18/08/2026
A truly stimulating afternoon at Chulalongkorn University.
Today, we launched the PGS Global Dialogue Series: Connecting Ideas, People, and Public Purpose, with a timely and thought-provoking dialogue on “The Future of ASEAN in an Era of Strategic Competition.”
It was a great privilege to welcome Professor Amitav Acharya, PhD, Distinguished Professor of International Relations at American University, to share his insights with our students, colleagues, and guests.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Associate Professor Prakorn Siriprakob, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, for his warm welcome remarks and, importantly, for his continued support of the PGS Global Dialogue Series and our efforts to create meaningful intellectual opportunities for our students.
The discussion invited us to think critically about ASEAN’s place in a rapidly changing regional order, including its agency and centrality, the intensifying strategic competition between major powers, and the continuing challenge of preserving Southeast Asia’s autonomy without being forced to choose sides.
Professor Acharya also reminded us of the importance of history. To understand the challenges ASEAN faces today, and to think meaningfully about the paths it may take in the future, we need to look carefully at its past. History offers important lessons about how ASEAN has navigated earlier periods of rivalry, uncertainty, and change, and those lessons remain highly relevant as we consider its future.
One particularly important message was that ASEAN should not be judged only by what it cannot compel major powers to do. Its relevance also lies in its ability to create diplomatic space, build consensus, convene competing powers, and give Southeast Asian states greater room to exercise agency.
This inaugural dialogue was especially meaningful as we celebrate the 78th Anniversary of the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University. It reflects what we hope this series will become: a space where our students encounter important thinkers and ideas, ask difficult questions, and connect knowledge with a wider public purpose.
My sincere thanks to Professor Acharya for sharing his insights with us, to Dean Prakorn Siriprakob for his support, and to Assistant Professor Bhanubhatra Jittiang, PhD, for moderating the concluding discussion and helping bring the dialogue to a thoughtful and engaging close.
I am also grateful to our colleagues, students, guests, and everyone behind the scenes who contributed to making the first PGS Global Dialogue such a meaningful occasion.
Connecting Ideas. Connecting People. Connecting Knowledge with Public Purpose.
