How (and Why) the United States Should Help to Build the ASEAN Economic Community

by Michael G. Plummer with responses by Scot A. Marciel, Kishore Mahbubani, and Chalongphob Sussangkarn

East-West Dialogue, No. 2

Abstract

Michael Plummer leads this issue of East-West Dialogue with a call for ambitious new initiatives leading to a U.S.-ASEAN economic space and a U.S.-ASEAN partnership fund to deepen civic and cultural ties. Plummer is joined by other expert commentators who agree the relationship is vital and offer further suggestions, confirming that gains from a deeper partnership are mutual and that the region is receptive to U.S. initiatives.

Commentaries:

ASEAN-U.S. Cooperation in Building the ASEAN Economic Community
Scot A. Marciel, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia and Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs

The American-ASEAN Relationship
Kishore Mahbubani, Dean, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore and former Ambassador to the United Nations from Singapore

Revitalizing ASEAN Competitiveness
Chalongphob Sussangkarn, Minister of Finance of Thailand (2007) and President, Thailand Development Research Institute (1996-2007)

East-West Dialogue, a project of the East-West Center, fosters discussion and debate of key issues in Asia-U.S. economic relations. The Dialogue seeks to develop and promote innovative policy, business, and civic initiatives to enhance this critical partnership. What do YOU think? Join the Dialogue on this issue's discussion page, where you can leave a comment and read comments from others.