COMMENTARIES

Seizing the Middle-Power Moment: ASEAN and Canada at a Convergence

Ambra Dickie

ASEANFocus is privileged to feature H.E. Ambra Dickie, Canada’s Ambassador to ASEAN. Ambassador Dickie reflects on the evolution of ASEAN-Canada dialogue relations and discusses how both sides can seize the “middle power moment” together, amid a shifting Indo-Pacific landscape. She shares Canada’s perspectives on the importance of ASEAN as the region’s leader, the significance of the forthcoming ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, and the importance of strengthening ASEAN-Canada ties to sustain an inclusive and enduring partnership.

How Should Southeast Asia Respond to Carney’s Davos Clarion Call?

Stephen Olson

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posited that the world order was not experiencing a “transition” but rather a “rupture” from the global system established in the aftermath of the Second World War. For Southeast Asia, and its primary institutional forum – ASEAN – this means recognising that some of its most cherished principles might no longer be entirely valid and reassessing traditional assumptions about regional cohesion and commonality of interests.