International Relations of Southeast Asia

Free trade expansion, security, public health, and environmental concerns are all under negotiation in this regional simulation, which casts students in the roles of diplomats from Southeast Asian countries. Participants must work together to craft agreements addressing critical issues facing the region.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has achieved rapid regional economic growth; however, it also faces great internal challenges as disparities in wealth and access to basic services continue to raise concern within its member countries. Security and infrastructure deficiencies also leave the region exposed to terrorism, crime, and public health crises. ASEAN is now holding talks with Japan, China, and South Korea with the goal of forming an ASEAN+3 pact to increase global competitiveness. With increasing connections between countries, new cooperative approaches are needed to address the issues that form the agenda for this simulation.

Instructors will be able to select the specific ASEAN+3 countries their students will portray. By default, the simulation includes all 13 countries; however, instructors can request a smaller number of countries. A detailed scenario is provided along with online Research Library resources to aid students in researching their assigned country's positions. This simulation includes an opportunity for students to develop, debate, and vote on specific proposal plans to address the issues in the scenario.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• One or more Internet-connected computers or devices per team. (Optimized for desktop and laptop computers.)
• Up-to-date web browser. (Internet Explorer is not supported.)
• JavaScript and pop-up windows must be enabled. (Check your browser settings.)
• No plug-ins or additional software required.