INEQUALITY FROM THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION: THE CASE OF ASEAN COUNTRIES, 1990 - 2025

Abstract

Globalization has profoundly influenced countries and regions worldwide. In ASEAN, it has both driven and exacerbated uneven development across four key dimensions: (1) institutional diversity and structural constraints of ASEAN; (2) socio-economic disparities between and within member states; (3) ethnic inequalities and conflicts rooted in external dependency; and (4) cross-border migration as an outcome of uneven development. Drawing on uneven development theory (Smith, 1984; Harvey, 2006) and dependency theory (Cardoso & Faletto, 1979), this study employs qualitative analysis using data from UNDP, ASEAN Secretariat, World Bank, and IOM. Findings show that globalization has reproduced historical, ethnic, gender, and spatial inequalities in ASEAN. To address this, these countries must enhance intra-bloc collaboration, such as the establishment of a common development fund, capacity building in governance, and safeguarding the rights of migrant workers, in order to mitigate the disparities and foster inclusive development.