Integration Theory and ASEAN Integration

In recognition of the paucity of compelling theories of A sian integration, this article focuses on ASEAN and revisits the two major theories of E uropean integration (i.e. neofunctionalism and liberal intergovernmentalism) in order to assess their relevance for ASEAN integration. The main research finding is that, contrary to the conventional wisdom, neofunctionalism and liberal intergovernmentalism do offer important insights for developing a compelling theory of ASEAN integration. This finding suggests that scholars of ASEAN integration should be more open to the experience of E uropean integration and consider how to take advantage of the insights of neofunctionalism and liberal intergovernmentalism for the theory‐building of ASEAN integration, instead of discarding them as completely irrelevant.