Read the passage and answer the questions:
Association of South East Asia Nations
ASEAN was established in 1967 by five countries of this region — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand — by signing the Bangkok Declaration. The objectives of ASEAN were primarily to accelerate economic growth and through that ‘social progress and cultural development’. A secondary objective was to promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Over the years, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar (Burma) and Cambodia joined ASEAN taking its strength to ten.
Unlike the EU there is little desire in ASEAN for supranational structures and institutions. ASEAN countries have celebrated what has become known as the ‘ASEAN Way’, a form of interaction that is informal, non-confrontationist and cooperative. The respect for national sovereignty is critical to the functioning of ASEAN.
With some of the fastest growing economies in the world, ASEAN broadened its objectives beyond the economic and social spheres. In 2003, ASEAN moved along the path of the EU by agreeing to establish an ASEAN Community comprising three pillars, namely, the ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
ASEAN was and still remains principally an economic association. The objectives of the ASEAN Economic Community are to create a common market and production base within ASEAN states and to aid social and economic development in the region. The Economic Community would also like to improve the existing ASEAN Dispute Settlement Mechanism to resolve economic disputes. ASEAN has focused on creating a Free Trade Area (FTA) for investment, labour, and services.
The ASEAN was established in 1967 by which of the following countries?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia
ASEAN was established in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, by signing the Bangkok Declaration; Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia joined later.
NCERT: Contemporary World Politics — Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power (2025-26)
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