ASEAN: Consolidation and institutional change

The article examines the continuing attempts to streamline and strengthen the institutional structure of ASEAN, including the ASEAN Secretariat, to facilitate intra‐regional cooperation and enhance the regional association's effectiveness as a major building block in Asia‐Pacific‐wide economic and security dialogues. The widening of ASEAN norms and consolidation of ASEAN institutions have been protracted processes. But the post‐cold war security concerns of the region, together with the need for more effective coordination of regional economic activities as well as the impending membership of Vietnam in ASEAN, have all generated new pressures for institutional adjustments. The article concludes by identifying areas where further institutional consolidation may be necessary.