ABSTRACT
Asia is very differentiated and does not have a continental regional coooperation unique model. The evident success story is ASEAN, the association of south-east Asian nations founded in 1965: its distinctive path in the Asia-Pacific area has been defined as the ASEAN way characterised by an informal and consensual decision-making process. The comparative method suggests looking for similarities and differences with SAARC, surrounding India and potentially one of the largest regional organisations in the world. Comparing the dynamics of ASEAN with other regional organisations: the quasi-failure of SAARC is the counterexample to the historical gradual consolidation of ASEAN. Furthermore, ASEAN was able to combine internal consolidation with a major role by setting a peaceful architecture of peace and cooperation in Asia-Pacific, through the construction of an original concentric circles cooperation, which looks to be challenged by the great power influence and notably by the current bifurcation US–China.
