ASEAN quovadis on climate change issues

International Relations Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret, 57126 Surakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: muhnizar.siagian@staff.uns.ac.id

Abstract

Southeast Asia is a region highly vulnerable to climate change based on various indicators, making climate change a crucial issue that must be addressed by ASEAN countries. However, ASEAN faces persistent structural and political challenges in responding to this issue. This study analyzes the barriers that hinder ASEAN’s effectiveness in climate change governance. Using a qualitative case study approach with literature review and the conceptual framework of regionalism versus national interest, this research identifies three main challenges. First, anthropogenic practices embedded in daily behavior that accelerate environmental degradation. Second, competition among ASEAN countries to achieve developed nation status often sidelines climate commitments in favor of rapid economic growth. Third, ASEAN’s decision-making principles of consultation and consensus limit the organization’s ability to adopt binding and transformative climate policies. If ASEAN manages to address these three challenges, it has the potential to become effective in tackling climate change, but failure to do so will intensify climate threats and increase losses for member states. Currently, this study concludes with scepticism or even pessimism toward ASEAN’s capacity to resolve climate change due to national interest dominance. The findings contribute to reinforcing urgency and awareness for ASEAN regional authorities to act more decisively.