ASEAN Way

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

the distinctive diplomatic culture and decision-making style of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, characterised by consensus-based decision-making, non-interference in member states' internal affairs, informality, quiet diplomacy, and incremental pragmatic cooperation rather than rule-bound institutionalised integration of the European model; the ASEAN Way reflects the political priorities of member states that jealously guard sovereignty — many of which experienced colonialism and thereafter governments of varied political character — and prefer to resolve disagreements through private consultation rather than public confrontation or binding arbitration; critics argue that the ASEAN Way has limited the organisation's ability to address human rights violations, democratic backsliding, and territorial disputes among member states, while proponents maintain that it has produced stability and a framework for cooperation among a highly diverse group of nations with divergent political systems and economic levels