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What is ASEAN and why is it important to the United States? This is the organization Hegseth didn’t know about

Hegseth faltered when asked about ASEAN, a vital group of Asian countries crucial for U.S. strength in the region.

Hegseth faltered when asked about ASEAN, a vital group of Asian countries crucial for U.S. strength in the region.
Elizabeth FrantzREUTERS

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to run the Department of Defense, was the first to face senators for his confirmation hearings. A former Fox News host, Hegseth’s credentials to become the next Secretary of Defense have been called into question by some members of the GOP caucus. In addition to comments made about the fitness of women to service in combat, allegations that he is a heavy drinker and that he cheated on his wife mere months after she gave birth have also been cited as disqualifying behaviors. However, as the conservative media apparatus worked to squash criticism of Hegseth—issuing threats of primary challenges against GOP senators who do not confirm his nomination—many have fallen in line, including Iowa’s Joni Ernst. Ernst had been the most outspoken critic of Hegseth’s nomination when it was announced in November. She has since changed her stance, expressing a change of heart after having a constructive conversation with Hegseth, during which the two talked openly about her concerns as a former Army National Guard member, retired lieutenant colonel, and survivor of sexual violence.

Among Hegseth’s more controversial opinions is the belief that women should not serve in combat roles. He has also downplayed the issue of sexual violence within the U.S. military, which has been widely documented among both women and men serving in the armed forces. Throughout the confirmation hearing, Republican members threw Hegseth softball questions related to his physical strength and his love for his wife. They also attempted to deflect criticism by calling out perceived hypocrisy among senators, with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin referencing allegations of Hegseth showing up drunk to a work event and questioning how many leaders in the chamber had shown up drunk to vote.

Hegseth pressed on Indo-Pacific region

For the GOP, these allegations and beliefs have not been enough to threaten his confirmation. However, one might assume that additional missteps during his hearing before the Armed Services Committee could begin to tip the scales against Hegseth’s nomination. One such error came when Hegseth was asked about ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations—a political and economic organization that also focuses on regional security and serves as a platform for discussing related issues among its members.

Who are the members of ASEAN? 

  • Brunei 
  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam 

 

The organization, while primarily a political and economic force, also works as a cooperative security platform for the members. According to the US Department of State, ASEAN is a critical security partner for the country in the region, with the US providing “more than $14.1 billion in economic, health, and security assistance to Southeast Asian allies and partners, including the 10 ASEAN member states” since 2002. This funding to ASEAN is described by the research organization, the Center for Strategic & International Studies, as a vehicle for soft power in the region that aims to reduce the influence of China.

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a veteran herself, pressed Hegseth by asking technical questions she views as essential knowledge for anyone serving as Secretary of Defense. “Can you name the importance of at least one of the nations in ASEAN [...] and what type of agreement we have with at least one of those nations?” Duckworth asked. She also inquired if Hegseth could provide the number of countries in ASEAN.

The nominee admitted he could not provide the exact information requested and instead noted the U.S.’s military relationships with South Korea, Japan, and Australia—none of which are part of ASEAN. While confirmation hearings can challenge nominees, Hegseth’s responses reflect poorly on him and the GOP, which prides itself on being a champion of national security and frequently accuses Democrats of weakness on the issue.

In an interview with CNN after the hearing, Senator Duckworth accused Hegseth of denigrating women serving in the military, masking his opinions under the guise of “not wanting to lower the standards” for those able to serve in combat. The senator, who earned a Purple Heart after being injured in the line of duty, noted the irony in Hegseth’s stance, given what she sees as an attempt to lower the standard for the position he seeks.

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