ASEAN and Power in International Relations

Více o knize

This book analyzes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a significant player in International Relations, focusing on its evolution and relationship with the EU concerning human rights. It contributes to contemporary debates within constructivist theory, advocating for a 'critical' constructivism that emphasizes language and contestation. Empirically, it challenges the notion of 'EU-centrism' by illustrating how ASEAN drives its human rights and community aspirations, influencing the ASEAN-EU relationship. The book engages with the introspection surrounding constructivism by addressing the complexities of 'norms' and unpacking the ASEAN-EU dynamic to reveal the power of language. It particularly highlights how coercive language allows for the observation of contestation, an aspect often overlooked by researchers focused on ASEAN's 'resistance.' By tracing the evolution of the ASEAN community and its human rights aspirations, it shows that while the EU serves as an inspiration, it is not a model for ASEAN. More intriguingly, it demonstrates ASEAN's assertiveness within this relationship. This work will appeal to scholars in Asian Studies, European Studies, International Relations Theory, and human rights.