Johan Pahlepi presented his ongoing research titled “The ASEAN Way of Peace-Making” at the Australian and New Zealand Society of International Law (ANZSIL) International Peace and Security Interest Group (IPSIG) 2026 Annual Workshop from 12 - 13 February 2026 in Perth, Australia co-organised by Curtin University & University of Western Australia.

His research examines the “ASEAN Way” of peace-making, grounded in consensus and consultation (musyawarah and mufakat), non-interference, and respect for sovereignty. It identifies three institutional pillars shaping ASEAN’s approach: (1) legal instruments, including the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), the ASEAN Charter, and dispute-settlement protocols; (2) political processes centred on the ASEAN Summit; and (3) evolving rules of procedure that support summit decision-making. Drawing on disputes such as Preah Vihear, Sipadan–Ligitan, and Pedra Branca, the paper shows that legal outcomes (including ICJ judgments) can help stabilise relations, but lasting peace often depends on continued consultation and political management. It also assesses ASEAN’s approach to the South China Sea through restraint-oriented instruments such as the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) and ongoing efforts to develop a Code of Conduct. While ASEAN has been effective in preventing inter-state war, the paper highlights its limitations in addressing internal conflicts, as seen in Myanmar. It concludes that ASEAN peace-making is evolving through legal and diplomatic adaptation, but remains constrained by political will and the principle of non-interference.

Agenda IPSIG Workshop 2026_as at 5 Feb
Johan_P_ASEAN Way_Peace Making_10Feb26