Southeast Asian Perspectives on Models of Regional Governance under the Theory of the “International Community”

　　Abstract: Regional governance in Southeast Asia is a process of integrating an economically unbalanced and underdeveloped region into the international community. The starting point for this article is the theory of the international community as conceptualized by the British School of international politics. On the basis of this theory, it considers the theoretical and empirical implications of and the roots, unit of analysis and analytical frameworks for regional governance in Southeast Asia. It argues that several models of governancehave emerged: a unitary model guided by the state; a marketbased model guided by companies; and a civil society model featuring participation of NGOs. At present, Southeast Asia is transitioning towards a trilateral model of joint governance by states, companies and NGOs. The Southeast Asian model of governance is characterized by “soft regulation”, disequilibrium between subject and object of governance, and a high level of tolerance for openness. The article also discusses prospects for the future integration of Southeast Asia into the international community.  