Unveiling ASEAN’s Diplomatic Equilibrium: Assessing Member Nation-States’ Responses to Russia’s Attack on Ukraine amidst the Rivalry between United States and China

Abstract

Since the beginning of Russia’s attack on Ukraine in 2022, the stance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) towards the crisis has been grounded on one of its core principles as a regional bloc—non-interference, with member nation-states expressing varying levels of concern, neutrality, and implicit condemnation. ASEAN as a supranational institution trying to consolidate power in the region’s security, economy, and diplomacy has attracted the eyes of the global powers, such as the United States (US) and China, as they seek support in resolving the conflict and advancing their own interests. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the backdrop, the Sino-US rivalry has intensified in the region through their strategic attempts in influencing the Southeast Asian (SEA) nation-states’ stance in the on-going crisis. It is on this premise that this paper delves into several key interwoven politico-economic relations and historical ties that justify ASEAN member nation-states’ responses in the crisis by (1) tracing the SEA governments’ immediate responses, (2) comparing proactive measures taken by these governments to pursue decisions that align with their respective interests, (3) examining the bases of SEA states’ actions and public responses, (4) probing into the existing varying interests among SEA governments, and (5) establishing the links between SEA governments’ responses to that of US and China. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of ASEAN’s roles and actions in global politics, specifically in dealing with issues on peace, security, and stability, amidst the intricate geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.

Keywords

• asean
• russia-ukraine conflict
• us-china rivalry
• asean diplomacy