Inter-regional Relations and the Asia-europe Meeting

This edited volume examines contemporary relations between Europe and Asia through the prism of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). ASEM is an informal forum for dialogue and cooperation between 53 partners from both regions. Having started in 1996, ASEM aims to enhance political dialogue, strengthen economic cooperation, and promote socio-cultural exchange. The book provides insights into past achievements, current challenges, and possible new directions for ASEM as a dialogue forum. The chapters focus on institutional design, the security agenda, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange and civil society outreach through the Asia-Europe Foundation. They also zoom in on ASEM’s Parliamentary Partnership, and the ongoing challenge of public awareness and visibility. Furthermore, they critically examine the implications of the widening process, the attempts to reinvigorate the forum, and the varied perspectives on ASEM’s value for both regions. Appealing to policy-makers, researchers, and students, this volume provides an in-depth analysis of a wide range of issues relating to the role of ASEM in contemporary international relations.

Bart Gaens is Senior Research Fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA). He is also Specially-Appointed Associate Professor at the University of Osaka, Japan, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki. He has published on Europe-Asia relations with special focus on the ASEM process.

Gauri Khandekar is Deputy Director and Director Europe at think tank Global Relations Forum based in its office in Brussels, Belgium. Gauri is the author of five books on Asia-Europe relations.