4 - Addressing the gap in ASEAN: Involvement of Rising Power in Asia

The issue of regional poverty gaps has long been a challenge in Asia. Economic cooperation and regional integration seem to be progressing, yet the disparities in income and GDP between countries continue to persist. These gaps are often discussed in economic terms but they are also linked to differences in diplomatic and political development of individual countries. To highlight the intertwined relationship between national politics and regional economies, this paper examines Vietnam and Indonesia’s development policies and processes, and their roles as middle-power Asian countries in promoting regional cooperation and integration through an international relations approach.

Vietnam and Indonesia have actively engaged in forming economic and security networks within Southeast Asia. As key members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), their national development policies and performances can significantly influence ASEAN's intra-regional trade, investments, politics, and security. The national development process of these countries is thus closely interconnected with regional cooperation, demanding a critical survey on both.
Building on these premises, this study emphasizes the importance of the economic networks and the roles of foreign and security policies of the intra-regional middle power countries in addressing disproportionate development problems. For a sharp analysis, the paper focuses on the roles of Vietnam and Indonesia in 1) building economic networks, 2) demonstrating diplomatic resilience, and 3) strengthening non-traditional security to mitigate the pains of uneven economies and poverty gaps in the region.