Notwithstanding a high degree of external cohesion, decision-makers in the ASEAN countries have shown reluctance to abide by the norms of consultation and consensus. The need to harness support and external pressure explains best the only modestly high degree of norm compliance.
Put starkly, the "ASEAN Way" has proven to be a myth. As an international actor, ASEAN has constituted a community of convenience based on functional considerations rather than a community of shared visions. These findings cast doubts on optimistic accounts of ASEAN as an emerging security community. On the other hand, optimism can be derived from the fact that ASEAN has been able to arrive at common positions and present a cohesive front towards outside powers even when beset by internal disagreements. ASEAN's behaviour bespeaks of a latent reservoir of "we-feeling" that could provide the seed for a community in the future. However, for the time being it remains imperative for ASEAN to maintain agreement on matters of fundamental principles, as they have to date constituted the pillars of co-operation.