This is my first assignment in ASEAN studies. Funny, the classes started last September 5 already but I was not aware until the night of the 15th. I was reading for entertainment and laughing my heart out when I wrote my thoughts on “Titser Pangkalawakan.” I even finished watching “Six Flying Dragons,” “Alive,” and “Mulan.” Then I started watching another drama, “The Rebel” which was put on hold, of course, when I realised I was good as dead meat. Hahahah! There was a deadline that night. Hahahaha! I had to cram and empty all the contents of my brain in order to produce an answer. Luckily, the question needs an opinion and a personal declaration about my idea of the the course. But, as well all know, opinions in the graduate level, at the premier state university at that, must be based on journal articles, academic books, online sources of think tanks, international organizations, and other reputable institutions. Hindi pwedeng “opinion ko lang po ito.”
So, here it goes. I just submitted this. But rest assured that this is written scholarly (or trying to be). Don’t copy (bawal) but you may get some ideas from this. You may also read the references I used. I hope you don’t cram. Check your emails and student portals daily. Hihi.
In studying Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), it is imperative to understand how ASEAN is an instrument to identify with the developmental changes of each member state; how a nation-state interacts with others in the ASEAN community; and how each state benefits and helps other countries in the regional and international levels, appreciate the relevance and significance of the solidarity between and among the ASEAN member states and why it should be nurture and intensified.
And given the constant evolution of the Southeast Asian region, there should be a well-structured approach in studying and understanding the ASEAN organization. One of which is the meta-nation state paradigm designed to simplify the inter-nation interactions of various state players—nation state, intra nation state and the supra-nation state–in different venues. The meta-nation state also emphasizes the shifting of trends in integration, from the conventional state-to-state dominated mono-channel mode of exchanges and interchange to a dynamically multi-strata, multi-channeled structure and mode of interflow between and among nation states(Mahiwo, ASEAN in the Meta-Nation State Interface, 2014).
You may watch Dr. Mahiwo’s lecture here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEdeDJ8C1So
Another constructive approach to support this paradigm is through ASEANology. It isthe comprehensive framework to systematically study ASEAN member states’ affairs, relevant past, present and future issues and challenges in the region, including history, economics, politics, geography, security, peace, health, etc. It emphasizes the elements, components and processes of its 10-member nations. It also adapts multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches in handling the issues and challenges in the region (Mahiwo, 2013).
As ASEANology provides us with a general and integrative approach in studying Southeast Asian nations from the traditional–sporadic and institutiona–means to the more scientific and holistic one. Ironically, the ease and complexity of ASEAN will be structured into different yet inter-related areas of interests to be appreciated and further developed by students, teachers, even law-makers as it constantly evolves as an institution and as a subject matter (subject to endless debates). So by the way I understand it, ASEAN could be well-understood through meta-nation paradigm especially in this time of pandemic. With no medical solution in sight and the meta-nation state paradigm’s GloCal continuum, I think our government should think (globally, wide and far) of global solutions, that is to acquire knowledge and information from first-world countries in order raise the level of understanding regarding the problem or the pandemic and start to act locally to identify the needs of our people at the grassroots levels. I know, this is easier said than done but the presence of information and technological advancements around the world would be a great help to connect with possible solutions to different socio-cultural, economic and political problems at hand.
References:
Mahiwo, Sylvano D. (2013). Foundations & Framework of ASEAN Studies. [Unit I Module I]. UP Open University.
Mahiwo, Sylvano D. (2014). (Mahiwo, ASEAN in the Meta-Nation State Interface, 2014).” YouTube.
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