Phar, Kim Beng (2026) For ASEAN mili-lateralism more practical than multilateralism. Free Malaysia Today, 2026 (37). pp. 1-4.
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Abstract
This article examines the growing relevance of mini-lateralism as a pragmatic complement to ASEAN's traditional multilateral framework amid escalating geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainty. It argues that while ASEAN's consensus-based decision-making has been central to preserving regional cohesion and ASEAN centrality, contemporary crises—including disruptions to global energy markets, maritime trade, and supply chains—require more agile and operationally focused forms of cooperation. The article conceptualises mini-lateralism as flexible, issue-specific collaboration among smaller groups of ASEAN member states and trusted external partners without undermining the broader institutional architecture of the Association. Drawing upon examples such as maritime security cooperation in the Straits of Malacca and the Sulu–Sulawesi Seas, it demonstrates that mini-lateral arrangements have long existed within ASEAN's strategic practice. The analysis further identifies potential applications in energy security, food resilience, semiconductor supply chains, artificial intelligence governance, and humanitarian assistance. It concludes that mini-lateralism should not be viewed as a substitute for ASEAN centrality but rather as an adaptive mechanism that enhances regional resilience, strategic flexibility, and institutional effectiveness in an increasingly fragmented Indo-Pacific security environment.
| Item Type: | Article (Electronic Media) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | ASEAN; Mini-lateralism; Multilateralism; ASEAN Centrality; Regionalism |
| Subjects: | J Political Science > JZ International relations |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) Office of the Rector |
| Depositing User: | Dr Kim Beng Phar |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Aug 2026 12:20 |
| Last Update: | 01 Aug 2026 12:20 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-07-Q4417 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/130398 |
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