Understanding ASEAN: Why This Southeast Asian Bloc Matters to the U.S.
What Is ASEAN and Why Does It Matter to the United States?
BANGKOK (AP) — The recent Senate confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, sparked a significant debate about his understanding of international diplomacy. Sen. Tammy Duckworth questioned Hegseth’s knowledge of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), highlighting the bloc’s growing relevance in U.S. foreign policy.
Hegseth stumbled when asked to name a single ASEAN member or describe the type of agreements the U.S. has with the group. He incorrectly referred to South Korea, Japan, and Australia, which are not ASEAN members. Duckworth pointed out the error, advising him to “do a little homework.” This exchange raises the question: What is ASEAN, and why is it critical to U.S. interests?
