This course will explore interdisciplinary issues in EU-ASEAN law and relations. The EU and ASEAN are among the world’s most advanced regional structures, representing distinct models of integration. Since the 1980s, the evolution of EU-ASEAN relations has offered valuable insights into the multifaceted concept of interregionalism in international law and relations. ASEAN became a priority in the EU’s Asia policy agenda following the Treaty of Lisbon, and the European Commission’s 2015 “Trade for All” strategy articulated an ASEAN approach based on individual agreements, culminating in a region-to-region framework. The recent conclusion of the EU’s trade and investment agreements with Singapore and Vietnam reinforces this incremental approach towards realising the EU-ASEAN free trade agreement.
Amidst China’s changing status, the impasse in WTO negotiations, and the COVID-19 pandemic, EU-ASEAN legal frameworks and relations have gained prominence on the global stage. In 2020, the two blocs upgraded their “Dialogue Partnership” to a “Strategic Partnership,” which aimed at enhancing economic and security cooperation, sustainable connectivity, and development. In 2021, the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy underscored its engagement with the ASEAN-led regional architecture, particularly in light of the economic and political impact of the CPTPP and RCEP.
In this SMU-X course, students will explore EU and ASEAN institutions and examine the EU’s new Indo-Pacific strategy from legal and political perspectives. The course will specifically evaluate EU-ASEAN economic agreements and focus on cutting-edge areas such as trade and investment liberalisation, AI and digital trade, and sustainable development. Students will gain practical experience by collaborating with legal and policy experts to tackle real-world challenges.
Please note: This course does not include an overseas trip and does not meet SMU’s global exposure requirement. However, students will visit EU and/or ASEAN institutions in Singapore and engage in projects with legal and policy experts specialising in EU-ASEAN law and relations. The course will also incorporate SMU’s blended learning approach, which may include some online sessions. The grade will be on a pass/fail basis.
This SMU-X course offers an international experiential learning opportunity that allows students to translate classroom knowledge and theory into practical solutions for various institutions. In addition to visiting law firms, government agencies and international organizations, student will also participate in a consultancy project. Through the project, students will learn how to solve business and political problems with guidance from the faculty and project mentors. The project will focus on evaluating legal problems in different areas of law and recommending/applying solutions to these problems. This course aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Understand EU-ASEAN law and relations
- Solve real-world legal issues through a student consultancy project
- Incorporate active mentoring by faculty and project sponsors