Yogyakarta, December 18, 2025 — “How do political systems shape the way regional norms are practiced?” This question anchored CESASS Chat #46 hosted by the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM), featuring Michael Alexander Budiman (International Relations, Satya Wacana Christian University).
In his Chat, “Regime Types in Southeast Asia and the Interpretation of ASEAN Norms”, Michael introduced ASEAN as a regional organization built on shared behavioral norms—such as sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful conflict resolution, and non-use of force—as well as procedural norms of consultation and consensus. While these principles are often portrayed as fixed and uniformly applied, he demonstrated that their interpretation varies widely across member states.
Using case studies such as the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and the post-2021 Myanmar coup, he illustrated how regional crises pressure ASEAN’s normative framework, revealing tensions between ideals and political realities.
His Chat sparked an engaging Q&A session, centering on a pressing debate: “Does ASEAN belong to the broader society, or is it dominated by the elite?”
Drawing from his undergraduate thesis proposal, the Chat offers a glimpse of research, with its findings hoped to be fully presented in the near future.
Reporter: Mellyana Nungki Pramitha