Introduction: The influence of new bilateralism on southeast Asia–middle east relations and the path to deeper trans regionalism

Gürol Baba and Yew Meng Lai (2025) Introduction: The influence of new bilateralism on southeast Asia–middle east relations and the path to deeper trans regionalism. Asian Perspective, 49 (2). pp. 415-426. ISSN 0258-9184

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URL: https://muse.jhu.edu/article/968239

Abstract

Trans regionalism, characterized by flexible, non-institutional cooperation across regions, contrasts with interracialism's structured, rule-based interactions. New bilateralism, on the other hand, emerging post-Cold War, extends beyond economic governance to include strategic, security, and cultural dimensions, bypassing institutional constraints. This special issue examines the conceptual and practical complementarity of these frameworks in Middle Eastern–Southeast Asian interactions. Despite weak regional organizations and uneven intra-regional power distribution, trans regionalism and new bilateralism create adaptable, issue-specific collaboration channels. Key regional actors—Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore—leverage these mechanisms to engage in strategic partnerships outside great-power dominance. This issue highlights the efficacy of non-institutional, pragmatic diplomacy in addressing contemporary geopolitical complexities. Case studies, such as the Indonesia-UAE and Malaysia-Saudi Arabia agreements, illustrate how these frameworks enable dynamic, sustainable cooperation. The study ultimately argues that trans regionalism and new bilateralism offer viable alternatives to formal institutions, empowering small and middle powers to navigate evolving global and regional challenges.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Trans regionalism, interregional, New Bilateralism, Middle East, Southeast Asia
Subjects:	D World History and History Of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Etc. > DS Asia > DS1-937 History of Asia > DS41-66 Middle East. Southwestern Asia. Ancient Orient. Arab East. Near East > DS58-59 Ethnography J Political Science > JZ International relations > JZ5-6530 International relations > JZ1305-2060 Scope of international relations. Political theory. Diplomacy
Department:	CENTRE > Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning
Depositing User:	JUNAINE JASNI -
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2025 12:11
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2025 12:11
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/45732

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