Suchergebnisse

This book explores Central Asias relationship with Southeast Asia and ASEAN. It examines the Southeast Asian vector in the Central Asian countries mostly multi-vector foreign policies and the key dynamics that are transforming interregional relations into one of greater engagement. It argues that Central Asian states are interested in developing stronger ties with Southeast Asian countries, amongst others, as part of their hedging strategy in order to diversify their foreign economic relations and to lessen their overdependence on neighbouring great powers. It also looks at Central Asian views of ASEAN as a successful model of regionalism and as a hedging platform for Central Asian states to collectively manage relations with external powers. Paradorn Rangsimaporn is a Thai diplomat and independent researcher.

The article examines Kazakhstan's relations with ASEAN. Kazakhstan has often tried to engage with ASEAN and to become part of its dialogue mechanisms, but the lack of significant trade relations, vast geographical distance and logistical hurdles, and low mutual awareness have proven obstacles to more substantive relations. However, China's increasing influence in Kazakhstan and its Belt and Road Initiative, in which Kazakhstan plays a central role, has opened up possibilities for greater engagement and cooperation as well as ASEAN's increased interest in Kazakhstan. For Kazakhstan, ASEAN's success in regional cooperation could also be a useful model for the growing interest in regional cooperation in Central Asia. (Asian Aff/GIGA)

This article examines Russia's relations with Southeast Asia and ASEAN, analyzing in particular the increased attempts under President Vladimir Putin to assert Russian influence in this sub-region. It looks at how Southeast Asia and ASEAN are important for Russia in its aspirations to become a major regional player.

The article examines the debate among relevant sections of Russia's foreign policy elite regarding the country's military-technological cooperation policy with China and changing views under Presidents Yeltsin and Putin. Russian views are ambivalent at best and significantly affected by the dynamics of U.S.-Russian relations.