Regional Communities Beyond Europe: The AU and ASEAN

Regional organizations outside Europe have pursued their own forms of cooperation. The Organisation of African Unity was founded in Addis Ababa on 25 May 1963, now celebrated as Africa Day, to support decolonization and unity; it was replaced in 2002 by the African Union, which gave itself a stronger mandate, including the right to intervene in member states in cases of grave crimes. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded in Bangkok on 8 August 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

ASEAN is known for the ASEAN Way, emphasizing consensus and non-interference in members' internal affairs. Supporters say this approach has kept peace among diverse states, while critics argue it allows members to avoid addressing abuses. Both organizations promote regional identity through cultural and educational programmes. Comparing them with the EU shows that regional integration can take many shapes.