Abstract
This paper discusses the political motivations behind the evolution of economic cooperation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from its founding to the measures agreed upon to integrate its economy. Those measures include the reduction and elimination of tariffs on and the removal of nontariff barriers to intra-ASEAN trade, customs reform, the harmonization of product standards, the liberalization of trade in services, and the strengthening of transportation links. The paper analyzes the failure to fully carry out those commitments, ascribing it partly to domestic political obstacles. Finally, it discusses the efficacy of the ASEAN Charter in this regard and the prospects of achieving an ASEAN Community by 2015.
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