1st Edition
Europe-Asia Interregional Relations A Decade of ASEM
This book examines the interregional relations of the European Union with East Asia through the prism of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). ASEM currently brings together 16 Asian countries, the 27 member states of the European Union, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat and the European Commission. ASEM's ten-year anniversary and the Sixth Summit in Helsinki prompted reflection on the forum's accomplishments in three dimensions of interaction, its working methods, democratic involvement, public awareness and global strategic potential. The volume provides an in-depth evaluation of ASEM's first decade from a European perspective, including the achievements of the ASEM6 Summit and its implications for the future of the process. It also analyzes the role of interregional interaction as a tool for EU foreign policy.
Foreword, Martti Ahtisaari; Foreword, Hanna Lehtinen; Introduction, Bart Gaens; ASEM's background and rationale, Bart Gaens; ASEM as an economy-oriented partnership, Bart Gaens; ASEM, multilateralism, and the security agenda, Timo KivimAki; Human rights and Burma/Myanmar in the ASEM dialogue, Silja Keva; ASEM as a tool to 'bridge the cultural divide', Bart Gaens; ASEM and civil society, Silja Keva; ASEM's institutional infrastructure, Silja Keva and Bart Gaens; ASEM in the context of the European Union's external relations, Teija Tiilikainen; The outcomes of the ASEM6 summit in Helsinki, Bart Gaens; Summary and conclusions, Bart Gaens; Bibliography; Index.
Biography
Dr Bart Gaens is Senior Research Fellow in the Global Security Research Programme at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs.
'This well structured anthology provides a detailed account of how ASEM has served as an interregional forum during the last decade for Asia and the European Union. Authors provide a systematic and knowledgeable evaluation of ASEM's capacity to be a catalyst for economic and security cooperation, cultural and human rights dialogue, and civil society networking between the two regions.' Michael Schulz, University of Gothenburg, Sweden '...this is a fine book, particularly as a reference for all people interested in this young and at least potentially important international forum.' Political Studies Review 'This book provides a comprehensive analysis of various aspects of the ASEM process not only for academics but also for those readers who have a specific interest in Europe-Asia relations. Scholars and students of international relations, global governance etc. may find this book a welcome addition to the existing literature.' East Asian Integration Studies
