The Relevance of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) for Regional Security in the Asia-Pacific

This article discusses the structure and the functioning of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and then proceeds to analyse ABF's achievements, expectations, as well as increasing perceptions of its irrelevance as a security institution. It suggests that any analysis of the relevance of the ARF first has to examine whether the interests of its central members are opposed to the ABF's agenda and raison d'être. The three most powerful national actors (the United States, China, and Japan) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) all have an interest in supporting the ARF. It argues that the ARF is a forum that reflects the convergence of strategic interests of both the regional and external actors. Nevertheless, it concludes with the observation that the effects of the ARF are surely not sufficient to fully secure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific, but it is arguable whether any form of institution could satisfy this goal.