Consolidation of Foreign Policies

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 15 views

Introduction

The enactment of the Aukus trilateral pact in 2021 has become a significant focus for ASEAN countries, marking a new era in the region's geopolitical dynamics. The alliance between Australia, Britain, and the United States is expected to counterbalance the dominant influence of China in the South China Sea. In this context, the ASEAN Political Security Community (APSC) pillar plays a crucial role in regulating the collective response of ASEAN member countries to this dynamic geopolitical development. This article will analyze ASEAN cohesiveness in dealing with Aukus and the extent to which APSC can function as an umbrella for regional security.

The Role of APSC in ASEAN's Collective Response

The APSC, as one of the pillars of the ASEAN community, aims to create a safe, stable, and peaceful environment in the region. This has become increasingly relevant to the emergence of Aukus, which is considered to be able to change the security map in the Asia Pacific. The APSC is expected to reinforce the principles of cooperation and intensify dialogue between member countries to create a more solid agreement related to regional security. However, the reality on the ground shows that APSC still needs to overcome a number of challenges, including differences in interests between member countries that often hamper the achievement of harmonious decisions.

Theoretical Frameworks: Realism, Neorealism, Regional Security Complex, and National Resilience

This analysis will employ the theories of realism and neorealism, as well as the theories of regional security complex and national resilience, to understand the dynamics of ASEAN's response to Aukus. Realism and neorealism provide a framework for understanding the role of power and security in international relations, while the theory of regional security complex highlights the importance of strategic interactions between major countries in the region. The theory of national resilience, on the other hand, emphasizes the need for countries to develop their own resilience in the face of external challenges.

ASEAN's Response to Aukus: A Descriptive Qualitative Approach

Through a descriptive qualitative approach, it can be seen that the tension in the South China Sea is not only caused by the resurrection of China but also by strategic interactions between the major countries involved. The presence of Aukus has triggered various reactions among ASEAN countries, ranging from support to concern about the impact that might be caused, both in terms of security and political stability. Some countries, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, have a different view of the presence of Aukus, which can cause fragmentation in ASEAN foreign policy as a whole.

Challenges Facing APSC: Differences in Interests and Fragmentation

The differences in interests between member countries often hamper the achievement of harmonious decisions. For example, countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines have a different view of the presence of Aukus, which can cause fragmentation in ASEAN foreign policy as a whole. Therefore, it is essential for ASEAN countries to consolidate their foreign policies, both individually and collectively, in order to maintain more stable regional security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, even though Aukus has become an issue that triggers various reactions among ASEAN countries, APSC as a pillar of political security is expected to play a more effective role in responding to this challenge. ASEAN's collective power is very important to create regional resilience in dealing with rapid geopolitical changes. Thus, ASEAN must prioritize dialogue and cooperation among members to ensure sustainable security and stability in the Southeast Asian region.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis, the following recommendations can be made:

Consolidation of Foreign Policies: ASEAN countries should consolidate their foreign policies, both individually and collectively, in order to maintain more stable regional security.
Prioritization of Dialogue and Cooperation: ASEAN must prioritize dialogue and cooperation among members to ensure sustainable security and stability in the Southeast Asian region.
Development of Regional Resilience: ASEAN's collective power is very important to create regional resilience in dealing with rapid geopolitical changes.
Reinforcement of Principles of Cooperation: APSC should reinforce the principles of cooperation and intensify dialogue between member countries to create a more solid agreement related to regional security.

By implementing these recommendations, ASEAN can strengthen its collective response to Aukus and ensure a more stable and secure region.

Introduction

The Aukus trilateral pact has become a significant focus for ASEAN countries, marking a new era in the region's geopolitical dynamics. The alliance between Australia, Britain, and the United States is expected to counterbalance the dominant influence of China in the South China Sea. In this context, the ASEAN Political Security Community (APSC) pillar plays a crucial role in regulating the collective response of ASEAN member countries to this dynamic geopolitical development. This Q&A article will provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ASEAN's response to Aukus.

Q1: What is the Aukus trilateral pact, and why is it significant for ASEAN?

A1: The Aukus trilateral pact is an alliance between Australia, Britain, and the United States, aimed at countering the dominant influence of China in the South China Sea. This pact is significant for ASEAN as it has the potential to change the security map in the Asia Pacific and impact regional stability.

Q2: How does the APSC pillar contribute to ASEAN's collective response to Aukus?

A2: The APSC pillar plays a crucial role in regulating the collective response of ASEAN member countries to Aukus. It aims to create a safe, stable, and peaceful environment in the region by reinforcing the principles of cooperation and intensifying dialogue between member countries.

Q3: What are the challenges facing APSC in responding to Aukus?

A3: The differences in interests between member countries often hamper the achievement of harmonious decisions. For example, countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines have a different view of the presence of Aukus, which can cause fragmentation in ASEAN foreign policy as a whole.

Q4: How can ASEAN countries consolidate their foreign policies to maintain more stable regional security?

A4: ASEAN countries can consolidate their foreign policies by prioritizing dialogue and cooperation among members, developing regional resilience, and reinforcing the principles of cooperation.

Q5: What is the role of realism and neorealism in understanding ASEAN's response to Aukus?

A5: Realism and neorealism provide a framework for understanding the role of power and security in international relations. They highlight the importance of strategic interactions between major countries in the region and the need for countries to develop their own resilience in the face of external challenges.

Q6: How can ASEAN ensure sustainable security and stability in the Southeast Asian region?

A6: ASEAN can ensure sustainable security and stability in the Southeast Asian region by prioritizing dialogue and cooperation among members, developing regional resilience, and reinforcing the principles of cooperation.

Q7: What are the implications of Aukus for ASEAN's relations with China?

A7: The implications of Aukus for ASEAN's relations with China are complex and multifaceted. While Aukus may provide a counterbalance to China's influence in the South China Sea, it may also exacerbate tensions between ASEAN and China.

Q8: How can ASEAN countries balance their relations with the United States and China?

A8: ASEAN countries can balance their relations with the United States and China by prioritizing dialogue and cooperation among members, developing regional resilience, and reinforcing the principles of cooperation.

Q9: What is the role of the theory of regional security complex in understanding ASEAN's response to Aukus?

A9: The theory of regional security complex highlights the importance of strategic interactions between major countries in the region and the need for countries to develop their own resilience in the face of external challenges.

Q10: How can ASEAN ensure that its collective response to Aukus is effective and sustainable?

A10: ASEAN can ensure that its collective response to Aukus is effective and sustainable by prioritizing dialogue and cooperation among members, developing regional resilience, and reinforcing the principles of cooperation.

By answering these frequently asked questions, this Q&A article provides a comprehensive understanding of ASEAN's response to Aukus and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.