Thirty years of ASEAN: Achievements through political cooperation

The fact that after thirty years in existence ASEAN continues to show vitality and dynamism is a strong testimony to its success, particularly in political cooperation. Not only has it breached the ideological divide that once separated Southeast Asia into two antagonistic camps, it has also been recognized as an important international player. Its significance is evident as it takes on a leading role in the effort to establish a regional order that goes beyond the Southeast Asia subregion to one that covers the Asia‐Pacific.