Strengthening ASEAN border security through regional governance: challenges and opportunities in combating transnational crime

Border Security has become an increasingly important issue in Southeast Asia due to the rise of transnational crimes such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and illicit trade. In response, ASEAN has developed various regional frameworks, including the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint and the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in persons (ACTIP), to enhance regional cooperation. However, the effectiveness of these mechanisms remains limited due to sovereignty concerns, the principle of non-interference, uneven enforcement capacities, differing political priorities among member states. This study examines how ASEAN can strengthen border security through improved regional governance using a qualitative document analysis of ASEAN policies, international reports and academic literature. It finds that fragmented information sharing, inconsistent legal frameworks, and weak institutional coordination continue to hinder effective collective responses to cross-border threats. In increasing economic integration and digitalisation further complicate border management. The study concludes that ASEAN border security can be strengthened through improved intelligence sharing, greater use of technologies such as biometric systems, harmonisation of legal frameworks, and stronger institutional cooperation with external partners.