Understanding and Prospect of Identity Construction in ASEAN Integration
| Published date | 01 October 2023 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/00208817231213500 |
| Author | Pattharapong Rattanasevee |
| Date | 01 October 2023 |
| Subject Matter | Research Articles |
https://doi.org/10.1177/00208817231213500
International Studies
60(4) 379 –400, 2023
© 2023 Jawaharlal Nehru University
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DOI: 10.1177/00208817231213500
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Research Article
Understanding and
Prospect of Identity
Construction in
ASEAN Integration
Pattharapong Rattanasevee1
Abstract
This article aims to provide insights into the concept of collective identity within
the context of ASEAN integration. It delves into the transformation of Southeast
Asia, which has shifted from a region under the dominance of European
colonial powers to one that seeks to establish its unique identity and chart its
own course. Additionally, it underscores the pivotal role played by collective
identity in the process of integrating Southeast Asia while exploring the factors
influencing its formation. In addition to theoretical exploration, this article posits
that ASEAN’s collective identity, to some extent, finds resonance among elites,
diplomats and technocrats but remains less prevalent among the general ASEAN
population. Consequently, this article suggests the need for the development
of a transnational mechanism or policy that facilitates and encourages the
flow of people and information across borders. ASEAN should also consider
reinterpreting its norms, promoting educational initiatives and fostering greater
engagement with its citizens.
Keywords
Identity, ASEAN, Southeast Asia, Norms, Regionalism
Introduction
In recent decades, there has been growing interest among scholars and the public
in fostering collective identity at the regional level as a means to garner support
for regional integration. It is widely recognized that a well-functioning political
entity necessitates the delegation of some degree of sovereignty to a supranational
1Faculty of Political Science and Law, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
Corresponding author:
Pattharapong Rattanasevee, Faculty of Political Science and Law, 169 Long-Hard Bangsaen Road,
Saen Sook, Mueang, Chonburi 20131, Thailand.
E-mail: p.rattanasevee@yahoo.com
380 International Studies 60(4)
body, alongside voluntary backing from its members to effectively implement
authoritative decisions (Risse, 2000, p. 1). Simultaneously, the significance of
collective identity has surged, particularly as the EU grapples with scepticism and
internal challenges. In other regions pursuing integration, the lack of a strong
collective identity has often been cited as a factor contributing to the sluggish
pace of integration. However, it is crucial to note that the concept of collective
identity remains inadequately defined within the realm of international relations
literature. Moreover, there is a dearth of clarity regarding the extent to which a
sense of attachment to regional entities is required. Theoretically, psychological
literature offers some initial insights into the formation of social identification at
the individual level, the emergence of multiple loyalties and the reasoning behind
individuals' decisions to cooperate with others. Constructivists posit that identity
is a product of social and historical construction through interactions at the
regional level, and reciprocally, identity plays a role in shaping the actions and
interests of states.
Furthermore, in the context of European integration, identity proves pivotal for
the advancement of the EU and significantly influences citizen participation.
However, the EU’s case reveals intricate dynamics and conflicts between regional
and national identities, along with connections between collective identity and
economic advantages. Within the ASEAN context, the prevalent notion of ‘elite-
centred regionalism’ suggests that the presence of identity primarily resides at the
state level, where common values are shared to some extent among elites,
diplomats and technocrats. Much of the evidence demonstrates that the ASEAN
Way, regarded as the cherished norm of the organization, has significantly
influenced the means of multilateralism and the interactions among its member
states. Nevertheless, when it comes to ordinary citizens, there appears to be a
notably limited sense of collective identity. This might be attributed to the fact
that ASEAN has had minimal impact on their daily lives and has primarily
operated within elitist frameworks. Hence, individuals fail to recognize the
advantages of this regional alliance and perceive no incentive to engage in its
endeavours. This constitutes one of the fields where ASEAN presently faces
significant shortcomings, potentially impeding its progress toward substantial
integration and development.
This article commences by offering an overview of the transformation of
Southeast Asia, tracing its evolution from a battleground for colonial powers to an
autonomous and discernible region, all the while considering ASEAN’s role in
shaping this transformation. Subsequently, the following section delves into the
conceptualization of collective identity, aiming to provide pertinent theoretical
insights. It then proceeds to present empirical findings designed to explore and
elucidate the presence of collective identity, including the influential factors
contributing to identity construction, both at the state and individual levels. The
concluding section furnishes further discussion, a synthesis of key discoveries
and recommendations for addressing the identified challenges. This article
employs document research as well as in-depth semi-structured interviews of key
informants as the main research methods. The primary data were generated
through written and archival documents from a wide range of books and articles
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