Which Southeast Asian regional cooperation organization is described?

• A. OPEC
• B. ASEAN
• C. MERCOSUR
• D. EU

Answer: (B)

Focus on regional integration in a specific geographic area. The Southeast Asian regional cooperation organization described is ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It was founded in 1967 to promote economic growth, social progress, cultural development, and regional peace and stability among its member states in Southeast Asia. ASEAN serves as a platform for cooperation across economic, political, security, and sociocultural fronts within the region, distinguishing it from other blocs.

The other options don’t fit the Southeast Asian focus: OPEC is a cartel of oil-producing countries organized around petroleum, not regional cooperation in Southeast Asia; MERCOSUR is a South American trade bloc; and the European Union is a political and economic union in Europe.