Study Paper Regional Institutions on Nuclear Energy in ASEAN: Design and Development Seksan Anantasirikiat ISBN 978-616-341-131-0 (Download .pdf below)

Abstract

Although ASEAN has an impressive record of institutional development, the analysis about regional institutions on nuclear energy is rarely examined. The previous scholarship mainly focuses on the role and functions of  SEANWFZ. While some studies shed light on the policies and energy demands of a specific ASEAN country, this study paper argues that ASEAN has been taking a Globalist approach on nuclear non-proliferation and energy issues, meaning the countries prefer regional mechanisms to promote peace and security and actively support the existing international regimes concerning nuclear weapon and energy issues. In ASEAN, there are three principal regional mechanisms on regional nuclear energy: SEANWFZ, NEC-SSN, and ASEANTOM. In case of ASEANTOM, there are three key factors determining institutional design and development. The three factors determining the creation and institutional development of ASEANTOM are (1) Thailand’s proactive leadership, (2) global and regional norms, and (3) ASEAN member countries’ preferences and capabilities.