Title MA THESIS ✅

NORMATIVE POWER OF THE EU AND ASEAN? - A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS RATIONALE METHODOLOGY TIME FRAME DATA I. Theoretical Framework: Normative Power 1. The concept of a normative Power 2. EU as a normative power 3. ASEAN as a normative power II. The European Union’s Role in Eastern Europe: Normative Power in Conflict Management 1. Historical and Political Context of Eastern Europe Provide a historical overview of Eastern Europe with a focus on conflicts in the region (e.g., Ukraine. Set the stage for understanding the role of the EU in managing these conflicts. 2. The EU’s Normative Approach to Conflict Management Explore how the EU has used its normative power to manage conflicts in Eastern Europe. Discuss tools such as the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the Balkans Stabilization and Association Process, and EU enlargement. 3.Case Studies of EU Conflict Management in Eastern Europe The EU and Ukraine Examine the EU’s involvement in Ukraine, particularly after the annexation of Crimea in 2014, focusing on its normative power through sanctions, diplomacy, and support for democratic reforms.
III. ASEAN’s Approach to the South China Sea Disputes: Normative Power in Action 3.1 Historical and Political Context of the South China Sea Provide an overview of the South China Sea dispute, including the competing territorial claims and the role of ASEAN in mediating tensions. 3.2 ASEAN’s Normative Approach to Conflict Management Explore ASEAN’s normative framework, emphasizing non-interference, peaceful resolution of disputes, and the rule of law. Discuss ASEAN's collective diplomatic initiatives, such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) and the Code of Conduct (COC). 3.3 Case Studies of ASEAN’s Conflict Management in the South China Sea 3.3.1 The South China Sea Code of Conduct Analyze the negotiation and drafting of the Code of Conduct (COC) to regulate behavior in the South China Sea and its potential to manage disputes. 3.3.2 ASEAN-China Diplomacy Examine ASEAN’s efforts in engaging China through diplomatic channels, focusing on maintaining unity among ASEAN members and balancing China’s assertiveness with regional stability. 3.4 Challenges to ASEAN’s Normative Power in the South China Sea Discuss the challenges ASEAN faces in the South China Sea, such as China’s increasing militarization, lack of a unified ASEAN stance, and internal differences among ASEAN members. IV. Comparative Analysis of EU and ASEAN Approaches to Regional Conflict Management 4.1 Similarities in Normative Approaches Compare the EU’s and ASEAN’s use of normative power in conflict management. Discuss shared approaches such as diplomatic engagement, multilateralism, and promoting peace through norms.
4.2 Differences in Strategies and Effectiveness Contrast the strategies and effectiveness of the EU and ASEAN. Consider the EU's reliance on conditionality and enlargement, compared to ASEAN's emphasis on consensus and non-interference. Evaluate their successes in managing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the South China Sea. 5.3 Factors Influencing Normative Power Analyze external and internal factors affecting the EU’s and ASEAN’s normative influence, such as external actors (e.g., Russia, China, the US), internal political dynamics, and the geopolitical context in both regions.
Questions How do the EU and ASEAN promote and enforce their normative principles in conflict management within their respective regions? What are the challenges and limitations of the EU’s normative power in Eastern Europe and ASEAN’s normative influence in the South China Sea? How do external powers (Russia in Eastern Europe, China in the South China Sea) challenge the normative frameworks of the EU and ASEAN? In what ways do the EU and ASEAN’s normative approaches shape regional stability and conflict resolution efforts?