ASEAN’s centrality depends on a shift to collective security

ASEAN’s handling of the Myanmar crisis has exposed deep institutional flaws, with its strict adherence to consensus and non-interference increasingly paralysing the bloc in the face of transnational challenges. Internal divisions, border tensions and the fast-changing international order have strained regional stability. External pressures from China, Palestine and Trump’s trade policies are further testing ASEAN cohesion. To remain effective and prevent paralysis, ASEAN must adopt a more flexible decision-making model and establish a collective security mechanism capable of responding to crises that threaten its centrality.