Does ASEAN Matter? A View from Within

by Marty Natalegawa

Written by the highly regarded diplomat Marty Natalegawa, former ambassador and foreign minister of Indonesia, this book offers a unique insider-perspective on the present and future relevance of ASEAN. It is about ASEAN's quest for security and prosperity in a region marked by complex dynamics of power. Namely, the interplay of relations and interests among countries -- large and small -- which provide the settings within which ASEAN must deliver on its much-cited leadership and centrality in the region. The book seeks to answer the following questions: How can ASEAN build upon its past contributions to the peace, security and prosperity of Southeast Asia, to the wider East Asia, the Asia-Pacific and the Indo-Pacific regions? More fundamentally and a sine qua non, how can ASEAN continue to ensure that peace, security and prosperity prevail in Southeast Asia? And, equally central, how can ASEAN become more relevant to the peoples of ASEAN, such that its contributions can be genuinely felt in making better the lives of its citizens?

Genres: International Relations

288 pages, Paperback

Published July 16, 2018

Reviews

[Erin Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asean AND Marty Natalegawa? What could go wrong!

[Zan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In "Does ASEAN Matter," Marty Natalegawa, Indonesia's former foreign minister, provides a firsthand account of ASEAN's significance, offering three key arguments. First, he highlights the success of ASEAN in fostering a 'culture of peace,' showcasing the harmony between national and regional interests. This, he argues, dispels the notion of a conflict between sovereignty and solidarity. Second, the book explores ASEAN's pivotal role in global politics, emphasizing its ability to balance regional and global interests and serve as a 'norms entrepreneur' in engaging major powers. However, the book takes an elitist approach that neglects grassroots issues and an implicit liberalism that some argue biases the narrative, downplaying critical destabilizing factors in the region.

While Natalegawa acknowledges ASEAN's challenges, such as the South China Sea dispute, the book falls short in addressing people-to-people issues within the ASEAN community. The author's call to enhance a 'people-centric' outlook leaves the impression that ASEAN's focus remains predominantly governmental. Despite these critiques, "Does ASEAN Matter" remains a valuable exploration of the region's successes and challenges, providing readers with a diplomatic perspective enriched by Natalegawa's extensive experience in international relations.

[jellynnnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very close supervision about Indonesia and ASEAN's member states' foreign policy to ASEAN enforcement. As an ex-minister of foreign affairs, Natalegawa gives us his own perspectives and how he achieved every interest by Indonesia's role in ASEAN. I very recommend to read this book by Natalegawa to understand ASEAN, especially from Indonesia's point of view.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of ASEAN and SE Asia development in the last half a century. Read it to prepare me for job searching in this region. It did feel like it was written from Indonesia’s perspective rather than just an overview of the organisation but it was still okay. But dry at times but that’s the nature of this kind of work. Overall, useful.

[Hafizha Dwi Ulfa · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think this book made a good perspective. Dr Marty give us a neutrally perspective about ASEAN opportunities while considering the lacking of ASEAN in fact. Marty Natalegawa adalah salah satu panutanqu.