Member states of ASEAN - the Association of South-East Asian Nations - have developed a distinctive approach to political and security co-operation. This approachÂbuilds on the principles of sovereign equality non-intervention and non-interference quiet diplomacy mutual respect and the principle of not involving ASEAN in mediating bilateral disputes among the membership. This is a newÂexamination ofÂthe origins of ASEAN's diplomatic and security culture. It analyses how over time its key principlesÂare practised and contested as member states respond to regional conflicts as well as challenges posed by the major regional powers ASEAN's enlargement and the Asian financial crisis. ÂIt alsoÂassesses whether ASEAN's diplomatic and security culture is likely to remain salient as the political economic and security context in which regional leaderships operateÂundergoes further change. Language: English