Session: Session 4
Date/Time: April 25, 2018 / 13:30-15:00

Moderator:
Lee Jaehyon, The Asan Institute for Policy Studies

Speakers:
Ernest Z. Bower, BowerGroupAsia
Adriana Elisabeth, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI)
Mohamed Jawhar, Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia
Ravi Velloor, The Straits Times

Panel Description
There are growing concerns about ASEAN’s ability to hold Southeast Asia together in the face of multiple challenges to the rules based order that has brought prosperity and stability to the region. Territorial claims in the South China Sea remain unresolved, even as China bolsters its military presence in the region. Autocratic leadership has reemerged, exemplified by Philippine strongman Rodrigo Duterte. ASEAN’s economic strength is being tested as never before as US leadership declines and trade pacts are being renegotiated. In Myanmar, ethnic violence is hindering the nation’s attempts at reform. There are growing gaps within ASEAN, even as Southeast Asian multilateral institutions such as ARF, ASEAN+3, and EAS are being challenged by superpower projects like China’s Belt and Road Initiative. What is the role of Southeast Asia in preserving the liberal international order? What measures should be taken to maintain ASEAN unity? Where does ASEAN community building stand today?