Hedging with the Indo-Pacific: why Southeast Asia might benefit from embracing the construct

Title

Hedging with the Indo-Pacific: why Southeast Asia might benefit from embracing the construct

Creator

Rajesh, Gautam K.; Deshpande, Madhumati

Description

ASEANs engagement with the Indo-Pacific is often framed as a strategic shift, but this paper argues it is instead a continuation of its established hedging strategy. Drawing historical parallels, particularly Thailands colonial-era diplomacy, the article examines how ASEAN balances major power competition while preserving autonomy. By assessing ASEANs economic and security engagements with China and the United States, the paper highlights how hedging remains essential amidst intensifying geopolitical tensions. The Indo-Pacific framework does not require ASEAN to choose sides but reinforces its flexibility. ASEAN centrality, as enunciated by many global powers, has given much impetus to the organisation to continue with the hedging strategy. As the USChina rivalry deepens, hedging offers ASEAN the best path to stability and strategic relevance. 2025 The Round Table Ltd.

Source

Round Table;Volume;114;Issue;4;pp.463-475

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

Routledge

Subject

ASEAN centrality; ASEAN hedging; geopolitical balancing; Indo-Pacific strategy; strategic autonomy; USChina rivalry

Coverage

Rajesh G.K., Department of International Studies, Political Science and History, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India; Deshpande M., Department of International Studies, Political Science and History, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 358533;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1080/00358533.2025.2511000

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105007421298?origin=resultslist