The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was born in Bangkok, Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, in 1967, more than four decades ago. Since then the organization has doubled its membership from five to ten Southeast Asian states. It has, in effect, expanded to match the region. As of December 2007, Timor-Leste—which only gained full independence in May 2002—was the only Southeast Asian nation that remained outside ASEAN. In 2007 it was actively preparing to join ASEAN within five years, by 2012.

ASEAN celebrated its fortieth founding anniversary in 2007. The celebration presented an opportunity to look back on the extraordinary evolution of both the region and the organization, including the latter's remarkable growth. But it was also an opportunity for introspection about current conditions and future challenges. One could thus credit ASEAN's past success in expanding its membership to encompass the “SEA” in its name, while at the same time highlighting the need for the organization to deepen its role in solving regional problems and to strengthen its ability to meet the new demands of the twenty-first century.

ASEAN's pivotal achievement in 2007 was the ASEAN Charter, which was signed by the heads of state or government in all of its member states, at the Thirteenth ASEAN Summit, in Singapore on 20 November. How should we understand this unprecedented event? From what concerns did it arise? What challenges does ASEAN face? What organizational priorities should animate the Association on the threshold of its next forty years of evolution, if indeed it survives to celebrate its eightieth anniversary in 2047?

This chapter addresses these questions. The chapter opens with an overview of ASEAN's historical development as an organization for regional cooperation. It proceeds to explore rationales for, and steps undertaken toward, building an ASEAN Community and adopting the ASEAN Charter.