ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out to understand the most critical contribution of RCEP to the future of the region, particularly shaped by interests by the ASEAN economies. This chapter also argues that RCEP asserts the agency of smaller powers within the trade network – ASEAN and its member – amongst the most diplomatically supportive of the deal. It seeks to understand the agency within this group and examines whether there are significant differences in the approaches towards RCEP and how, and if, they are being addressed in the intra-ASEAN negotiations.
