The book is a synthesis of knowledge on ASEAN, with emphasis on its domestic and external contexts in a changing world, namely ASEAN's integration, intra-ASEAN relations, the security dimension (the South China Sea territorial disputes), foreign actors' (Japan, China, the U.S., the EU) policy towards the region, and the U.S. - China power struggle.

As the center of gravity in international relations pivots to Asia-Pacific, the ASEAN region is emerging as both an important player on the global stage and an arena of international competition that includes a power struggle between the U.S. and China. With ASEAN's competitiveness on the rise, however, its unity is hardly certain. In a changing world, economic and political protectionism gains a foothold. The book synthesizes our knowledge about ASEAN, with a specific emphasis on hot-button issues ranging from its domestic dynamics to external relations. It also reflects an evolution in ASEAN studies, which have largely shifted from a purely economic approach to understanding the region to a security-oriented one. Collectively, this book conveys an unambiguous and urgent message: ASEAN matters.

Autorentext

Grzegorz Gil holds a PhD in Political Science. He graduated with a degree in International Relations from the Maria Curie-Sk odowska University in Lublin. He is a Team Europe expert at the European Commission. His interests encompass a range of topics, from state-building and international security to the external relations of the EU. Agata Wiktoria Zi tek is professor of political science and international relations and the Director of Doctoral School of Social Sciences at the Maria Curie Sk odowska University. Her research interest focus on Asia-Pacific, East Asia and lately on contemporary situation in South China Sea.

Inhalt

The making of ASEAN - Singapore's policy in ASEAN - merchandise trade in ASEAN Plus Three - dispute settlement and militarization in the South China Sea - Japan's policy towards ASEAN - China and the U.S. towards ASEAN - ASEAN and the EU - the Asia-Pacific Community