Lcasean Reflection Paper

ASEAN IDENTITY
The Narrative of ASEAN Identity (NAI) gives a philosophical foundation for ASEAN identity,
outlining it as a socially constructed process determined by a combination of ‘Constructed Values’ and
‘Inherited Values’ that will reinforce the ASEAN Community (Dermawan, 2021). To elaborate, building the
ASEAN identity is understood as mainstreaming and promoting greater awareness and common values, in
order to develop a spirit of unity and diversity in all levels of society. The organization aims to create a
sense of community, engage with the community, and preserve and promote ASEAN cultural heritage,
creativity, and industry. As narrated by the ASEAN Political Security Mandate, the goal is a “strong sense of
togetherness, common identity, identity, and destiny”, and an ASEAN that is socially responsible and
people centered. Such a thrust is necessary in order to ensure unity in diversity (Bonje, 2022a), since
ASEAN identity is what unifies the diverse member states, specifically by emphasizing cooperation
between the political security, economic, and socio cultural community pillars. However, it is also a very
politicized and problematic concept because of that same diversity, i.e. there are 180+ linguistic groups in
the Philippines alone (Bonje, 2022b).
Significance of ASEAN identity
Identity is necessary for building a community, whether economic, socio-cultural, or political-

security wise, and it is socially constructed, and reinforced by historical and cultural ties. ASEAN citizens
come from diverse political, economic and cultural backgrounds, and references the fact that ideas and
identities in Southeast Asia tend to be fluid and contested (Acharya, 2018). The organization was originally
formed in 1967 when the Southeast Asian states realized that domestic consolidation was insufficient for
nation building in a post-colonial world. Almost a decade later, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC)
in Southeast Asia was signed, codifying the rules of engagement among member states, otherwise known
as the “ASEAN Way” which has become the group’s top brand, and stresses non-interference, refraining
from threats and force, consensus making, and cooperation. At present ASEAN’s members represent
varied political and economic systems from totalitarian regimes to liberal democracies, and is also home to
states that have Christian, Muslim, or Buddhist majorities (Chongkittavorn, 2019).
Despite some internal division alongside difficulties due to the presence and influence seeking of
great powers, ASEAN remains one of the most cohesive and dynamic regional groups in Asia and the
world. Member states have reconciled regionalism and nationalism, among the sources of identity within
Southeast Asia, allowing both to exist in tandem and even benefit each other. A shared commitment to a
broadly capitalist form of economic development also eases tensions between religion and modernity
(Acharya, 2018). Furthermore, ASEAN’s diversity and richness have made it more tolerant and resilient, as
while it lacks a common defense approach and foreign policy, it has a common stance on global issues
such as maritime security, climate change, and extremism (Chongkittavorn, 2019).
Challenges to ASEAN Identity
However, ASEAN’s cohesion and identity are challenged by both internal and external factors. For
example, the South China Sea dispute involving China and several ASEAN states worsens intra-ASEAN
tensions, which is further exacerbated by Chinese ambitions and the growing great power rivalry in
Southeast Asia. Additionally, divisive Chinese policies in light of the organizations expanded membership,
and the difficulty ASEAN faces in dealing with an increasing number of transnational issues, cause internal
disunity and weakening ASEAN. This deterioration could result in serious strategic and economic
consequences for both the region and the United States, as it could increase Chinese influence in the
region, deteriorate conflict management processes, and hinder economic integration. Furthermore, threats
to local stability could expand to undermine regional cohesion and identity, especially given the region’s
experiences with ethnic strife and religious extremism (Acharya, 2018).
However, what I believe to be the more pressing challenge is the divide between the official
ASEAN and the common citizen’s ASEAN, which hinders regional construction since community needs
identity amongst people, not just states (Acharya, 2018). Specifically, Southeast Asian citizens have a
weak attachment to the bloc because ASEAN identity remains in question, with the organization itself being
seen as elitist. Pathways for civil society and its organizations to communicate and collaborate with ASEAN
are unclear, which contrasts the easier engagement ASEAN has with actors outside the region, as well as
the power the states themselves have in decision-making in ASEAN. Such a situation could further push
aside the common ASEAN citizen, which in turn weakens ASEAN identity since citizens feel less connected
to the regional grouping (Dermawan, 2021). Overall, shared identity markers have mostly been confined to
institutional and bureaucratic circles, instead of reaching into the public sphere, thus continually and directly
undermining ASEAN identity building (Chongkittavorn, 2019).
How could national identities be preserved in the context of promoting an ASEAN identity?
Without a strong identity, attaining an integrated community as well as the ASEAN Vision 2025 will
be difficult (Dermawan, 2021). Additionally, without greater cohesion and purpose, ASEAN’s normative
influence would submit to power dynamics directed by the great powers, at the expense of the weaker
Southeast Asian states. A loss of identity, i.e. via marginalizing ASEAN as the cornerstone of a member
states’ foreign policy, could undo both ASEAN and ASEAN-led institutions, ultimately undermining the
organization’s future relevance (Acharya, 2018). Considering this, the adoption of the NAI is a correct step
in developing ASEAN identity. However, it needs concrete efforts and collaboration from the relevant
parties in the region, such as governments and epistemic communities, to realize the ASEAN community
and common identity. Namely, scholarly works and interdisciplinary research can aid in constructing the
“Constructed Values” and “Inherited Values” of the ASEAN identity, since the concept of identity comes
from many aspects of society and environment. Governments can contribute in this field by providing
funding for research and educational institutions so they may research on how to build a people-centered
ASEAN. Furthermore, governments themselves must work with each other and conduct domestic programs
that foster people to people interaction and promote the ASEAN identity. For example, the ASEAN
Foundation has been consistently organizing programs that are inclusive of citizens across the region, and
thus deserves continuous support from the member states (Dermawan, 2021).
Due to the limited avenues of participation civil society and the common citizen has in the
organization, it is also necessary to expand ASEAN identity from the ground up (Chongkittavorn, 2019). In
particular, building true regional identity requires for ordinary ASEAN citizens to identify with the regional
organization, rather than just the national entities, through greater correspondence and identification by
ASEAN at the popular level. Groups such as the ASEAN Arts Festival and ASEAN Travel Agents
Association have failed to reach the hearts and minds of people, and so functional, professional, and non-
governmental organizations need to be more involved, including those working on transnational issues
such as the environment, poverty-alleviation, and humanitarian assistance (Acharya, 2018). Additionally,
Southeast Asian citizens, including elites and grassroots, must understand that national identity and the
ASEAN identity can coexist peacefully (Dermawan, 2021).
References
Acharya, A. (2018, August). The evolution and limitations of ASEAN identity. ResearchGate | Find and
share research.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327307131_The_Evolution_and_Limitations_of_ASEAN
_Identity
Bonje, A. B. (2022a, November 18). Lecture: ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. [PowerPoint slides]
Bonje, A. B. (2022b, September 23). Lecture: The making of the ASEAN. [PowerPoint slides]
Chongkittavorn, K. (2019, November 27). ASEAN identity: Imagined or real? Reporting ASEAN - Voices
and views from within Southeast Asia. https://www.reportingasean.net/asean-identity-imagined-
real/
Dermawan, R. (2021, August 31). A way forward for the ASEAN identity. The ASEAN Post.
https://theaseanpost.com/article/way-forward-asean-identity

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ASEAN IDENTITY

Significance of ASEAN identity

Identity is necessary for building a community, whether economic, socio-cultural, or political-

Challenges to ASEAN Identity

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