ASEAN Explained: Asia's Version of the European Union? - TLDR News

[@JohnInSingapore]

I'm from Singapore. The fundamental difference between ASEAN and EU is that we are not ideologically aligned. So the basis of ASEAN was to create a forum for stability and economic prosperity. I personally hope that one day ASEAN will evolve to more than this but I doubt this will happen in my lifetime

[@zebimicio5204]

I doubt it would happened at all tbh.

[@E4439Qv5]

Dunno fam. There's a significant unifying force in the north that's already inadvertently helping to bring it together.

[@cjwwo8340]

Sigapore is the next china. Not for south east asian 😂

[@Nhatanh0475]

I still don't like these capitalism, still prefer Communism so yeah we won't have the same ideology.

[@reyvsbatista1]

Even with chinese help for unification, the religion issue is more than enough to not have a united ASEAN.

[@ashaide]

We ASEAN member state citizens can enter other member states with only our passports and not have to get a Visa, mostly for a month. It's encouraged a good amount of internal tourism and sometimes makes labor migration easy.

[@RoScFan]

Do you think there s any chance asean would follow the EU structure in the future? Would asean people like that? To have an asean parliament and commision, a free trade agreement and in general be more like a confederation?

[@gilangfaturrozy351]

@@RoScFan Single market we like it, single currency maybe, free movement of talents and labor depends on which country you ask.

[@SuperJosteen]

@@gilangfaturrozy351 well free movements of labor and talents might be great on a macro scale but for individuals it meant even more competition than before

[@arthanor9631]

@@SuperJosteen or more opportunities! It's not just people coming to steal one's job, it's also one going elsewhere to find a better job. Of course, it depends of who one is and where one lives. Two sides of a coin!

[@gilangfaturrozy351]

@@SuperJosteen That's why it depends on which country you ask. If you ask countries with higher labor competitiveness then they'll say they like it to happen.

[@legiahuy9436]

We Southeast Asian nations proud of being a ASEAN’s member. Love you all from Viet Nam 🇻🇳🇰🇭🇮🇩🇲🇲🇵🇭🇸🇬🇲🇾🇹🇭🇱🇦🇧🇳

[@Yomohayaru]

love from indonesia

[@osmanthuskeyk]

love y'all from Philippines

[@albedor4918]

Love from indonesia

[@anythingeverything385]

Proud ASEAN citizen

[@ricediary]

love from thailand

7:12 Technically ASEAN did not refuse to involve Myanmar in its 2021 annual summit; they excluded the junta leader and said that it would accept a non-political representative from Myanmar, but the junta said on 25 Oct that it would only agree to its leader or a minister attending, the day before the summit began. As such, the junta refused to send a representative to the summit. Nonetheless, this video was pretty interesting to watch. Nice work!

[@ngjiherhn4034]

Still, a refusal to invite political representatives to a summit that's attended by heads of state of each country in ASEAN is a big deal nonetheless, I do hope this is a good sign of things to come for the regional organisation I live under.

[@vinniechan]

Well ASEAN was technically involved... In talks On one hand they don't want to set an example of external interference on the other a coup in one is a bad example for all Then u have Thailand where a coup basically happens every 10 yrs but things still run and ppl just live their lives

[@danielzhang1916]

excluding the junta leader is a big deal for a regional summit, that was a big step

[@wahyuindrasto]

*What's the big deal? Just kick Myanmar out of ASEAN. Problem solved.*

[@Heeyosh1t]

Who care? just out from Asean, dont barking & blaming other Aseans just bcs not help ur internal conflict. Myanmar ppl do it on every social media, on FB, Instagram etc LOL

[@SamuelKissinger]

You should honestly make a TLDR Asia channel.

[@Titan-fk2fi]

I really want to know what's have been happening especially in Central Asia

[@chelloho]

We need one for Africa as well, and I would also like to know more about the rest of America

[@enhancedutility266]

And South America

[@Hollywood2021]

It’ll happen eventually, it is the most populous continent

[@Infinitystar225]

Yeah but then TLDR global will only be for Africa, Australasia and the Americas minus the US

[@RusticKey]

As an Indonesian I believe in the non-intervention policy. It's what kept ASEAN stable and going for so long. Each member state has their own sets of problems anyway so we should get each of our own shits sorted out first.

[@thetrustysidekick3013]

As a Filipino I agree. Cooperation is most important, but we musn't intervene in another sovereign nation. This will lead to ill-feelings among populations in other member countries. We must cooperate, but never interfere.

[@harukasensei8212]

Interfering is just western things haha

[@fulan4263]

@@harukasensei8212 or chinese thing?

[@odyseehasdislikesyoutubesu1892]

@@fulan4263 both bro , both , the west and china suck , they constantly intervene.

[@michaelconstantinemiranda2352]

This on point. The video is obviously coming from a westerner point of view since their countries had a habit of overstepping their boundaries.

[@gerbile3493]

I think worth mentioning is the Currency Interchangeability Agreement which was originally between Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia (which pulled out soon) and is now just between Singapore and Brunei since financial stability and economies were significant points covered.

[@r_dcruz1394]

Why Malaysia pulled out?

[@gerbile3493]

@@r_dcruz1394 There were some political issues, as it usually is with such treaties, although the specifics are a bit muddy

[@bangtongkat6821]

ah that sucks, thought malayan nations could get along :(

[@lkmi8533]

ASEAN should cooperate with superpower India against China

[@zzy341]

@@lkmi8533 you mean India AND China?

[@fbkintanar]

ASEAN has had a positive influence in regional tourism, with no visas needed for short term visits as mentioned by Rob' Ramos. The moves towards free trade and and economic community have been slow, but I think steady. The range of consumer products in grocery stores has a lot more products from the region compared to a few decades ago, although China imports are also up. I think many companies find it easier to export to the ASEAN market because rules are somewhat unified, and the recent launch of RCEP with most of ASEAN's dialog partners (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, China) might bring more changes. I don't think political integration like the EU or even regions of Africa will be on the agenda any time soon, but ASEAN serves an important political function in reminding national governments to stay within international norms. That doesn't always amount to full democracy, but its better than some of the alternatives the region has seen in the not too distant past.

[@MrCoolbanna]

@Zaydan Naufal so that the US can install a puppet government and take all there resources at a low price? doubt the people want that

[@jakesmall8875]

Asean is also serving to provide peace and counter chinas aggressive nazi tactics

[@vivelarevolution2835]

@@jakesmall8875 we all hate each others, we just hate china more

[@jakesmall8875]

@@vivelarevolution2835 well you all don’t attack each other not since Japan in ww2 China is the new nazis

[@vivelarevolution2835]

@@jakesmall8875 they are not on the same level, more of another USA

[@ousamadearudesuwa]

As a Filipino, I will say that the our stance at Non-Intervention for ASEAN is more beneficial than anything else since that would also prevent the main problems that triggered minor wars in the region as well as the issue concerning Timor Leste back when the Philippines decided to send volunteers to help the Timorese in their war for independence from Indonesia as UN Peacekeepers, or when we agreed with the Moro National Liberation Front in a treaty with Indonesia as the third party to formalize the recognition of their reason for being in a separatist movement during and after the Marcos Dictatorship. It actually helped a lot as every Member state holds their independence dearly and if anyone intervenes, then ASEAN will crumble faster than a regional dispute. And as for the Military Junta in Myanmar, its best to settle it diplomatically or have a member-state to actually intervene without using ASEAN as a pretext or shield. As intervening will sour the relations it still has.

[@strident4195]

I'm glad you understand ASEAN as much as I do. I don't think people from Western world can understand us sincerely

[@brrrrrr]

I was born, raised, and live in ASEAN and I didn't understand a single word you said

[@randomly_random_0]

Marcos -Dictatorship-

[@telracsazyl1243]

@@brrrrrr learn English then

[@blank-xs2qs]

@@randomly_random_0 dictator

[@ManofHalal]

If ASEAN was like The EU then it could counter-balance big powers like China and even USA. It could also be one of the biggest trade powers in the world.

[@SuperLusername]

What if European Union and ASEAN merged? Then it would become UU - "Union of Unions"

[@hoangvu9360]

I would rather consider ASEAN compatible wtih South East Europe. It makes more sense.

[@RYTG]

We need all the help we can get to deal with china

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

My bid is Asean and Japan,Taiwan, Korea getting togather to stop china and combind resorcse to make up for sparse land.

[@mobiuszero2424]

@@GreenBlueWalkthrough sure, if japan and korea can loan those asean nations, almost all asean members take loans from china, even phillipines. also myanmar and thailand actually have close relations with china

[@RoScFan]

SE asia is incredibly diverse. It would be so incredibly interesting to see what an EU version of that region would be like. Imagine that a parliament where almost half the people are muslim - due to indonesia, and the rest are buddhists and Catholics, and imagine countries like hypercapitalist Singapore in a union with communist vietnam. ASEAN politics would make for incredible news. It would also weaken China.

[@firdaus99031]

"SE asia is incredibly diverse" Yeah and so is the EU. But I believe we will come together and overcome our differences someday. I hope we will have things like the EU (single currency, schengen area, single supreme court, etc)

[@newfireidk6065]

More like extremely confusing for Americans Imagine a Union where Communists and Capitalists cooperate along with a mix religion of Islam, Christianity and Buddhism

[@SuperJosteen]

it won't work simply because of what you have already stated, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia already have issues directly and indirectly caused by diversity right now, Malaysia have a very apartheid government and actual rules undermining their significant Indian and Chinese populations, they have less rights and privileges then the melayu or the bumiputeras. while in Indonesia although not to the point of being integrated into the law it's clear that all the high ranking government officials are all Javanese. The fact that Indonesia have countless separatist movement in its history is proof enough that you can't just force unity between many groups of people

[@KarthikAyyalasomayajula]

> and imagine countries like hypercapitalist Singapore in a union with communist vietnam both of these statements are pretty false. Singapore has plenty of regulation and what many libertarian sorts would call a "nanny state" that forces you to save. Vietnam is communist in name only like China but I'd argue they're actually less communist than China

[@mobiuszero2424]

hahaha you wish, china already have close relationship with ASEAN , go check china-asean relationship history china only have problem with malaysia, vietnam and phillipines in the region

[@kadaltokek3953]

Indonesia : Democracy (Majority Islam) Philippines : Democracy (Majority Catholic) Vietnam : Communist (Majority Atheist) Thailand : Constitutional Monarchy (Majority Theravada Buddhism) Myanmar : Military Junta/Police State (Majority Theravada Buddhism) Malaysia : Elective Monarchy (Majority Moslem) Cambodia : Constitutional Monarchy (Majority Theravada Buddhism) Laos : Communist (Majority Theravada Buddhism) Singapore : Capitalist (Buddhism) Brunei : Absolute Monarchy (Islam) East Timor : Democracy (Majority Catholic) Democracies : 3 Communists : 2 Capitalist : 1 Monarchies : 4 Police State : 1 Unite under one parliament

[@RobertParel-l7d]

Philippine Roman Catholic since 1521.

[@al13666]

Vietnam is socialist

[@rainb5987]

@@RobertParel-l7d Lol.

[@JRAS_]

ASEAN has for its member states democracies, authoritarian one party states, and monarchies. They needed a high degree of tolerance for it to be even remotely functional. That being said, I think decades of cooperation and trust should allow them more wiggle room. I do hope that we will care more about the internal affairs of each other.

[@charlesmadre5568]

The closest thing to a democracy in ASEAN would be Malaysia or Indonesia and neither is particularly democratic.

[@kagenlim5271]

@@charlesmadre5568 Or phillipines

[@charlesmadre5568]

@@kagenlim5271 If we took the Democracy Index then Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines would all be classified as "flawed democracies". The highest ranking country is Malaysia at 39th but it still faces some serious issues with its democracy, like the fact that while the opposition won an election, it has never successfully completed 1 term.

[@JRAS_]

@@charlesmadre5568 Shit democracies count as democracies, in fact, good democracies are the damn exception

[@charlesmadre5568]

@Zaydan Naufal Well according to the Democracy Index East Timor is 44th, lower than Malaysia. This is largely due to the fact East Timor's governmental institutions are new and fragile.

[@bangscutter]

It's precisely because of the non-intervention policy that has kept this association going for so long. The association right now mostly has limited trade, travel and cultural ties only. Any military cooperation is only directed against non-state parties like terrorists and pirates.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Truth!

[@saintofthechurchofautism8433]

Basically : against China

[@serene-illusion]

Definitely. What if one or any of the countries were to break that non-intervention policy with goings on in Myanmar? Sure, it could help the people of Myanmar a lot in the short term, and it could be a one off thing and everybody forgets about it 10-20 years later. But what if the alternative happened? What would happen to the trust between ASEAN countries? Would the members of ASEAN be prepared for the unforeseen consequences?

[@Penggedor]

@@serene-illusion Not get involved or mess up other "households and its own business" is one of our unwritten common policies. in our culture, if you do such thing, you do something wrong in every aspects in our viewpoints. It's feel like you get mad on a kid, go nagging around and want give the kid a lesson although the parent right there. It's not something proper and polite to do (for southeast asian viewpoint).

[@nunyabiznes33]

I don't think they'd even want a military cooperation against external forces. For example Vietnam and the Philippines have dispute with China but I doubt unaffected members like Thailand would want to get dragged into that.

[@Enseaclopedia]

For Myanmar problem, last thing I hear from our Indonesian foreign minister, Retno Marsudi, is ASEAN try to use shuttle diplomacy to find the best result between the two party.

[@jsb1585]

I wrote my undergraduate dissertation on ASEAN, investigating how its response to the Rohingya Crisis reflects on its normative values. For anyone interested, Amitav Acharya and Mely Caballero-Anthony are leading academics when it comes to studies of ASEAN. They've written some great pieces explaining their regional governance mechanisms and the nature of ASEAN's status as either a security community or a security regime.

[@juch3]

After taking a course convinently titled "ASEAN" in university, I can't even count how many times Acharya's name was mentioned in that class.

[@damianwjm]

Thank you, I'm doing a dissertation on ASEAN for my masters in law soon

[@jsb1585]

@@damianwjm if you want, I can provide a list of recommended reading on ASEAN.

[@abdullahsaur]

@@jsb1585 I would appreciate it that a lot 😊

[@jsb1585]

@@abdullahsaur Just a note, this list is not exhaustive. Definitely read Acharya and Caballero- Anthony, they are the most important authors on this subject, but all of the authors listed here provide valuable perspectives. Collins and Khoo, for instance, are rather critical of ASEAN and its credibility as a regional organisation. I would also recommend that you go to the ASEAN website itself. They have published many transcripts from their summits, conferences and press release, available for download in PDF format. I have provided the titles of a few of these documents, so you should be able to find them relatively quickly. I hope this is all helpful. Acharya, A. (1997) ‘Ideas, identity, and institution‐building: From the “ASEAN way” to the ‘Asia‐Pacific way'?, Acharya, 2001. Constructing a Security Community in Southeast Asia: ASEAN and the Problem of Regional Order. Acharya, A. (2004) ‘How Ideas Spread: Whose Norms Matter? Norm Localization and Institutional Change in Asian Regionalism’ Constructing a Security Community in Southeast Asia: ASEAN and the Problem of Regional Order. Barber, R and Teitt, S. (2020). ‘The Rohingya Crisis: Can ASEAN Salvage Its Credibility?’ Caballero-Anthony, M. (2004). ‘Non-state regional governance mechanism for economic security: the case of the ASEAN Peoples' Assembly’. Caballero-Anthony, M. (2015). ‘Community security: human security at 21’ Collins, A. (2007). ‘Forming a security community: lessons from ASEAN’. Haacke, J. (2003). ‘ASEAN's diplomatic and security culture: a constructivist assessment’. Khoo, N. (2004). ‘Deconstructing the ASEAN security community: a review essay’. Tobing, D. H. (2018). ‘The Limits and Possibilities of the ASEAN Way: The Case of Rohingya as a Humanitarian Issue in Southeast Asia’ ASEAN, 1976. Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia ASEAN Chairman, 2017. ASEAN CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT ON THE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN RAKHINE STATE ASEAN Chairman, 2018. CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT OF THE 32ND ASEAN SUMMIT ASEAN Chairman, 2020. Press Statement by the Chairman of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat ASCC Secretariat, 2016. ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY BLUEPRINT 2025

[@insertname1841]

I hate some of these comments saying ASEAN should be more like the EU. If anything, the EU should be more like ASEAN. Non-intervention policy should be adopted precisely because it helps with the stability of the region and ensures true sovereignity of states. This is unlike fringe states in the EU who have to take up the bulk of refugee and migrant crisis from the middle east and Africa. They end up having less say in their own state's affairs than the EU. Similarly, plenty of infringement into Poland simply due to having different political ideologies, and it's not even the harmful kind. Examples include Poland's immigrant policy and teaching kids lgbtqp+. It's almost like the EU wants to be a superstate of its own, with larger countries having the final call on all countries' policy making. ASEAN on the other hand, understands that internal matters are far more complicated and that intervention brings about more negatives than positives. No citizen in ASEAN wants his or her soldiers to fight for an outside cause, much to the detriment of their nation and possibly but never assuredly the benefit of the nation whose internal matters got hijacked. Instead, we focus on foreign affairs, cooperation and trade so as to uplift the region with a neutral stance. This allows freedom for each country to follow their own ideologies and preserve their cultures.

[@AquilaPainWhy]

"ASEAN on the other hand, understands that internal matters are far more complicated and that intervention brings about more negatives than positives." True, we learned that the hard way...

[@icefl4re597]

ASEAN's non interference is, I would say, because Southeast Asia us heavily balkanized, and also because a lot of us were formerly colonized, and also ALL of us have blood on our hands. I don't think ASEAN wants to be like EU. It's basically just a meeting places among Southeast Asian countries. It's a place to talk. I would say it's more like the UN, but far more deliberate-consensus oriented. EU is actually wanting to be a Federal state. In fact, the original conception was the United States of Europe.

[@touchyoursoul4426]

Indeed.. as we make it more like EU it will lot of disaster rather than prosperity.. Each county have their own sovereign that cannot be invade by other country.. we have diff culture, language and etc. But we do not deny the fact that we have a bit of similarity that make us connected with each other.. i hope in future Asean will flourish and we can develop a good relationship among us.. greeting from Malaysia👍👍

[@avlan9074]

@@AquilaPainWhy all those hard years had been thought us how to adapt

[@icefl4re597]

@Zaydan Naufal Like the US actually.

[@InsolventGene]

As a Malaysian my I see ASEAN as a convenient platform for economic discussions and agreements and not a political agreement to hold each other accountable. When a member country commits human rights violations or even genocide they all turn a blind eye to it, they can surely do with some big improvements.

[@PrograError]

true, but imho ASEAN is more of a consensus makin body. if you remember the communique bout the south china sea, it got watered down cos of few members with china pulling the sticks. singapore ended up on china's crosshairs briefly....

[@elmoe01]

Easier said than done.

[@khanhtrandanf9085]

That's because each of the country of ASEAN have different ways of thinking, like we have Philipines who was pro US (i dont know if it's still pro US now), Cambodia and Laos were pro China and us Vietnam who want to balance out between US and China (pretty hard since those two are like cat and dog). With that in mind, ASEAN countries cant recklessly interfere others problem. You can see what Vietnam had to get through when we attacked Polpot, all the world turned their back to us.

[@DGoldy303]

True.

[@Triskelion345]

Haha jonathan you are

[@cageybee7221]

the African Union managed to come together to solve The Gambia's military coup crisis by invading and ousting their dictator, it went so well hardly anyone talks about it. maybe something similar could be worked out here? i mean the AU was even more dysfunctional than ASEAN was when they pulled that off.

[@TheBooban]

Never heard of that. If there is a will and someone talented, things like that can work. Invade to improve the country.

[@hungjury7482]

Didn't even know about this. Source?

[@안호성-p6z]

Well... but you should consider that Gambia is a small country surrounded completely by senegal. In fact the 2017 invasion took a bit more than a month to conclude. Don't think the same would work for a relatively large country like Burma

[@andreilin113]

I don't mean to negate their efforts but, there are still active conflicts on the continent tho

[@adamjohnson7093]

Well gambia is a small country in general, and especially when compared to africa, myanmar is a lot bigger when cokpared to asean and just in general

[@rsiow2]

I support ASEAN's non intervention policy. We don't want to ever set a precedent for any ASEAN members to destabilise one another. That makes us easy pickings for the US and China. As for what's going on in Myanmar, by all means, strong diplomatic action should be taken but we shall never cross that line of subterfuge and interference.

[@zebimicio5204]

Not only that, but ASEAN sending in their armies would cause a catastrophic migrant crisis in the region. Malaysia already had it worse with the rohingya, vietnamese, kachin issues.

[@rsiow2]

@@raymondo_ You seem pretty sure that interventionism has always generated a net positive than a net negative. Just go see what Middle East interventionism has delivered.

[@Charlie0l9]

Easy pickings for US and China? Lol, we already are. Laos and Myanmar are firmly in China’s pockets, and since every decision requires unilateral approval, this effective allows them to stonewall every proposal that is against China’s interests.

[@wiseass2149]

On one hand I get that intervention could lead to problems, but not intervening in cases like Myanmar has lead to more migration and more war in Myanmar that is spilling over to other countries.

[@JohnMarkYo]

Yeah. Interference is a western thing. I'm glad our foreign affairs secretary here in the Philippines fought to stick to the rule of ASEAN to not interfere other countries.

[@iqbalmuhammad2920]

There is a Malay proverb, "Jaga Tepi Kain Sendiri" which roughly translate to " take care of your own (domestic) issue, do not meddle with others". And people, (especially Westerners) tend to forget, that by and large, the majority of ASEAN (or Southeast Asia) members also subscribed to the concept of "Saving Face" that is widely practiced also in other East Asia countries.

[@jinngeechia9715]

True but when your neighbor's house is burning (Myanmar) you don't want it to spread to your own house. You may ask why? What is happening to them can possibly happen to you. A military coup in a member country lends legitimacy to such an action. Yes, I'm looking at Thailand in this regard also. Now we have two member states who have done so. You don't think the incumbent governments in place for the rest are not worried? Of course they are. If they sit by, it is a sign of weakness. Not just from ASEAN. But from the every member state itself.

[@iqbalmuhammad2920]

@@jinngeechia9715 The analogy of a burning neighbor's house is not applicable in a region that is culturally, linguistically & economically as diverse as ASEAN. Did Singapore interfere, poke their nose or aggresively criticize Malaysia in its 1MDB scandal? All that they did was prosecute the wrongdoings that happened in the country, within their border. Personally, i expect Singapore or their law department to at least deliver some warning or serious remark on the handling of 1MDB during Najib's tenure. Where did all the ASEAN countries stand during the Vietnamese war? Generally speaking, despite their retoric, the southeast asian countries (leaders) took action no further than their loud mouth. In fact, after the fall of Saigon, almost every major ASEAN nations paid a visit to, & officialize diplomatic relationship with Beijing, in the hope that Beijing can contain Vietnam. If it is in a Western region, sanction would already be on the table. For good or bad, this unique ASEAN characteristic will remain for at least the foreseable future.

[@jinngeechia9715]

@@iqbalmuhammad2920 Not poking their nose. They should take notice because it will bite them back if they are not careful. There are no friends in diplomacy. There never has been. Only similar interests and parallel policies. If the interests are threatened. Someone will move.

[@Vysair]

@@jinngeechia9715 Suspended membership is as far as it should go. And using the excuse of not having meet the requirement as the basis for the suspension on myanmmar

[@avithorqi9015]

@@jinngeechia9715 exactly, there are no real friend in diplomacy, So don't make Unnecessary enemy by meddling their internal disputes

[@drewsarmiento]

As a Filipino, I have to say. I genuinely LOVE all my ASEAN brothers and sisters. We may have our little rivalries here and there but when one needs help in ASEAN, we do all help each other.

[@hwp115]

Burmese here, We were taking this journey for so long. We try to solve this problem (Military Junta Government) with peace as much as we could. But now we decided to take arms against the Junta. We know that international organization (UN,ASEAN,etc...) can't do that much, we learned from history. So i will give you an advice, if you really want to help our people, just help with financial support or if you can't, just wish Myanmar people win against the junta. That is what i want to say. Thank you.

[@colincampbell4261]

Are there any UK contacts for Mymar civilian resistance?

[@hwp115]

@@colincampbell4261 Sorry, I don't know that.

[@r3dpowel796]

There will be not much of support as well financially. because we are not rich.

[@colincampbell4261]

Mothers and fathers have to speak with any sons or daughters they have in the army or police - tell them not to open fire on their own people.

[@strormef]

God save the Myanmar people. Can't believe this still happens in this century. There are a lot of Myanmar in Thailand. I wish our government do something more or at least bring the 2 sides for negotiation like in the west. I wish the ASEAN step up for this. It's such a useless organization if the club can't even bring stability to the region.

[@jsmfrontier2010]

One major tenet of ASEAN not mentioned is its policy of consensus wherein no major decisions shall be made unless all members of the association agree to it. This is particularly significant on several issues facing the region such as the South China Sea dispute.

[@randodox8375]

As an citizen in ASEAN countries, i think the NON INTERFERENCE POLICY works best. I think ASEAN as a platform that is mutually beneficial for every members' economic growth while not trying to step on each other feet in political turmoils.

[@PrograError]

well... it's making us look bad... like we don't care for shits bout these things...

[@r3dpowel796]

@@PrograError sooo what. are we going to risk our own security/economic Over Myanmar to look good? Indonesia comit genocide too. Malay Tooo, Cambodia did tooo. many of us are a bunch of criminals who will step each other whenever possible.

[@str2010]

It's a very tricky situation. While most ASEAN member states and their citizens sympathize with Myanmar, open and direct intervention in their internal affairs may set a precedent. Should ASEAN member states from then on be free to interfere with each others politics? Should Indonesia and Cambodia have extra scrutiny by member states for ethnic tensions for the former and past genocide for the latter? Should Singapore and Malaysia be forced to abandon certain authoritarian laws that have kept themselves relatively stable? Hell, there's no guarantee somewhere down the line member states will use armed intervention on each other with the excuse of 'bringing order, justice and stability'. This will put the smaller ASEAN members at great risk I do wish they'd do something about Myanmar. At the rate it is now, Myanmar will be set back decades in terms of progress, and ASEAN will suffer as a whole. However, I understand the reason why some ASEAN members are hesitant.

[@TempestaDominus]

@@str2010 I personally think that intervention now will create quite the precedent and a tricky one at that. One that might cause a huge trouble down the line. If anything happens then it's probably best not as a fellow ASEAN member but just, you know, another country.

[@NewmaticKe]

It's a big reason why ASEAN still exist

[@royk7712]

as indonesian, i hope ASEAN shoud more close together but without intervening other country. each country should resolve their own problem and in the face of external trouble ie, china or US invasion, they should do joint military move to defend asean territory. non intervening each member and joint move to deter external trouble. that would be the best case because we have different opinion on each country and so much diversity

[@leonellthelion]

From the Philippines here. In spite of the frequent comparisons between ASEAN and the EU, I only favor to closely integrate the economies of the member-states but I shudder to think we'd even dare evolve into a supranational entity which the EU is driving towards (now with France holding the presidency of the Commission). ASEAN should always stay as a bloc of neighbourly sovereign states that work together on matters of common interests and not become a bloated bureaucratic pseudo-federation.

[@Arltratlo]

you know, in a short time, another country gets the Presidency in the EU, maybe the Netherlands, maybe the EU want some places back who been owned by the Dutch 100 years ago??? 27 sovereign nations, with an free elected Parliament and dont let me get started with the benefits for me personal.... i am happy to live inside the EU, and i know a lot of Brits who want to be back in.... we had so many conflicts in the past, from 1945 to 1992 have been peace in Europe, up to the moment the Balkan war started, Yugoslavia not being a member in the EU, but bordering Austria and Italy.

[@leonellthelion]

@@Arltratlo Good on you Europeans if the EU works well for you but as you've seen in this video ASEAN was never meant to be an EU-style entity for Southeast Asian nations. The principle of non-interventionism is a core tenet of the "ASEAN Way" of regionalism and this has worked for us for more than 50 years and there is no strong desire from the member-states or the citizens of ASEAN to transform into an EU-style confederation.

[@julianutanes3]

A more integrated ASEAN is needed if its member states want to effectively counter China’s influence

[@raykapitan6645]

​@@julianutanes3tbh thats a double edged sword option, cause when the flood gate of 'interventionism' is opened, every single disagreement within member states of ASEAN will be magnified (either because of border disputes, ehtnicity, religion composition in populace, etc)

[@hunterbruce614]

You should make a video on the Eurasian Economic Union and or the commonwealth of independent states (CIS). Very informative video 👍

[@happyelephant5384]

Yeah, cool idea

[@ariapinandita6388]

👍👍👍

[@sanjaymandal6572]

I thought you are about to write about different new genders when you wrote CIS.😅😅😅

[@azlanghazali8150]

I’m from Malaysia and this video is very informative! Keep it up 👍🏽

[@otto1011]

As someone who lives in an ASEAN member state (Malaysia), I really think we should continue with our non-interventionist policy and stay out of every nation's domestic affairs. It's this policy that has helped ASEAN to bring regional stability, because no one interferes with anyone's domestic conflicts, we don't escalate domestic conflicts into regional and international ones. If they're doing something wrong, it's still wrong, but who are we to meddle with a nation's sovereignty and their way of running domestic issues?

[@Ruruisinane]

The Rohingya will thank you for saying shit like this.

[@mattkerr3508]

But that sort of policy just lets people commit genocide which is an unstable thing. Rational and stable minded people don't kill an entire people. So selfishly the best thing for asean to do is intervene

[@Monarch_Prime]

You're the kind of person to ignore a growing threat because you think they won't hurt you. You're a damned collaborationist. When china comes for us all, let's see who you pick. I'm sure they'll bring their own version of regional stability.

[@otto1011]

@@Monarch_Prime how is Myanmar committing genocide in its own borders an active threat to Malaysia's sovereignty? If they started to invade Thailand then yes, it would pose an indirect threat and I would support sending military assistance to Thailand. But what they're doing inside of their borders doesn't really threaten us, except for the pesky refugee problem where illegals just stay here and the UN had us take in 150,000 Rohingyas. We didn't cause their suffering nor do we have to take responsibility over it.

[@otto1011]

@@mattkerr3508 as the video said, the main reason ASEAN has worked is because of the non-interventionist policy. A country can do anything it wants as long as it doesn't affect other countries. The suffering of a minority group in another nation isn't my problem, and I'm sure as hell not gonna support sending fellow countrymen to die in a foreign land for a foreign people who we owe absolutely nothing to.

[@absentmindedshirokuma8539]

ASEAN people here. pretty nice video for cramping complicated ASEAN history in 10 minutes. lot of detail kinda skipped but it's expected for TLDR. some pretty important recent development detail skipped that could've added such as 1. there is currently 2 country seeking to be member of ASEAN, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste 2. ASEAN has negotiated trade deal to other country as one, such us to China, Japan, Australia, and India 3. all ASEAN country for first time doing join military military exercise in South China Sea in 2019, which show of common interest against china claim to south china sea. overall integration of ASEAN with threat china on the north and australia in the south is inevitable. ASEAN country realize they need to work together to not get dictated by region superpower. but i also can see argument that ASEAN country definitely too vastly different to be something like EU. i guess the integration will slowly happen but i don't think it will be truly become federal union due to differences, internally or externally.

[@gazzy01]

how Australia's threat from South?

[@reymichaelsungazornosa4040]

@@gazzy01 Emus, Kangaroos and Koalas are weapons of mass destructions held by Australia

[@absentmindedshirokuma8539]

@@gazzy01 just look up how australia stole timor leste oil.

[@gazzy01]

@@absentmindedshirokuma8539 I know that Australia did it bad

[@gazzy01]

@@reymichaelsungazornosa4040 yup

[@sangpham9871]

As a citizen of ASEAN, I support the non-interference policy. Sometimes relationship works best without meddling with each other. For the Myanmar situation, I agree that strong diplomatic strategies should be done but I don't think it would be good if we intervene too much like a straight up joint military action.

[@nguyenkhue4021]

Yep looking back at Cambodia and Khmer Rouge, you are absolutely right

[@jparsit]

Think again, how can you separate economic out of politics? Politic is the biggest business just like a daddy is a leader of a family.

[@dommydgreat]

It's like giving them space to figure things out

[@MasonGreenWeed]

Aren't we refuse the representative from Myanmar and demand non-politic representative instead

[@era7928]

@@MasonGreenWeed lol, and there is no dislike button.

[@16-younliza51]

Great video, this region of the world is rarely talked about, it's great to learn about this side of the world.

[@yixinkua936]

Omg this video came 2 months late for our A level exam as ASEAN is a huge topic in our history syllables in Singapore :” Anyways based on what we learn in school ASEAN has many difficulties in actually resolving the issue in Myanmar as it isn’t really very United with countries like Cambodia being closer to China and hence less likely to oppose Myanmar’s junta and ASEAN’s policy of consensus makes it very hard to make any decisive action and that’s also why it’s been so hard to pass many substantial policies like the EU in order to satisfy all members :0 Thanks for the video though I think it will help many of my juniors studying for this topic next year :D

[@juch3]

Wow it's interesting to know that ASEAN is taken more seriously in Singaporean curriculum, over here you'd just be required to know the basics and that our country is one of the founding members etc.

[@studiosnch]

One thing that helped the education standards in ASEAN is the use of the ASEAN Universities Network (AUN). For us in the faculty, this means that teaching and learning standards have become standardized across member states, making cross-registration of students, teachers, and researchers easier.

[@landreform7612]

I don't think it's really working.. actually the universities have a very visible standardization disparity.. we can see it from the rankings of universities around the world..

[@studiosnch]

@@landreform7612 That is true. Even in my university system we still need to catch up to even just match the bare essentials of the AUN-QA standards, let alone surpass it. Naturally SG, MY, IN, and TH all lead in the AUN rankings.

[@trungduong4040]

As a Vietnamese person, I think ASEAN is a wonderful thing. For me, increasing cooperation promotes tolerance and peace among members. ASEAN is incredibly diverse in terms of ethnic groups, languages, religions, and just about 2-3 centuries ago, there were many wars among those countries. So, having a shared identity is necessary to encourage the youth to learn about other countries, welcome tourists and make friends with citizens from other countries. For the Myanmar situation, It's incredibly hard to solve. But I think if there's an organization that can put certain pressure on Myanmar to reform, it's ASEAN, not sanctions from the United States or the EU. The fact that the leader of Myanmar was not accepted to represent Myanmar in the summit speaks a lot. Sending troops to Myanmar or tightening sanctions will only push Myanmar away, into the hands of repressive countries.

[@rapemap]

2-3 decades ago, you mean?

[@trungduong4040]

@@rapemap Not what I meant. 3 decades ago (1980s-1990s), the situation pretty much settled down with the end of the Vietnam War. Myanmar was unstable back then, but things started to go up for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Other countries were developing pretty fast. What I emphasized was in the 18th, 19th century, there were wars everywhere in the region, wars among Southeast Asian countries with constantly shifting borders, as well as wars against European/American colonialism.

[@SacredDaturaa]

I think more active intervention in Myanmar by ASEAN is highly unlikely. It would set a precedent not in the best interests of its member states, particularly the smaller ones like Singapore. When Vietnam invaded Cambodia and deposed the Khmer Rouge in 1979, the invasion was condemned by ASEAN, despite the known atrocities of the Cambodian genocide.

[@SuperSanic..]

because USA backed cambodia and you know ASEAN is just another US bitch organization which is gradually getting more free

[@SacredDaturaa]

@@SuperSanic.. lmao what

[@abcddef2112]

Whatever they decided to do its unlikely they will do it brazenly like in EU. Since non interference is one of the principle of ASEAN. They will of course try to find solution which will involve the junta and democratic opposition. Non of the ASEAN countries consider what happening toward Rohingya as 'genocide'.

[@kickassssnation027]

@@SuperSanic.. LMAO, the khmer rouge? Backed by the US? After castigating Noam Chomsky and slagging him off by a misquote by the media and saying that the genocide was overblown? That US?

[@stormystudios9804]

@@kickassssnation027 since when Noam Chomsky is representative of the US government. Also, the US indirectly support Khmer Rouge by allowing Chinese supplies to be delivered to Khmer Rough through Thailand. The Us could have stopped these aids but decided not to due to friendly US-CHina relation before 1989.

[@MiKi-sx3tt]

I think ASEAN is kinda successful in maintaining peace and stability in the region, given many different types of ideologies and religion in the area.

[@nanikore6860]

True cause america doesnt make trouble here... and not many oil here

[@TheSiprianus]

@@nanikore6860 wait until you hear about oil production in brunei. But again, you agreed on implementing sharia law like stoning gay to death in brunei as 'peace and stability', so I don't think you know anything about what oil production is even means.

[@nanikore6860]

@@TheSiprianus brunei have oil not as much as midle east has

[@TheSiprianus]

@@nanikore6860 compared to their population? nope, they have similar amount of oil reserves. if 10 people population with 10 barrel oil 'deserve' for the US to make trouble on, is 1 person population with 1 barrel oil also 'deserve' for the US to make trouble on? especially when they only need a tenth of manpower and finance to 'make trouble on'? use basic math.

[@TheSiprianus]

@@nanikore6860 Here is another trivia question for you; how much oil was extracted by/ because of those US invasion? provide reputable and crosscheck source, no need to be exact, estimation is enough.

[@kennethdimaano]

The Philippines loves its ASEAN brothers and sisters. One ASEAN, One Family of Nations. 🇹🇭🇲🇾🇸🇬🇧🇳🇮🇩🇵🇭🇲🇲🇰🇭🇱🇦🇻🇳

[@rothapov3102]

🇰🇭❤️️🇵🇭

[@nemumami]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more intelligent and well mannered comment section before. Well done ASEAN family 💕

[@osmanthuskeyk]

hello Neighbor 🇵🇭❤️

[@Sandia-ol3fj]

Hi🇲🇨

[@fmvrpv3509]

As Indonesian, ASEAN is important it's like the ASIAN cool kids table on the cafeteria. Even tho we don't know each other at least we can eat our food in peace without people staring at you...

[@troyraymund8256]

I also love as an architecture student that as soon as I graduate and get a ASEAN architectural license I can basically work in whatever ASEAN country i like! Especially promoting our local project of engineered bamboo sustainable housing.

[@jparsit]

Bamboo housing in Asia is a mistake if you want to make money. Most Asians are whitewashed prefer the western style for status.

[@takebacktheholyland9306]

@@jparsit Then why not just make Western styled bamboo houses? I mean at this point merging culture with crafts work is something common in SEA

[@liverbirdmighty9271]

Congrats Troy, We look forward to seeing many of your designs grace many ASEAN cities and communities ! Onwards and upwards!

[@troyraymund8256]

@@takebacktheholyland9306 because western style was never meant for the weather, climate and natural disasters of SEA.

[@troyraymund8256]

@@takebacktheholyland9306 thats why majority traditional houses are elevated and was designed with maximum airflow

[@TheBooban]

ASEAN will not do more. Thats the way they operate. The people of Burma have to take care of their own business. Unless there is a UN resolution. They take part in peacekeeping operations and pretty good at it.

[@juliusdalay]

If ASEAN becomes like the EU, we could call those who live in the Union "SEAtiziens" 😎

[@gilangfaturrozy351]

That's a better term than what we have now "ASEAN Citizens" (Freaking 6 syllables). I like it.

[@khingollirmac5447]

If you're in ASEAN. One privilege we are all thankful for when we are touring is that No Visa policy only showing off passport.

[@Si_nengatcha]

Although we can't use that advantage nowadays thanks to COVID.. I haven't used my passport in the last 2 years at all.. Because, COVID.. 😠😠

[@ariefrachman7545]

There is many reason why asean not interfering with each other, one is because its will cause more instability in the region since it will give another suspicious among any other member, second is mainly because we are not like intervening with each other since it will bring more responsibilities that as an asean our economy probably will more distruptive and also unlike eu, asean didnt have a single big power guarantee like how US with EU, any big country (china, india, aus, us, etc) have their own interest with all or some asean country, so making it more interventionist will bring more instability rather than stability.

[@ariefrachman7545]

@TheWeeaboo nah the US didn't guarantee anyone in asean, they not directly at it. Also asean country are highly try to stay neutral to any power here since a change of balance will bring instability and probably war. That why biden way of thinking that asean in his back is bad for us, while i agree china need to stop it ways of claiming territory but doesnt mean asean will tend more to US or tend more to china.

[@lkmi8533]

India is the future of Asia. Without India, Asia will become a colony of Western countries. Just like World War II, you will be controlled by the West. But now that India is strong, no Western country dares to bully Asia.

[@孙威-k5z]

​@@lkmi8533 Your username and comment are hilarious. The West don't need to colonize Asia like they did in the past, their companies do the colonizing themselves and most Asian powers (such as India) have good relations the West. China is the real force pushing back against the West and the one they fear (I live in the West and nobody here is intimidated or really cares much about what India does, but most are worried about China), India is passive and is not strong enough to fight the West in any battle anyway. I don't know where you get these Indian supremacist ideas from.

[@lkmi8533]

@TheWeeaboo India is now the world’s superpower second only to the United States. You should learn to respect India, the only superpower in Asia.

[@lkmi8533]

@@孙威-k5z According to Western media predictions, China will collapse within 5 years, and the poor Chinese are still bragging about their country

[@princehawkins2777]

ASEAN is way more better in terms of relationship than EU. Interfering international conflict can cause severe damage to our economic. ASEAN is for economic. While EU loves politics and interfering.

[@NoName-hg6cc]

EU is way better. We are all democracies and created an union of peace of cooperation. ASEAN was founded only on trade by dictatorships interested only on maintaining their power

[@scooterbob4432]

ASEAN's projected economic growth for 2023 is 6.6% while EU's projected economic growth for 2023 will slide down to a low 2.8%. ASEAN is projected to be the 4th largest economy in the world by 2050.

[@MW_Asura]

You know nothing about how the EU works, but you think you do. It's always the same with you people

[@wat-ch]

I personally see EU as sort of book club and ASEAN as sort of Discord group chat.

[@juch3]

EU seems more like an organized household to me, whereas ASEAN is more like a group of uncles sitting in a roadside stall at night drinking coffee and smoking, while talking about seemingly serious stuff when none of it actually gets realized at the end...

[@elaina2047]

lol

[@ousamadearudesuwa]

I am more offended by the fact that is more accurate than I thought.

[@TFSIChristmas]

EU is much more organized. 🇪🇸🇵🇭

[@ginojaco]

Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia very nearly became one United country once before. More chance of that than this...

[@wavemaker2077]

Wow, so the Indonesians and the Malaysians almost became Filipinos.

[@uncommon_name9337]

@@wavemaker2077 Stop it, you make me cringe.

[@wavemaker2077]

@@uncommon_name9337 I know. I just want to troll and see how many reacts. lol.

[@mokongthe3856]

I'm already suffering from a dissease called being a filipino, I don't want to to become a filipino again! noooo xD

[@BadassBikerOwns]

People can die from laughing to this idea. No doubt that all of these regions are part of 'Nusantara', which I think has a common culture and is different to IndoChina. However, Indonesia can't even govern its various islands properly, so does the Philippines. Malaysia is also having a lot of difficulty to govern just one breakaway land of East Malaysia. First, the governance needs to improve, then only can talk about becoming a single country. Otherwise its better for each island, state within big islands to become its own country, if it improves governance.

[@JohnMarkYo]

It's our ASEAN way. We don't wanna become like EU. We're focused not on power but on harmony.

[@ashadow4313]

I agree. Southeast Asia is one of the most diverse regions in the world (only rivaled by the Indian Subcontinent). It would be dumb to unionize and federalize like what the EU is doing. Plus different forms of government are present in each of our country. Its what makes Southeast Asia so beautiful, a rich and diverse culture. We should stick to what we southeast asians do best. *Trade*

[@JohnMarkYo]

@@ashadow4313 Yeah. I love being ASEAN coz we're not greed of power and we just want peace and harmony. That's why there's no conflict in our region despite the different religions and governement systems. We in Southeast Asia are family-oriented people that's why we're never gonna go like EU in the future.

[@ashadow4313]

@@JohnMarkYo Well Said

[@syahmellow5114]

All our ancestors love to trade with each other until today! XD

[@poom323]

No harmony in SEA either

[@shammy7042]

🇧🇳 🇰🇭 🇮🇩 🇱🇦 🇲🇾 🇲🇲 🇵🇭 🇸🇬 🇹🇭 🇻🇳 MORE POWER MY ASEAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!! MAY GOD GUIDE US TO A MORE SUCCESSFUL FUTURE!!!

[@jasonslatt2470]

Welp Myanmar is fucked up now

[@shammy7042]

@@jasonslatt2470 yea so sad

[@jasonslatt2470]

@@shammy7042 I'm from myanmar and things are not good in here

[@shammy7042]

@@jasonslatt2470 stay strong bro🙏🏽

[@jasonslatt2470]

@@shammy7042 Thank you i needed that

[@kickassssnation027]

I support non-interference. Any direct involvement of politics sets a precedent for us to commit acts of subterfuge or armed intervention. That puts member stated like Brunei or Singapore in direct jeopardy.

[@mkb6418]

The same story happened in Greece. While Greece was a EU candidate member state, it went through a military Junta. EU did nothing until Greece became a democracy again and then joined EU. Probably the same will happen in ASEA case.

[@talideon]

The thing is, Myanmar _is_ a member of ASEAN, so the situations aren't comparable.

[@r3dpowel796]

nah. ASEAN most of its members are bunch of criminal equal to Junta. and suspiciouns runs high of each other. it is necessary to kept non interference policy. country like LAOS and CAmbodia and Vietnam kind of dont care about democracy or capitalism or communism at all.

[@AR-bh3mn]

Each member must resolve internal problems on their own without pressure from the other party....... Obviously very different

[@Ymats-dj1nt]

Pfft. Its far from your story

[@loudspeakers3469]

Nice video, and good to see a channel from the UK discuss ASEAN.

[@ThatDruidDude]

For now, this non political interference and moderate cooperation have served it's purpose well for our rather young nations. When most of the country have developed a more mature identity, Asean will naturally evolve to a stronger and tighter organisation. The region have a strong psychological bond, if not Asean won't be this stable and beneficial.

[@animeyahallo3887]

Once the asean countries finish dealing with the Covid 19, I wish its leaders would take drastic actions against Myanmar's military junta.

[@absentmindedshirokuma8539]

the most drastic measure probably sanction and suspension. doesn't sound much, but it is drastic measure for asean standard.

[@SuperJosteen]

it's quite surprising how the global community ignored such a massive atrocity happening right in front of their eyes, but then again the same did happen on Palestine, Afghanistan, various places in China most notably Hong Kong and Xin Jiang etc etc etc

[@mobiuszero2424]

they wont because it was a domestic problem, thailand actually have been in drastic government change from democratic to military junta back to democratic and back again to military junta, it happens too often and no one in asean talk about it, myanmar also being in military junta before, so no

[@juch3]

This year's ASEAN leadership is chaired by Cambodia, which is unabashedly supportive of the Burmese junta, so don't expect much.

[@shiroyashaginsan405]

That's unlikely. Thailand is ruled by junta too and Malay members in particular, if intervention is on the table, to do something about remaining communist countries in ASEAN.

[@inuwooddog3027]

No interference is the way to go. If my country happens to be in internal turmoil, I wouldn't want the ASEAN countries to interfere as well. We know the deal and fight our own fight. Risking a "non-intervention" is better than risking a foreign invasion based on false narratives.

[@jparsit]

So if you get in trouble, why consult outside instead of your family members. People outside sometimes see things better than the inside. The point is how to dialogue, not a relationship or partisan. That is why we have judges make decisions.

[@inuwooddog3027]

@@jparsit I know what you mean. We shouldn't allow *sometimes* in our policy as that *sometimes* can be used along with false accusation to execute an foreign invasion. We manage risks. In this case specifically, ASEAN is choosing dialogues instead of military. It's not much but that's all can be done. As the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir said when reporter ask him about how ASEAN should handle the Myanmar's Rohigya crisis, "What do you want us to do? Send army to kill more people so the Burmese army would stop killing people?"

[@odyseehasdislikesyoutubesu1892]

@@jparsit no , people inside know more than outsiders , fuck the outsiders , maind your own damn bussiness.

[@buianh1257]

I have 1 question with other Southeast Asian friends. What do you know about Southeast Asian neighbors? As a Vietnamese, we have very little knowledge and interest in Southeast Asia. In the unofficial media, Laos is the " communist brother" of Vietnam, Cambodia is a noisy neighbor, Thailand is a football rival and a tourist destination to visit. Singapore is the place many rich people send their children study abroad or Vietnamese immigrants looking for work. As for the others, we really don't know much or don't have any idea about them? except football (of course)

[@fbkintanar]

I admit that the average citizen in ASEAN doesn't know much about countries that are not immediate neighbors, but the situation was much worse a couple of decades ago. Educated elites and those with international travel experience know a lot more now, which bodes well for future mutual understanding.

[@Enseaclopedia]

I'll answer as an Indonesian Individual. I see Singapore as the rich city nation where Indonesian buy luxury goods, Malaysia as devided nation between bumiputra vs chinese and indian descent citizen that some of the later cant even speak malay as the national language, Brunei as rich islamic absolute monarchy country, Thailand where Indonesian travel to see their cultural building and strange shows, buy cheap goods and try strange meals like bugs, Philipines the latinos of the asean Vietnam is the only sinosphere country in asean thats commie along with cambodia and laos that i dont really know about. I don't really know anything about Myanmar except for the junta and rohingya issue.

[@arieffandy8846]

i think we can tell that the Asean people are divided in two groups, generally speaking: The Indochina Asean that consist Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar, they all are closer together geographically and demographically, that makes them know each other more than to the rest. The other group is archipelago Asean which is Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei that have similarities in culture, language and religion (except for the Philippines) as an Indonesian, i can tell most of people here are familiar the most to Malaysia as we also consider them cousins and then Singapore as developed tiny city state, Brunei as wealthy fellow muslims. Thailand as holiday destination, and Vietnam as emerging economies that could rival us, and the rest countries are not much known here

[@Herbayse]

as a common Indonesian, Singapore is where our billionaires live and the corruptors safe place, Malaysia somehow managed to claim our culture/heritage 😂, Thailand is that good football team country, Philliphines is kinda similar to our country but different, we are jealous of Vietnam because they have an export oriented economy and they are actually industrializing (unlike our country who mainly export commodities), we dislike Myanmar because of the Rohingya genocide (~80% of our people are Muslims), Brunei cool looking king, and nobody really talks about Laos or Cambodia tbh

[@IB-yv6kl]

@@Herbayse how Islamic is indonesia? For example is pakistan 6 8 year old minority children are getting death penaltys for alleged blasphemy

[@marcelanoryadi9110]

except ASEAN doesn't have : - single currency - single central bank - single passport - single parlement whose senators weren't voted for by citizens current model is working. No risk of creating a 'Brexit' situation

[@gorilladisco9108]

8:48 The ASEAN logo is using rice stalks icon, and since at the time of founding they only had five members, it only has five stalks in 1967. The one at 8:48 is the logo for current ASEAN with ten members, hence ten stalks.

[@jackbayu555]

The NON-INTERFERENCE POLICY is great. This way, even big countries won't bully smaller country. Look at EU, the most important agenda like immigration is determined by the powerhouse which is Germany and France. We don't need that in ASEAN.

[@odyseehasdislikesyoutubesu1892]

agreed.

[@hafizhradhitya4861]

agree

[@Sandia-ol3fj]

Agree

[@INTJ791]

yeah TLDR need to see this comment

[@charlesjermyn5001]

"The Asia's version of, the South-American version of, the African's version of..." , these organisations have nothing to do with the EU, feudal alliance used to look like it, the EU is more than just an economic alliance.

[@Nolaris3]

I think this is a pretty good overall video, though I would posit that it gives too much of a positive vibe than it seems. Regarding the crossroads I find that ASEAN is reluctant to abandon non-interference as doing so would risk member states leaving it together (i.e. Japan and the League of Nations). The video also doesn't seem the mention China at all which is the biggest existential crisis for ASEAN right now. Nominally ASEAN stands together, but as things escalate between China and US countries in SEA are gradually forced to pick a side. Naturally it will do it's best to play both sides but that part is uncertain. After all, the biggest fear in ASEAN is Southeast Asia turning into a proxy battleground for major powers. The EU and ASEAN comparison is helpful but also misleading. I think some people in the comments assume that ASEAN wants to grow into a political union like EU, but the opposite is true. Each country has its own interests and the appeal of ASEAN is the ability to communicate and engage with each other while not commiting to integration.

[@ridwan3533]

Maybe that key part of ASEAN became their Own battle arena from major Power. But for china fortunately most problem because SEA borders i don't know about other neighbors beyond Chinese land borders India & Chinese have hostility towards each other As Indonesian most politicians just play along with Chinese government

[@harukrentz435]

@@ridwan3533 thats because Indo have no problem with china regarding borders even then when some chinese vassal ships entered our water we faced them and asked them to leave. so i dont understand what you mean by "play along" unless you want indo to fight china which is ludicrous to say. also most people have short memory, malaysia is/was the country we have trouble the most as they often entered our water even removed our land border in the borneo/kalimantan.

[@upikabu1678]

I miss the day before Covid 19 hitting, when I could visit Malaysia and Singapore so easily and cheap from Bintan, Indonesia by boat with free30 days visa. Today the quarantine cost is more expensive than the travelling cost itself!

[@ErnestJay88]

Almost every year (Asean Annual Summit), member states ask for "Join defence corporation" , but some ASEAN member states always reject due to ongoing South China Sea dispute, it not just "China wants to take all" but Vietnam, Malaysia, and Philippines overlapping EEZ also makes "ASEAN join defence corporation" hard to implement

[@スガル]

But it is still held by some members

[@liverbirdmighty9271]

When I was college student, i visited Singapore-Malaysia in 1996 with my sister, who had arranged our visa. When I went to singapore in 2004 for 2 week work and didnt have to obtain visa first, i was standing in front of the row of immigration in Changi T1 and was filled with emotion. Still dozens travels later, both for work or leisure, the short-term visa free within ASEAN always makes me happy. (I'm Indonesian)

[@braveshine2579]

Thanks for covering myanmar to global audience. Asean is a diverse group of members. Either partial or half dictatorship country members.

[@borgz1352]

the non intervention policy is what keeps ASEAN intact. I think the majority of people here doesn't like the idea that other ASEAN members can meddle with each others domestic affair. maybe in the future when we don't have anymore territorial issue with each other then we can be more open.

[@keiyoshi5232]

I enjoyed this, thank you very much

[@NgocTran-uz9cn]

Really naive title from a Western guy =)) Remember, in nature, ASEAN is an association, not a union. Lots of different in political forms, levels of economic development, cultures, religions, and so on among its members. Over years, member states might have more mutual interests, but their differences are still massive. It's good to keep close talks and co-operate, but just keep it realistic =))

[@nuclearwarhead9338]

Yup, so amusing looking at these westerners thought they had figured out everything. 😂

[@gre3nishsinx0Rgold4]

ASEAN as a regional Bloc is pretty good, it needs reforms to strengthen and update its goals of course but it's doing pretty well. Any stability is good stability I say. There are talks in the comments that the asean Bloc can become like the EU. I highly doubt it. It could become close but not fully like the "one European state" style of the EU. Maphilindo was close to that kind of superstate with a federal or confederation type of government. But it got disbanded before it took hold.

[@jparsit]

Your comment is the best of the pack. Very well said, I agreed ASEAN should get stronger, but it is difficult because members are corrupt and chaotic. Only SP is a leader in terms of educated governance and people, but the least natural resource. I am writing a book about ASIA UNION and it is not like the E.U. as you said.

[@michaelsebuala1895]

Indonesia and Philippines, the Best Friends of South east Asia.

[@yshcabana]

As someone from a country formerly colonized by Spain, junta is pronounced as hoon-tah

[@odyseehasdislikesyoutubesu1892]

as someone who doesnt care , its pronounced as junta.

[@photastica]

As a Vietnamese I see our future in peaceful cooperation with ASEAN and the regional powers in SEA.Yet at the same time, I wouldn't support a full interventionist ASEAN, to put it bluntly I don't want other people to mind our business or for ASEAN to militarize; I am sure many of you across SEA wouldn't want it as well. We are not Europe, it is thanks to ASEAN's neutral nature that the org. was able to lasts and brought regional cooperation and stability, the whole thing would crumbles the moment we turn in into a semi-federation. The comparison of ASEAN with EU while sounds soothing would most likely stay a question as integrated currencies, political unions, military alliance,.. are not a possibility, at least right now. Still, I hope for SEA countries to prosper, grow and are able to reap many benefits from our ASEAN.

[@timothyreal]

1:27 "Struggling with the Indonesian Communist Party" is a real interesting way to describe Suharto seizing power and killing millions of innocent people. Read "The Jakarta Method" by Vincent Bevins.

[@Booklover138]

He also completely skirted over the OG Asean 5 supporting the Khmer Rouge, with Thailand providing them the base and Singapore sending weapons to the Khmer Rouge. :))))

[@thwb4661]

As an ASEAN person, I would very much love to rename South China Sea to Southeast Asia sea, well because it's ours and not China's.

[@luxploded]

I fully agree. It's about time.

[@tvgerbil1984]

India does not own an ocean just because there is this Indian Ocean. The Sea of Japan is not Japan's. Mexico never claims the Gulf of Mexico. I think you can safely leave the name of SCS alone.

[@thwb4661]

​@@tvgerbil1984 Nah, it's time we have a sea named after our region. Afterall, South China Sea is in Southeast Asia. And what I mean by "ours" is the territories you find within the South China Sea are owned by Southeast Asian countries, particularly Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Philippines. So yeah, not literally own the sea but every land throughout that vast space called the South China Sea are Southeast Asian territories. So it's time we name that sea after our region and not after China.

[@omnisciencexx790]

*west philippine sea

[@dingus6506]

@@omnisciencexx790 it already has a sea

[@kyunhwoarang]

Malaysia didn't claim Sabah. A commission was carried out to ascertain the voice of the people Sabah and Sarawak. With Singapore, all 4 formed Malaysia in 1963, which was part of British colonies. 1965 Singapore were kicked out because racial tension.

[@kyunhwoarang]

@Lianhua Xin I know a lot more than that. I'm just trying to set the record straight. Bajau people from the south of Philippines are outside of Philippines development program despite being in their territory. If it weren't for Abu sayaf and Sulu entourage causing border restrictions their life won't be much more miserable than it should be. Because Sabahan particular the Bajau in the south of Sabah don't have a cause for conflict. The reality of crazy people fighting for border with their microscope, while the local have a good view of their ultimate stupidity.

[@farthurf.5221]

It's all because of malaya fault

[@sionc1372]

@@farthurf.5221 blame the brits. 😂

[@farthurf.5221]

@@sionc1372 no doubt too much influence until their nationality be asked now, immigrant everywhere even tho they're can't speak the land language of where's their stay living now

[@odyseehasdislikesyoutubesu1892]

sabah is ours , you rented it form the sultan of sulu and never gave it back , we will recalim what is rightfully ours.

[@krystlea5210]

Discussing the challenges as openly as the regional forum's strengths, is crucial in long term and genuine stability not anchored on "beggar thy environment" or "beggar thy neighbor" tendencies when facing economic ambitions.

[@reymarkdeleon7344]

Me as a Filipino, We need to help Myanmar because its not about in relationships of each other it's all about to it's people

[@Chooong7]

Hayuuuup 👏

[@odyseehasdislikesyoutubesu1892]

no , as a filipino we should not intervene , myanmars problem is theirs to solve.

[@cocakula6093]

@@odyseehasdislikesyoutubesu1892 actually tumulong tayu since asean tayu and pag tumulong tayu sa kanila ibabalik din nila un

[@INTJ791]

why not ask your allies united states since they build naval base

[@inamorta47-playertwist]

As a Filipino, it is sad that we hardly even know what is ASEAN since we dont incorporate ASEAN as a subject or even part of a subject in any of our curricular education. I wished though that we soon atleast tackle ASEAN in schools. Does only mean that our education system here is flawed.

[@aresorion9705]

In G7, I briefly remember a lesson about ASEAN and about its founding, After we found out about China and its wars (Opium War etc.) It was World History, I think it was in AP/Social studies? I don't remember exactly what subject

[@omnisciencexx790]

Its included lmao.

[@yolo8283]

it's actually included.

[@10thDoctorWhoovez]

It's included. -You just probably didn't listen.-

[@vinceandrew4695]

Bro we had this in like the 5th grade...

[@AndayaZaldy]

Thanks you so much more🇵🇭 Guys good appreciate men❤ Amen good bless you❤❤

[@ihl0700677525]

ASEAN "Non-interference policy" is the cornerstone of its existence. Some ASEAN members have a strict non-interventionist foreign policy, which is explicitly stated in their constitution, that they shall never interfere in other countries' internal affairs. Well, things may change, but I hope ASEAN won't repeat EEC's regression into EU.

[@ryanardan09]

No. ASEAN is not ASIA's EU. We're pragmatics, we don't sell ideologies. We don't put our nose where it doesn't belong. It's all about getting prosper together

[@chrisk7118]

The concept for ASEAN was invented by the Philippines originally to create a Malay country superstate between Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines in the 1960’s.

[@iceteazen]

Originally a dream of Philippines hero Jose Rizal. He observed that the malay race was artificially divided by colonial powers, he dream of one day reuniting the malay race into a single federation. It never happened but ASEAN was a better alternative.

[@markkennethcantila8119]

Europe's ASEAN is the right description for EU, as ASEAN is almost twice older than EU.

[@MW_Asura]

...No?

[@raymondo_]

Personally I think that ASEAN should continue with their non interventionist policies, I mean when has that ever backfired in history?

[@sitinurtaufiqahbintedi-lai6583]

Top 10 countries - Brunei - Cambodia - Indonesia - Laos - Malaysia - Vietnam - Philippines - Singapore - Thailand - Myanmar

[@ahmadtarmiji5677]

INDONESIAN Will become the most powerful economic force in the world, The great love of INDONESIAN 🇮🇩🙏

[@sicals1720]

Great coverage, I think you should shed more light about the non-interference and the "non strict" approaches thats widely used in Asean. Why we have to choose that kind of approach here in South east asia, what are the drawbacks and strenght of such approach. And thanks for mentioning how the myanmar case really test asean and its approach (as one of the our FM puts it "Does Asean Matter?"). Also a note about the Asean centrality vision should be added

[@wayus6309]

Good intro about ASEAN. I hope you have follow-up videos and discuss about the ASEAN Economy Community in subsequent ones.

[@wanakmar0734]

Asean can never be EU and vice versa. Both have diff set of values and principles. Nonetheless, maintaining peace in the region shall be its core objective.

[@parashit2181]

You can clearly see ASEAN's objectives on its emblem. It has every state's flag colour (equality), and the stalks of padi to represent prosperity because We are all eating rice everyday in this region. The ASEAN founding fathers just wanted a simple International connection, no weapons (peace), no wild animals, and no dominant colour, even they were using lowercase letters.

[@odyseehasdislikesyoutubesu1892]

yep

[@Aptianedicts]

Really interesting video, thanks

[@user_staractive]

Imagine the picture of ASEAN when actually become one united nations: _Where people and diverse political ideologies would become one _Where its member would become a state, represent of every glory of their great ancestors left for the countries _Where people would hail the flag of ASEAN (rice circled in red, along with the deep blue colour) in every August 8th _Where its anthem would be sung in every Olympic Games _Where its . . . ok i can only think of all these so far

[@commentguy7]

Nothing is happening...Its a fail fail propaganda 😂

[@j0p04s7]

I love ASEAN the most peaceful group of countries..I hope we could join as One country and be just a state by our own countries❤️

[@powerbar1981]

All the members of ASEAN countries are once live as one of the legendary nation called the "Great Sundaland Civilization" aka "Atlantis from the East". One of the most advanced ancient Civilization 20000 years ago before been wiped out from the Great Flood 14000 years ago. So here we are now, Asian people are always Asian. Because we remain keeping our Pancasila Life, we will always be a "Man of Culture". 👍

[@Just4Kixs]

I'm an ASEAN citizen (Philippines), and it's starting to take shape in a way of the EU. If you take a look at the common currency with Singapore and Brunei, they have pegged currencies at a 1:1 ratio.

[@spdfatomicstructure]

That's only two out of the 10 countries. A common currency is but one step. There needs to be greater integration on other fronts too and it's hard to achieve that without a concrete agreement to have everyone democratise and thereafter agree to a creation of a democratically-elected general assembly to set the tone

[@Just4Kixs]

@@spdfatomicstructure It's a small start, but yes, I also think that other countries' affairs should be the affairs of everyone else involved in the organisation as the actual organisation is so integrated.

[@Si_nengatcha]

Even though ASEAN is an organization of 10 countries, the fact is each of these member state may have bilateral agreement among themselves without ASEAN. The Singapore : Brunei currency you mentioned, is only between Singapore and Brunei and they don't need ASEAN approval. Indonesia also has many bilateral agreement with other ASEAN members state that doesn't require ASEAN approval so to speak. That being said, ASEAN can be a place to talk between member states

[@odyseehasdislikesyoutubesu1892]

@@Just4Kixs ASEAN is not a union , ITS AN ASSOCIATION , we are not the EU or US or NATO or soviet union , non intervention is better.

[@INTJ791]

SHUT UP YOU NOT SEE VIETNAM DONG, INDONESIA RUPIAH,

[@alstjrqkr689]

This is only South East Asia. Imagine if one day East Asia countries like China, S,N Korea and Japan miraculously joins a union and cooperate together compeletely. That would be a power house equal to EU or US… Currency alone is nightmarish😬

[@harukrentz435]

Ever heard RCEP??

[@zebimicio5204]

China itself is already on par with EU and Russia combines. Them combining with the koreas and japan would spell east asian dominance aura all over the region.

[@playforyouohgreatmita]

RCEP also include Australia as well

[@haechiwr]

Then wouldn't the Americas become one too? From Canada and alaska all the way down to chile

[@odyseehasdislikesyoutubesu1892]

japan and south korea hate china , what you guys talking about?

[@ronaldhee6608]

Great piece! Only fairly minor point I can think of is the role of Konfrontasi, that to avoid another border war like that, let's agree to cooperate, and over time the areas of cooperation have increased to the point that war appears extremely unlikely, even between former enemies.

[@NoBudjetFilms]

Really cool, I hope they continue to be successful in the future. Smaller nations coming together to form a cooperative political bloc is smart because it gives them better negotiating power in global politics and helps to prevent any of one of them from being dominated by a foreign Great Power *cough US&China cough*