The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967 by five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. It aimed to accelerate economic growth, promote regional peace and stability, and foster collaboration among member states. Over time, ASEAN expanded to include ten countries. Unlike many regional organisations, ASEAN has been guided by key principles such as non-interference, consensus-based decision making, and a strong commitment to regional autonomy. One of ASEAN’s landmark achievements is the creation of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1994, promoting security dialogue and confidence-building measures in the Asia-Pacific region. It has also worked towards establishing an ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and an ASEAN Economic Community, aimed at deeper economic integration. ASEAN’s approach to diplomacy is often called “the ASEAN Way”, which prioritises informal dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes, and mutual respect for sovereignty. This has helped maintain peace and political stability in the region, especially among historically rival states. Although it does not seek to challenge global powers militarily, ASEAN has emerged as a significant actor in regional diplomacy, economic cooperation, and multilateral engagements.