This project examines the importance of ASEAN as a source of national security to its member states. Despite ASEAN’s achievements in maintaining regional peace and stability over the past five decades, the perennial question of the commitment of member states to the association continues to pose challenges for ASEAN. In light of developments such as the rise of non-ASEAN-centric forms of multilateral cooperation and the ongoing ASEAN-China talks for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, the project narrows in on whether and why some ASEAN countries would leverage ASEAN as a source of national security. The project aims to enhance the understanding of where ASEAN is located in various national security strategies, and identify the opportunities and challenges to move forward on ASEAN security and defence cooperation.