The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an international organization of ten Southeast Asian states, established to promote economic growth, social progress, cultural development, and regional stability. Its origin lies in the ASEAN Declaration, also known as the Bangkok Declaration, which was signed on August 8, 1967, by the foreign ministers of five founding countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The formation was motivated by a desire to foster regional cooperation and stability amidst the Cold War and post-colonial pressures, replacing the earlier Association of Southeast Asia (ASA) from 1961.
The organization's legal and institutional framework is defined by the ASEAN Charter, which entered into force on December 15, 2008, granting ASEAN a legal personality. The Charter establishes the ASEAN Summit of heads of state or government as the supreme policy-making body. Its work is structured around three pillars: the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). Decision-making is based on the core principle of consultation and consensus, often referred to as the "ASEAN Way," which also emphasizes non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.
ASEAN is central to the regional architecture, connecting to concepts like the ASEAN Plus Three (which includes China, Japan, and South Korea) and the East Asia Summit, which includes India as a participant. India is also a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. The bloc is a key player in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement. A recent change occurred with the adoption of the Cebu Protocol, the first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since its establishment, which is an important step toward the full integration of Timor-Leste. The core principles of consensus and non-interference, however, remain central to its operational ethos.