In conclusion it could be argued that even though there does seem to be a gradual process of regionalization within ASEAN, bridging common norms and identities, it does also seem that those common characteristics among the ASEAN member states have been resulting from perceived domestic and external threats, such as for example countering communist insurgencies, or in more recent years, cooperating to fight terrorism, drug trafficking or smuggling. It seems plausible to argue that even though Leifer and Acharya have been representing theories believed to be at the two opposite sides of a spectrum, probably due to both scholars immense understanding of the Southeast Asian region, there are also many similarities in their argumentations, in particular in their notion and understanding of a balance-of-threat theory. The several points of convergence in their arguments as brought forward in this paper should be elements for further research and further understanding of the international relations of the area.