| dc.description.abstract | ABSTRACT This research aims to investigate the process of building the idea of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). There have been many studies that look into AEC and the process of regional economic integration in ASEAN. Most of these studies use neoliberal and structural approach, which see AEC as the logical consequences of globalization and the strategy of developing countries in developing their economy. However, there are only a limited number of studies that have their focus on the role of epistemic communities and ideas in the process of the making of AEC. Using constructivist approach, this research will investigate [1] the process of building the idea of AEC, [2] the role of epistemic community in creating the blueprint of AEC and convincing the ASEAN leader to accept the concept of AEC. ASEAN Competitiveness Study (2013) conducted by McKinsey, which is a part of the epistemic community, brought a shock to ASEAN leaders. The research shows that ASEAN lacks a single market, resulting in inefficient production, which makes it less attractive for investors. Similar studies from the epistemic community, such as ISEAS and ASEAN-ISIS, also supports McKinseys findings. It can be seen that the idea of AEC is politically constructed, whose process is largely carried out by the epistemic community. Keywords : ASEAN, constructivism, idea of AEC, regional integration, epistemic community. | |
