Abstract

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) established in 1967 has become the centerpiece of the construction of a regional architecture in the Asia- Pacific region. ASEAN as an organization seeks to balance external actors in the region while seeking to avoid antagonizing great powers. In the post-Cold War period the US policy has little interests in Southeast Asia. However, ASEAN’s relation with the US has evolved due to China’s expanding influence on ASEAN countries and US’ policy change. ASEAN and the US share a mutual interest in preventing conflict and maintaining the independence of regional states. The US under the Obama Administration has explicitly expressed intent to pay greater attention to Southeast Asia and work with ASEAN, to cooperate on issues of mutual interests. The US’s re-engagement with ASEAN allowed America to become directly involved in regional institutions. Thus, the purpose of this research paper is to explain only the changes in ASEAN-US political relations. This research is conducted with documentary analysis and archival research method which relies on both primary and secondary sources. This research, divided into three parts, discusses Obama’s policy change in ASEAN-US relations, explains China factor in ASEAN-US relations and explores Myanmar issue in ASEAN-US relations. And the paper points out that why ASEAN and the United States tried to extend their political relationship under the Obama administration.