Abstract
The main strength of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) is basically the same as that of other ASEAN-centered multilateral dialogue platforms: inclusiveness. In other words, the forum is characterized by a principled openness to countries big and small that belong to the East Asian region geographically, historically, economically, and politically. Each state pursues its own external interests but at the same time accepts ASEAN’s coordinating role in promoting mutual cooperation for the sake of greater stability and security at national, regional, and global levels.
The first section of this essay examines the strengths of the ADMM-Plus relative to other ASEAN-centered forums. The essay then discusses Russia’s participation in the ADMM-Plus, as well as in other regional groupings, and considers the potential pitfalls that could limit the effectiveness of this dialogue platform.
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