This book investigates the mechanisms through which the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has established and maintained regional order and security norms. Amitav Acharya, a prominent scholar in international relations, utilizes constructivist theory to analyze how regional identity and norms influence state behavior. The text evaluates the effectiveness of the 'ASEAN Way'—a diplomatic approach emphasizing non-interference and consensus—in managing conflict and fostering cooperation among diverse member states.

Experts in international relations and Asian studies regard this work as a foundational text for understanding regional security architectures. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous examination of institutional norms and diplomatic history.