ASEAN: the assessment of its economic and political efficiency as a regional actor

This thesis deals on economic and political efficiency of ASEAN through its regional integration in at both level of regional and global spheres. The primary objective of this thesis is to find out the potential of ASEAN to be politically and economically integrated and developed as a stronger representative - a regional actor which carrying the hope of ASEAN member-states toward peace and prosperity and to propose recommendations which would make it better in the way. As for the theoretical aspect, regionalism, globalization and international relations related theories and ASEAN's integration progress in regional and global scenarios are discussed. This study is based on an analysis of the current development of both economy and political security of ASEAN to submit the recommendations to improve the status of ASEAN with more efficiency in its performance to integrate the region in a unified and efficient form of stronger, comprehensive and influent bloc. The information and literature needed for the thesis is collected from open source, which is easily accessible to all. After analyzing present development, recommendations and future prospect, ASEAN is expected to turn out to be the successful regional cooperation if the shared interest of nation-states and the work for a cohesive solidarity in all aspects of the organization are determined, implemented and strengthened with a firm commitment. Even though ASEAN took reference from EU in its development, its being the cooperation from different group of differently diversified nations can pave its own way forward and can lay good precedent for other upcoming regional co-operations.