How successful has the 'ASEAN Plus Three' been in addressing regional problems? Support your answer with specific examples.
The ASEAN Plus Three (APT), comprising ASEAN’s ten members plus China, Japan, and South Korea, emerged after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis as a mechanism to strengthen resilience and regional cooperation. While not flawless, it has achieved notable successes in financial stability, trade, and addressing non-traditional security issues.
Financial stability is its hallmark. The Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM), a currency swap arrangement, provides liquidity support to members facing crises. Coupled with the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), which monitors economies, it reduces dependence on the IMF and offers a regionally grounded safety net.
APT has also advanced economic integration. Though a comprehensive free trade agreement proved elusive, it facilitated discussions and initiatives that contributed to the broader Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), helping align supply chains and expand interdependence among members.
Beyond economics, APT has strengthened cooperation on disaster management and public health. Coordination after the 2004 tsunami and joint responses to SARS and H1N1 outbreaks demonstrated its role in humanitarian and health security. By sharing information and building capacity, APT enhanced preparedness for cross-border crises.
Challenges persist, including rivalries among the “Plus Three” and varying political will among members. Yet, APT’s contributions to financial stability, trade integration, and crisis response underscore its success in addressing regional problems and fostering cooperation in East Asia.
Answered By:
Discuss the psychological approach to the study of comparative politics.
Neo-liberalism lightened neo-realism's dark view of international politics. Comment.
Explain the non-traditional security threats in the context of food and environmental crises.
Discuss the political socialization of open and closed societies.
Comment on the Red Lipstick Movement in the context of feminist rights.
The world currently has been in the throes of a twin process of 'democratic backsliding' and 'democratic backlash'. How would you explain this paradox?
The withdrawal of the United States of America from the World Health Organization is set to have far-reaching impacts on global health. Reimagining the existing WHO is vital for the global health agenda. Discuss.
Transnational actors have qualitatively transformed the world by the way of their fresh insights and actions. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.
Of late, centrist and centre-left political parties have been facing setbacks while centre-right parties have been in ascendency the world over. Comment.
Collective security and responsibility to protect (R2P) are similar but different in scope, goals and methods. Explain.
How will you manage a case of misplaced copper-T (Cu-T)?
Describe the embryogenesis, clinical features and principles of management of cleft palate.
Write short notes in 150 words:
Metagenesis
Write short notes in 150 words:
Book lungs
Write short notes in 150 words:
Paedomorphosis