KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 (NNN-BERNAMA) – As the U.S. pursues a disruptive foreign policy, non-Western intergovernmental organisations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are gaining ground as “middle powers,” capable of shielding themselves, a Malaysian official said.
Recognising the risks of geopolitical tensions and economic disruptions, ASEAN is actively positioning itself as a stabilising force and seeking to strengthen partnerships with other intergovernmental organisations, such as BRICS, Zambry Abdul Kadir, Malaysia’s higher education minister, said, at a forum assessing the impact of the current U.S. government’s foreign policy.
“We’ve long discussed a unipolar world, where one nation holds all the power. But now, we are moving into a multipolar world,” said Zambry, highlighting ASEAN’s opportunity to step up as a “middle power” within the Asia-Pacific region under such circumstances.
Malaysia, currently chairing ASEAN, can play a pivotal role in addressing international disputes in collaboration with the regional bloc, he said.
Stressing ASEAN’s potential as both a mediator and a peacekeeper, Zambry said, the group is able to facilitate dialogue and foster regional stability without the interference of external forces.– NNN-BERNAMA
