Asean at the Crossroads: Rethinking Regionalism Through the Lens of the Asean Political-Security Community (APSC)

Abstract

The evolution of the ASEAN Political Security Community (APSC) represents both the achievements and limitations of Southeast Asia’s efforts to build a stable and cooperative regional order. The ASPC plays a key role through initiatives to promote dialogue, prevent regional conflicts and strengthen mutual security cooperation. Structural challenges, including unresolved territorial disputes, the rise of China, adherence to the principle of non-intervention, and the growing influence of populism and nationalism, are among the key challenges that the APSC needs to address. These challenges suggest that ASEAN’s normative and institutional frameworks are facing security and governance issues. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the research landscape on leadership and regionalism in Southeast Asia, with a specific focus on the evolution of the APSC. Scopus-AI analytics were used in the analysis process. Using a comprehensive search string across political, economic and security dimensions, this study draws insights from five Scopus-AI analytics features (summary, extended summary, concept map, topic experts and emerging themes) to map the thematic evolution of the APSC. The findings reveal consistent themes such as the enduring US–China rivalry and ASEAN’s institutional adaptation, rising themes including populism and nationalism, and novel themes such as the role of higher education leadership in fostering regional resilience. Moreover, topic experts highlight the importance of network governance, communicative practices through joint communiqués, and the blue economy as cross-sectoral dimensions influencing security cooperation. Theoretically, the study contributes to debates on regionalism and security community theory by reaffirming ASEAN as an incomplete but evolving security community. Practically, the results highlight the need for institutional reforms, capacity building, and people-centered approaches to enhance ASEAN’s centrality in regional affairs. By synthesizing thematic insights and expert perspectives, this study underscores that the future of the APSC depends on ASEAN’s ability to reconcile sovereignty-centered practices with the demands of deeper integration and collective resilience.