The Flexibility of Small State Groupings:Research on ASEAN’s Regional Cooperation Strategies

　　Abstract: As a collection of small states, the role that ASEAN play in terms of guiding cooperation in East Asia might be thought of as a small horse trying to pull a large cart. In other words, ASEAN has a reputation as a “weak” actor in its interaction with great powers. In reality, while ASEAN may be weak in terms of its power to bind its members, it has always been able to take advantage of its institutional flexibility to advance the interests of its member states.The theory of “great power equilibrium” explains the behavioral flexibility within ASEANBy developing and analyzing cases based on regional cooperation strategy in ASEAN, this article demonstrates that while ASEAN is in a weak position vis-à-vis great powers, it is not willing to play the role of a “weak actor,” and consistently struggles to attain a more beneficial international position by maintaining a strong grasp of shifting international trends, and leveraging its status and flexibility as a regional organization. Based on this analysis, the article offers the following prediction for the future of ASEAN’s strategy for regional cooperation: in response to China’s rise and its impact on Sino- U.S. relations and the regional status quo, ASEAN will adopt a strategy of balancing against regional shocks as a means of molding a framework for regional cooperation more amenable to it playing a leadership role.

　　About the Author: Wang Yuzhu is a Professor in the National Institute of International Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences