Can Southeast Asia Avoid Hierarchy?

... narrative is that ASEAN must retain its centrality in regional affairs, as the organization has managed to build a stable collective identity while respecting national diversity. Until recently, a significant obstacle had been the “wolf warrior” diplomacy, which Beijing also pursued in Southeast Asia to safeguard its interests, including through coercive methods. However, the Chinese leadership now prefers a softer and more selective approach, actively leveraging public organizations, the diaspora and dialogue along corporate lines....