Chapter 6 - Conclusion: Economic Regionalism and ASEAN Investment

Summary

Economic regionalism in ASEAN features a dynamic legal interaction of centripetal force (represented by global economic norms) and its centrifugal counterpart (defined by ASEAN’s unique historical and cultural traits). The main goal of this book is not to present and defend a narrowly articulated thesis that focuses on a single doctrinal or conceptual point or development within ASEAN. This book instead paints a broader canvass of evolution in law-making by uncovering unique patterns of innovation in legal tailoring while identifying also a central paradox – the wide gap in the degree of openness and commitments between intra-ASEAN vis-à-vis extra-ASEAN sources of investment. This final chapter provides a summary and recount of the main observations and arguments in previous chapters from the standpoint of regionalist dynamics in ASEAN investment regulation. It also offers several policy proposals to harness the potential of the AIR and achieve the mega goal of “ASEAN Centrality.”