Brexit in Hindsight and the Future Direction for ASEAN

Abstract

Over the past year, the Brexit phenomenon has generated much debate over the challenges of regional integration around the world. This paper seeks to contribute to the literature of regionalism by critically examining some of the underlying causes of Brexit as well as important lessons that ASEAN should learn from the Brexit experience. In doing so, it looked into a number of socio-political issues that gave rise to the Brexit result. In addition, it also investigates if any similar issues can be discerned from the context of ASEAN. In this respect, the findings revealed that insufficient public awareness of regional integration and a lack of public involvement in decision-making of some key policies are the fundamental causes of Brexit. Notably, similar issues can also be detected within the ASEAN context. The suggestion for ASEAN therefore includes strengthening the effectiveness of awareness-raising campaigns and public involvement with policy formulation.