By Kavi Chongkittavorn
ANN
The dramatic departure of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatomaya have effectively unplugged their nascent plans of constructing a new regional architecture. Asean, therefore, is the direct beneficiary of their downfall.
For nearly two years, the Asean leaders were dragged into debates unprepared and did several rounds of soul- searching. Member states found themselves united and at odds with one another examining national interests that has broader regional contexts. They ended up with a new mantra, known as "Asean centrality".
Without the constant pushing of the two powerful dialogue countries, the question remains whether Asean should go slow or move forward full throttle to gain a consensus as early as possible on the new regional architecture. If the past is any judge, Asean tends to move quicker and consolidate faster with external pressure or crisis looming large.
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