The Lessons of European Integration for the Indo Pacific
On Monday 16 June 2014, Peter Varghese AO, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade gave the 2014 Schuman Lecture at the ANU Centre for European Studies.
In his talk, The Lessons of European Integration for the Indo Pacific, Mr Varghese said that while the current economic, cultural and political realities differ from Europe, that the region could learn from the institutional framework the EU has in place. He said that ASEAN has made a significant contribution to building common ground in Asia.
Below is a short excerpt from Mr Varghese’s speech:
Where the EU is, in large part, marked by the formality of its structures and its application of rules-based processes and laws, Asian leaders have long talked about the ‘ASEAN way’.
An approach that focuses as much on understandings behind the scenes as formal undertakings, that venerates consensus much more than majority rule.
Asian diversity – and a strong sense that national identity is still very important – make it unlikely that the Indo-Pacific will ever see a supra-national institution in the EU mould.
Nevertheless, there are useful lessons.
One – it can be done. It is actually possible to build structures and institutions across a diverse region that bind states together, that build understanding and offer increased hope for peace and commerce.
Economic integration can be a powerful weapon in the cause of peace and prosperity. This is the idea at the heart of the Australian Government’s ‘economic diplomacy’ – which puts the tools of growth, trade, business and investment at the centre of our international engagement.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop likes to say that just as traditional diplomacy aims for peace, economic diplomacy aims for prosperity.
Two – nationalism won’t ever be completely vanquished, even if you think that is desirable. Just when our success and stability grows strong – a new threat, like a GFC or a sustained downturn – can give new vitality to nationalist instincts.
Three – structures and institutions aren’t enough on their own. We have to continually make sure people see the merit of inter-state collaboration, and that this can be managed without sacrificing identity and values.