Round Table "ASEAN vs. EU: Comparing Strengths and Weaknesses of Regional Institutions"

круглий стіл

On 4 May 2024, 20 students from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Ukraine) studying International Relations and World Politics came together to discuss the history and political systems of Singapore and Ukraine, as well as ASEAN and the EU, during a roundtable discussion on "ASEAN vs: Comparing Strengths and Weaknesses of Regional Institutions". 

The Centre for ASEAN Studies of the IIR and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Singapore supported the roundtable. 

Учасники

The students took turns comparing the structure and activities of the two organisations, as well as their fundamental principles, such as clientelism, respect for sovereignty, and others. The discussion covered the following topics:

  • Why do two different regions undertake such contrasting approaches to regional institutional integration? What were the key factors? 

  • What is the positionality of a state within the larger regional bodies? What are the implications on sovereignty of the state and institutional efficacy? 

  • How different would the benefits derived from membership within a regional association or union have between small and large states? 

  • Does Europe need an ASEAN-like structure, or does Southeast Asia need EU-like integration? Why or why not? 

We are sincerely glad to start cooperation with Nanyang Technological University!