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Gilberg reviews 'ASEM: The Asia-Europe Meeting-A Window of Opportunity' edited by Wim Stokhof and Paul van der Velde.

This report has attempted to review the development of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) dialogue forum and the future of Asia-Europe relations more generally. This area of studies is well underdeveloped, making both the research and the writing of this paper challenging and rewarding. As Asia and Europe are becoming key players in the new multipolar world order, ASEM will undoubtedly emerge as a major organisation. Indeed, ASEM is the only inter-regional forum of its kind. Its broad agenda includes global political and economical issues as well as social development and cultural understanding between the two regions. Discussion between the 4 7 members however remains informal and non-binding. Nevertheless, after 14 years of informal dialogue, the ASEM framework is at a turning point. Demands for concrete projects and cooperation are on the rise. Future developments of the process should consider the following recommendations. • Evolution to a trans-regional architecture in order to preserve each member states' sovereignty and national interests. In this framework, nations would be more likely to find a compromise and to cooperate with one another. • Institutionalisation of the ASEM process with the establishment of 'small secretariats'. These institutions are essential for agenda-setting and coordination of discussion during summits. It would also give ASEM a physical representation and help member states to move toward community-building. • Development of a comprehensive communication campaign to increase ASEM's visibility. On a global level, promotion of the ASEM within international institutions and national parliaments to increase awareness of the process. From a local perspective, organisation of joint public events, between the ASEF and Institutes of International Affairs, universities and other civil societies organisations, or between the AEBF and the business sector throughout Europe and Asia, would contribute to a stronger feeling of ownership. These recommendations suggest ways to improve mechanisms of the ASEM process that could help to dispel mistrust between its members and disorganisation of dialogue. If ASEM achieves coherence of its institutions and processes, ASEM would become the major contributor to community-building and constructive cooperation between Asia and Europe.

'ASEM (The Asia-Europe Meeting): A Window of Opportunity' edited by Wim Stokhof and Paul van der Velde is reviewed.