Abstract:
The primary aim of this thesis is to examine the notion of ASEAN Centrality through ASEAN Connectivity dimension between 2010 and 2019 with the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link (SKRL) as the case study. Its research problems are significant because ASEAN Centrality is an important principle that ASEAN has employed in conducting its external relations since it was mandated in the ASEAN Charter in 2008. Meanwhile, ASEAN believes that enhancing connectivity among ASEAN Member States will promote its centrality and serve ASEAN as the primary driving force in the regional architecture. This study is a documentary research and relies on Robert Keohanes theory of Institutional Liberalism in developing its conceptual framework. The thesis argues that the enhancement of ASEAN Connectivity in the case of the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link (SKRL) is unable to promote ASEAN Centrality. This is due to two limitations, as can be seen from the conceptual framework of Institutional Liberalism, that obstruct ASEAN from achieving the goal of centrality. The limitations can be divided into 2 factors, namely, internal limitations and external limitations. Internal limitations include the form and nature of institutional cooperation on ASEAN connectivity. And external limitations refer to the export of high-speed rail link projects from China to Southeast Asia under the One Belt One Road scheme. Both limitations also affect the implementation of the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link (SKRL) and become a cause of ASEANs inability to achieve its goal of centrality as has been planned.