ASEAN Ways

The “ ASEAN way” is traditionally seen as a model of consensus, non-interference and peaceful coexistence among Southeast Asian nations, with important implications for the wider Indo-Pacific through the concept of “ ASEAN centrality.” While lauded by some as a symbol of successful regional cooperation, others dismiss the “ ASEAN way” as emblematic of the organization&s;s inertial, process-obsessed and outcome-averse character. This chapter proposes a more pluralistic understanding of “ ASEAN ways” to encapsulate the stances that Southeast Asian states adopt on complex regional issues. Using the “Taiwan dilemma” as their case study, the authors demonstrate that responses of ASEAN states to the strategic, economic and security challenges of cross-strait tensions have reflected their differing respective preferences for balancing, hedging and bandwagoning as general strategies for navigating the Indo-Pacific&s;s shifting geopolitical landscape. While highlighting the absence of a unified collective position, the authors nonetheless also identify the selective application of a residual, common ASEAN framework that serves useful symbolic and diplomatic purposes for Southeast Asian states in relations with Taiwan, China and the United States. Understanding that “ ASEAN ways” encompass both substantive diversity and ASEAN -inflected symbolism may thus contribute to strategies for ensuring the Taiwan dilemma does not become a Taiwan crisis.