Challenges for Parliamentary Diplomacy in South and South-East Asia and Europe: A Practitioner’s Perspective

Abstract:

The European Union is committed to consolidating and supporting democracy worldwide but, despite the increasing interdependence between Asia and Europe, the parliamentary dimension of their relationship remains largely absent.

This article reviews the steps taken by the European Parliament to develop and strengthen EU–Asia relations, takes stock of the rare initiatives that have been launched in South and South-East Asia at the regional level, and seeks to explore the reasons why parliamentary diplomacy has not yet taken root.

To these ends, the article analyses the respective roles of the executive and legislative branches of government and the current shortcomings in democratic governance in South and South-East Asia.

It also discusses the lack of political will on the European side. In conclusion, the article argues that, despite those difficulties, timely and carefully planned development of parliamentary links between Asia and Europe could advance representative democracy in South and South-East Asia.