East Timor’s ASEAN Entry: A Cautious Win or a Looming Burden for Regional Stability?

East Timor’s formal induction into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is being hailed as a historic milestone—a fresh face in the regional bloc and its first expansion since the 1990s. Yet beneath the ceremonial flags and hopeful speeches lies a sobering reality that challenges ASEAN’s narrative of unity and progress.Is ASEAN Strengthening Its Foundation or Stretching It Too Thin?The proud declaration by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao that East Timor’s membership is a “dream realized” must be balanced against the stark facts. This nation of just 1.4 million people, burdened by high unemployment, widespread poverty affecting over 40% of...