Voices from Asians and Europeans on "The Future of Asia-Europe Cooperation"

Book excerpt: The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) is an inter-governmental, not-for-profit organisation that promotes understanding and interactions between Asia and Europe. In 2022-2023, ASEF is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. The past 25 years have been an extraordinary opportunity to bring Asia and Europe closer. The next 25 years could be more challenging; in a fragmenting world, it could also mean a bigger role for ASEF given its bridging capabilities and its reputation as an honest broker. As the only permanent institution of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the future of ASEF is inextricably linked to ASEM. How would Asia-Europe Cooperation look like 25 years from now? What are the driving forces? What do Asians and Europeans stand to gain or lose? What is at stake? What is your vision for ASEM’s destination? Voices from Asians and Europeans on The Future of Asia-Europe Cooperation: An Essay Competition Commemorating ASEF’s 25th Anniversary collects 68 essays from Asians and Europeans that elaborate on this topic, seeking to answer these questions and present the hopes for the future of Asia-Europe cooperation.