The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) convened diplomats, policymakers, and scholars in Jakarta on October 22, 2025, for an examination of leadership principles and democratic governance in Southeast Asia. The third ERIA School of Government Leadership Lecture Series featured Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thailand's 27th Prime Minister, delivering insights drawn from his experience navigating one of the region's most complex political landscapes.
The event underscored ERIA's commitment to cultivating informed leadership across the region while providing a platform for distinguished statespeople to share lessons on governance, diplomacy, and sustainable development.
Preserving Leadership Wisdom for Future Generations
Professor Nobuhiro Aizawa, Dean and Managing Director of the ERIA School of Government, emphasized the institute's mission to foster meaningful dialogue among regional leaders. He articulated that true leadership extends beyond decision-making, requiring reflection, empathy, and the capacity to inspire collective progress even amid challenging circumstances.
Professor Aizawa highlighted the importance of understanding leadership during periods of deepening political divisions—a challenge facing virtually every nation in the ASEAN region. He stressed the need to revisit the fundamental roles of political parties and political will in strengthening regional cooperation, reminding attendees that sustainable progress requires leaders willing to prioritize collective benefit over short-term political gains.
The "Ideology of Principle": Leadership Under Pressure
As Thailand's 27th Prime Minister and current Chairman of the Democratic Party of Thailand, Abhisit has navigated turbulent periods in his country's modern political history. During the Jakarta lecture, he reflected candidly on pivotal political decisions and shared observations about evolving political dynamics across Southeast Asia.
The central theme of Abhisit's address centered on what he termed an "ideology of principle"—a leadership philosophy grounded in integrity, accountability, and the courage to make difficult decisions even when they carry significant political costs. This approach, he argued, provides the moral clarity essential for pursuing peace and reconciliation in divided societies.
Abhisit emphasized that contemporary political, economic, and social challenges transcend national boundaries. Climate change, economic inequality, technological disruption, and democratic backsliding affect countries globally, making strong regional cooperation and shared commitment to democratic values more critical than ever.
Drawing from his experience managing political and social divides, the former Prime Minister stressed that leaders must resist compromising core principles for short-term political advantage. He argued that acting in accordance with one's principles—even when unpopular or politically costly—ultimately provides the foundation for sustainable governance and public trust.
Regional Cooperation as Imperative
A significant portion of Abhisit's lecture addressed the imperative of regional cooperation in Southeast Asia. He noted that ASEAN's strength lies in the ability of diverse nations to work together toward shared objectives while respecting each country's unique circumstances and political systems.
The former Prime Minister highlighted that effective regional cooperation requires leaders who can look beyond immediate national interests to recognize long-term collective benefits. This perspective proves especially relevant as ASEAN nations navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, including major power competition, economic integration challenges, and transnational threats ranging from pandemics to cybersecurity.
Abhisit's emphasis on democratic values as the foundation for regional cooperation represented a clear statement about governance principles. While acknowledging that ASEAN countries follow different political paths, he maintained that commitment to core democratic principles—including accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights—strengthens regional solidarity.
Building Capacity Through Dialogue
The Jakarta event attracted senior diplomats, policymakers, scholars, and students from across the ASEAN region, reflecting ERIA's strategy of bridging generational divides in leadership development. The interactive format fostered rich discussions that extended beyond prepared remarks to address specific governance challenges facing individual countries.
Established during the 3rd East Asia Summit in November 2007 and officially launched in June 2008, ERIA has evolved into one of the region's leading think tanks. Headquartered in Jakarta under a diplomatic agreement with Indonesia, the institute serves 16 member countries across ASEAN and East Asia, conducting research and policy analysis aimed at deepening regional economic integration and promoting sustainable growth.
Enduring Lessons for Regional Leadership
Several key takeaways emerged from Abhisit's lecture. His emphasis on principled leadership challenges the narrative that effective governance requires constant compromise and political calculation. Clear principles can actually provide the stability and direction necessary for navigating uncertain times.
The lecture reinforced that leadership credibility depends on making difficult decisions transparently and accountably. Leaders who consistently explain their reasoning and accept responsibility for outcomes build trust that survives short-term setbacks.
As Southeast Asia faces an increasingly complex future, events like ERIA's Leadership Lecture Series provide crucial opportunities for reflection and dialogue. H.E. Abhisit Vejjajiva's emphasis on principled leadership, democratic values, and regional cooperation offers a blueprint for governance that balances pragmatism with integrity, strengthening ASEAN's collective capacity to navigate future challenges.
