Martin Hiebsch

Are Region-to-region Relations Between the Eu and Asean Possible? Martin Hiebsch

Essay from the year 2013 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Region: Other States, grade: 1,3, King`s College London, language: English, abstract: The relationship between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is perceived as having a unique importance (Camroux 2009: 4). The first formal meeting between ASEAN and the European Economic Community (EEC) took place in June 1972 (Lim 2012: 47) and was the first of its kind between the precursor to the EU and another regional entity. Nowadays, the relationship is widely considered as a model for interregional relations (Camroux 2009: 4). However, there are many obstacles impeding a further institutionalisation of the region-to-region relations. Negotiations about the enhancement of the cooperation often have stalled during the past decades and the progress of interregional convergence proceeds slowly. The following essay will answer the question whether region-to-region relations between the EU and ASEAN are possible and analyse their degree of the institutionalisation. In order to draw a picture of the development towards interregional cooperation, the essay will summarise the historical emergence of the relationship and identify the obstacles within the current state of interactions. The author will present the argument that region-to-region relations are possible and already exist. However, he will point out that, because of ASEAN's lacking capacities, the interregional relations continue to be limited to certain fields and agreements in the economical and political domain remain mostly bi- and multilateral. The essay will explain the structures of the already existing interregional cooperation and stress how an enhanced relationship would be beneficial for both organisations. Finally, it will summarise its findings and provide an outlook for the years to come.