Inaugural GCC-ASEAN Summit: Comparative Insights into GCC-ASEAN Cooperation Dynamics

Naser M. Tahboub; Muhammad Ihsan Sandjaya

doi:10.35516/hum.v52i6.7420

Authors

Naser M. Tahboub Department of International Relations, Diplomacy and Regional Studies, Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II School of International Studies, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6243-7078
Muhammad Ihsan Sandjaya Senior Researcher, Amman, Jordan https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6534-8395

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/hum.v52i6.7420

Keywords:

Gulf Cooperation Council, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Regionalism, Framework of Cooperation, Major Powers

Abstract

Objectives: This research evaluates and analyzes how the GCC and ASEAN will cooperate following the October 2023 summit, determining the most likely paths in the political-security, economic, and sociocultural aspects. It reevaluates how the two regional blocs position themselves with the great powers, mainly the United States (US) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and assesses the optimism surrounding this cooperation despite the tensions faced by both the GCC and ASEAN. Additionally, this research elaborates on insights that both the GCC and ASEAN can share with one another.

Methods: This research employs descriptive analytics and comparative research to analyze the GCC and ASEAN. Both organizations have different visions, missions, challenges, and worldviews, which contribute to the earnestness of the agreed framework of cooperation.

Results: The results indicate that the role of a regional driver is central to realizing the existing framework of cooperation. For ASEAN, cooperation must be guided by its members who are at the forefront of engaging with the Arab Sunni-Muslim monarchies. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia acts as a driver for the Arabian Peninsula on multiple fronts, making the regionalization process challenging in this developed sub-region.

Conclusion: Despite their distinct regional and international geopolitical challenges, there are many lessons that both the GCC and ASEAN can learn from each other, with a particular emphasis on ASEAN's experiences benefiting the GCC.

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