Call for Papers: Asian Perspectives on Peace and Peace Making

The Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore invites proposals and abstracts dedicated to exploring Asia’s rich traditions of peace and peace making. This event reimagines the dialogue initiated by the book series The Laws of Yesterday’s Wars (Brill) by shifting the focus from the regulation of warfare to the art and practice of establishing peace. We welcome original chapter proposals that highlight Asian experiences, practices, and innovations in peace making and conflict resolution, including wider notions of violence regulation and mitigation.

Conference Overview

This interdisciplinary conference aims to bring together scholars, practitioners, historians, and cultural theorists to examine how various Asian societies have nurtured and sustained peace through innovative methods of conflict resolution, negotiation, and reconciliation. By drawing on historical precedents and contemporary practices, the conference seeks to enrich our understanding of peace as an active and dynamic process, deeply embedded in Asia’s diverse cultural landscapes.

Themes and Topics

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Traditional Peace Making Practices: Investigations into indigenous and customary approaches to peace making, including local dispute resolution mechanisms, ritualized reconciliation processes, and peace ceremonies.
• Cultural Norms of Reconciliation: Comparative studies on wider Asian ethical frameworks that prioritize dialogue, empathy, and restorative justice over retribution.
• Historical Peace Treaties and Negotiations: Analyses of ancient and medieval peace treaties, diplomatic negotiations, and conflict management strategies in Asian history.
• Contemporary Applications: Reflections on how traditional Asian peace making practices inform modern international relations, conflict mediation, and communitybased peace initiatives.
• Cross-Cultural Influences: Studies on the interplay between Asian peace traditions and global peace building efforts, including the integration of indigenous methods into modern frameworks of international humanitarian law.

Submission Guidelines

We invite scholars to submit proposals for chapters to be considered both for presentation at the conference and for potential inclusion in a forthcoming volume dedicated to Asian perspectives on peace making. Proposals should include:

• Title and Abstract: A concise abstract (300–500 words) outlining the research question, methodology, and key arguments of the proposed chapter.
• Relevance Statement: A brief explanation (100–200 words) of how the submission contributes to understanding Asian peace making traditions and practices.
• Author Information: Full name, affiliation, and contact details of the submitting author (multiple authors may be included).                                                      

Please submit your proposal in pdf format via the submission form below.

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 June 2025 Notification of Acceptance: 15 July 2025
• Conference Date: 2 October 2025.
• Publication of edited collection: April 2026.

Venue

The conference will be held in Singapore, providing a vibrant international forum for discussion, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas on peace and peace making in Asia.

Funding for travel, for chosen papers, is available through the Centre for International Law. 

We look forward to receiving your proposals and to engaging with innovative contributions that illuminate Asia’s unique approaches to fostering peace.

This call for papers supports a forthcoming volume in the series The Laws of Yesterday’s Wars published by Brill, now re-envisioned to explore peace and peace making.