ASEAN's Gulf Crisis Inaction Reflects Structural Regional Power Dynamics
Original framing: “Why ASEAN chose silence amid the growing Gulf crisis” — The Japan Times
In many non-Western diplomatic traditions, silence is a form of active engagement. ASEAN's approach reflects this, where maintaining regional harmony is prioritized over vocal international criticism. This contrasts with Western norms that equate silence with complicity.
ASEAN's silence in the Gulf crisis is not a failure of diplomacy but a reflection of its structural limitations and cultural values.
Rooted in post-colonial non-alignment and Southeast Asian traditions of consensus and harmony, ASEAN's inaction is a strategic choice to preserve regional stability over vocal international posturing. However, this approach risks undermining ASEAN's credibility in global diplomacy. To move forward, ASEAN must balance its cultural identity with the need for more assertive crisis communication and economic diversification. By integrating traditional diplomatic practices with modern multilateral tools, ASEAN can evolve into a more effective global actor without compromising its core values.