The relations between the EU and ASEAN are characterized by many achievements and many drawbacks in the last decades. Additionally, even though the relations date back to the beginning of the 1970s, they have not fulfilled the expectations of many people in both Europe and Southeast Asia for two main reasons. Firstly, the context in which these relations take place has significantly changed with the end of the Cold War and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Naturally, the aims and objectives of the relationship have to be much broader than thirty years ago, because they have to take into account these changed international circumstances since they do not take place in a vacuum. Secondly, both ASEAN and the EU developed internally, for example through different rounds of enlargements. These internal developments of the two partners have to be taken into account as well, just as the changed international environment.
Since 2001, owing to the reasons mentioned above, new initiatives were proposed to reinvigorate the relationship and to make it more effective in facing the new, profoundly changed international arena. Can these initiatives achieve the aim of improving the relationship and consequently prepare it for the challenging future? The essay will proceed as follows. Firstly, the ‘spider-web’ of relations between the EU and ASEAN will be portrayed to give an impression of the complexity of the relationship. Secondly, the main developments since 2001 will be introduced and analyzed to be able, thirdly, to conclude if the relations are healthy enough to face the challenges of the future.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The 'Spider-Web' of the EU-ASEAN Relations
- The Major Developments in the Relations since 2001
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to analyze the relationship between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and assess its readiness for future challenges. It explores the complexities of their relationship, examines key developments since 2001, and investigates whether the relationship is sufficiently robust to address evolving international dynamics.
- The multifaceted nature of EU-ASEAN relations
- The impact of changing international circumstances on EU-ASEAN relations
- The role of internal developments within both ASEAN and the EU
- The effectiveness of initiatives aimed at reinvigorating EU-ASEAN relations
- The future prospects of the relationship in a globalized and increasingly complex world
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This section provides an overview of the historical relationship between the EU and ASEAN, highlighting significant milestones and anniversaries celebrated in 2007. It also outlines the essay's structure and its focus on assessing the relationship's ability to navigate contemporary challenges.
- The 'Spider-Web' of the EU-ASEAN Relations: This chapter examines the intricate web of relations between the EU and ASEAN, highlighting the various levels at which interactions occur. It discusses the evolution of EU foreign policy, including the development of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The chapter also explores the role of different EU institutions, including the European Commission, the Council of Ministers, and individual member states in shaping EU foreign policy.
- The Major Developments in the Relations since 2001: This section delves into significant developments that have shaped the EU-ASEAN relationship since 2001, particularly in light of the post-Cold War era and the September 11 attacks. It explores new initiatives aimed at strengthening the relationship and assesses their effectiveness in addressing the changing international landscape.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key keywords and concepts explored in this work include: EU-ASEAN relations, foreign policy, international relations, global actors, multipolarity, Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), regional integration, development cooperation, and international security.
- Quote paper
- MA Judith Becker (Author), 2008, The EU and ASEAN - Ready for the future?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/88574
