims to reduce tariffs
and facilitate trade across these nations. The ASEAN+6 framework is a crucial part of Asia-
Pacific economic integration.