ASEAN-EU Collaboration To Counter Far-Right Ideology In Europe – OpEd

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The rise of far-right ideologies in Europe represents a significant threat to the democratic values that have underpinned Western societies since the post-war era. Characterized by nationalist, xenophobic, and anti-globalist sentiments, these far-right movements undermine democratic institutions and jeopardize social cohesion. In today’s globalized context, addressing such ideological extremism cannot be the sole responsibility of European nations; rather, ASEAN’s democratic member states possess valuable experience, particularly in fostering social harmony, tolerance, and pluralistic governance. 

This essay posits that a strategic partnership between ASEAN’s democratic members and Western liberal democracies within the EU can effectively contain and counter the proliferation of far-right ideologies in Europe. Grounded in shared values of democracy and multilateralism, this partnership has the potential to fortify both regions’ defences against the destabilizing repercussions of far-right extremism. The resurgence of these ideologies in Europe is fuelled by socio-economic grievances, rapid cultural transformations, and increasing Euroscepticism. Populist movements in countries such as Hungary, Poland, and Italy have capitalized on fears related to immigration, economic inequality, and the perceived erosion of national sovereignty within the European Union, fostering a rejection of liberal democratic norms in favour of authoritarianism, ethnonationalism and isolationism.

The consequences of this ideological shift are profound, posing threats to the rule of law, diminishing minority rights, and reversing decades of progress in European integration. Far-right movements exploit the anxieties of marginalized citizens, creating fertile ground for ideological polarization. The result is a Europe increasingly divided along cultural and political lines, which challenges the EU’s foundational principles of unity, democracy, and cooperation. 

In this context, ASEAN’s democratic member states present a compelling counter-narrative. Nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines have maintained relatively successful systems of pluralistic governance despite their complex social landscapes. Managing ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity is central to ASEAN democracies, and their experiences in promoting social harmony offer valuable insights amid Europe’s ideological fragmentation. For instance, Indonesia’s Pancasila ideology fosters unity in diversity, encouraging coexistence among its multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. Furthermore, ASEAN’s inclusive policies and civil society engagement effectively address issues of inequality and identity-based conflicts, which are crucial for mitigating extremist ideologies.

ASEAN’s success in managing diversity is evidenced by its strategies for combating radicalism and extremism. Over the past two decades, Southeast Asia has confronted various forms of ideological extremism, including Islamist radicalism and separatist movements. Governments, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, have implemented robust counter-radicalization policies that integrate security measures with community engagement. These efforts have effectively curtailed extremist movements by addressing the underlying socio-economic grievances that often contribute to radicalization.

The lessons learned from ASEAN’s experience in curbing extremism are relevant for Europe as it seeks to contain the far-right. Collaboration between ASEAN’s democratic members and the European Union (EU) should focus on three primary areas: political cooperation, sharing best practices, and cultural exchange. Politically, ASEAN and the EU share long-standing ties, and enhancing their dialogue on political extremism would represent a natural progression of their relationship. Joint declarations and initiatives affirming a commitment to multilateralism, tolerance, and democracy could provide a foundation for deeper collaboration. By coordinating efforts to combat the ideological roots of extremism, ASEAN and the EU could present a unified front against the rise of far-right movements. 

Moreover, both regions stand to benefit from sharing best practices in governance. The EU’s legal frameworks for addressing hate speech, extremist propaganda, and political polarization could be enriched by ASEAN’s experience in promoting social inclusion and mitigating identity-based conflicts. Similarly, ASEAN’s community-based approaches to preventing radicalization may offer valuable insights to European policymakers attempting to counter the grassroots appeal of the far-right.

Education and cultural exchanges also represent critical areas for effective collaboration between ASEAN and the EU. Programs designed to encourage cross-cultural understanding and tolerance are essential in countering the divisive rhetoric of the far-right. ASEAN’s rich history of cultural pluralism can provide models for fostering empathy and inclusivity within European societies. Encouraging greater people-to-people exchanges between ASEAN and EU member states would not only strengthen diplomatic ties but also promote a shared commitment to preserving liberal democratic values in the face of rising extremism 

Despite the potential for fruitful collaboration, challenges remain. The political systems in ASEAN countries vary significantly, with some exhibiting authoritarian tendencies that could complicate efforts to create a unified democratic front. Additionally, economic and geopolitical tensions—particularly regarding trade and security—could impede deeper collaboration. However, these challenges are surmountable with a focused approach to shared values and long-term strategic interests.

In conclusion, addressing the proliferation of far-right ideologies in Europe requires a coordinated global response that capitalizes on the diverse experiences and strengths of democratic nations worldwide. The democratic members of ASEAN and the European Union are well-positioned to collaborate in this endeavour, drawing upon their shared values of democracy, tolerance, and multilateralism. Through cooperation, the exchange of best practices, and engagement in cultural dialogue, ASEAN and the EU can formulate a comprehensive strategy to counter far-right extremism, thereby protecting their democratic institutions and contributing to the global effort to uphold liberal democratic norms in an increasingly polarized world.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own.

References

  • Mudde, Cas. The Far Right Today. Polity, 2019.
  • Eatwell, Roger, and Matthew Goodwin. National Populism: The Revolt Against Liberal Democracy. Penguin, 2018.
  • Hefner, Robert W. Civil Islam: Muslims and Democratization in Indonesia. Princeton University Press, 2000.
  • Kivimäki, Timo. Southeast Asia and Conflict Resolution: ASEAN’s Role in Regional Security. Routledge, 2002.
  • Mounk, Yascha. The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It. Harvard University Press, 2018.

Simon Hutagalung

Simon Hutagalung is a retired diplomat from the Indonesian Foreign Ministry and received his master's degree in political science and comparative politics from the City University of New York. The opinions expressed in his articles are his own.

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