The+Association+of+Southeast+Asian+Nations

It was established on the 8th of August in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, Signapore and Thailand, to promote peace, mutually beneficial trade and economic growth among southeast asian nations, in Bangkok, Thailand.
 * History**

The member states are Brunei Darussalem, Cambodia, Indonesia, Signapore, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Phillipines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The states seem to share equal power within the organization.
 * Member States**

ASEAN structure involves a summit, comprised of Heads of State or Government of each member state, which are the ultimate policy makers. Below them is a coordinating council of ASEAN foreign ministers, who consult directly with the summit. Below them are community councils and sectoral ministerial bodies, national secretariats, and the ASEAN foundation, which is basically a support system.
 * Goals**
 * Promote peace
 * Further economic growth in the region
 * Raise standard of living
 * Maintain beneficial relationship with other organizations
 * Organization**
 * Organization**

Advantages are economic assistance and greater economic opportunities, trade opportunities, greater political securities, and improved international relations.
 * Advantages of Membership**

Member states must submit to the ultimate ruling of the summit, and government disputes must be settled according to certain codes and guidelines. member states must comply with protocol or face reprimand.
 * Disadvantages of Membership**

ASEAN promotes Southeast Asian studies, so they are preserving local diversity by encouraging people to become educated and aware of their heritage, but as with any international organization, some local diversity will be sacrificed due to the increased amount of international economic involvement.

media type="custom" key="12873954" width="299" height="299" align="center"

Information Retrieved From: http://www.aseansec.org/