2025, Vol. 7, Issue 11, Part A

Author(s): Amitesh Raj

Abstract: The paper examines a comparative study of the two regional institutions, the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The paper tries to study the historical origin of the EU and ASEAN, and the conditions that followed World War II and the Cold War, which generated the idea in the minds of then global leaders to form these institutions. Talking specifically about the EU, it came into the picture about the devastating conditions of World War II when the regional players wanted cooperation & peace and the avoidance of future war at any cost. This enables the member state to pool a part of its sovereignty to a supranational institution for the regional peace, economic integration, and political stability, which led to the emergence and evolution of the EU. In contrast, ASEAN was established during the Cold War to promote regional peace, development and cooperation through an intergovernmental model rooted in the “ASEAN Way” of consensus and non-interference. The study compares both institutions across dimensions of economic integration, political and security cooperation, sovereignty, and global influence. The EU has an effective role in the global arena through its deeper institutionalism through the single market, common currency, and unified foreign policy, while ASEAN maintains flexibility and diversity among diverse political systems. Despite having different approaches - the EU’s rule-based integration versus ASEAN’s dialogue-driven cooperation, both have a significant contribution when it comes to regional peace and prosperity. The paper concludes that the future of the EU will depend on how this institution balances deeper economic integration with national sovereignty, while ASEAN’s strength lies in transforming from a consultative to an action-oriented community. Both institution has different but complementary pathways towards regional unity and global relevance in an increasingly complex international order.

DOI: 10.33545/27068919.2025.v7.i11a.1735

Pages: 08-13 | Views: 86 | Downloads: 51

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