ASEAN was originally created to facilitate cross-border trade, diplomacy and security relations, while preserving each nation as a sovereign state. Today, ASEAN promotes economic and cultural exchange among its member countries, attempts to maintain peace and stability in Southeast Asia and works to establish positive relationships with foreign powers. In dealing with tensions and conflicts in the region, ASEAN follows a policy of non-intervention, preferring to conduct negotiations behind the scenes, with a view to preventing escalation. However, ASEAN’s stated goal of harmonious regional integration has repeatedly clashed with the manoeuvres of socio-economic political elites in member countries, which can sometimes contravene human rights. Myanmar is a striking example of a pressure point in ASEAN stability. More broadly, over the past decade, competing pressures from China and the US have challenged the cohesion and solidarity of ASEAN member countries. Some critics in the region question whether ASEAN today is fit for purpose. People on the ground in the member countries often know little about ASEAN and may not ascribe importance to it. There is a view that ASEAN is slow and ineffective, falling short of political and economic developments on the global stage. However, there is also optimism about ASEAN strategies that build productively on the very long history of the region as a strategic crossroad.