The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as a regional organization in the Southeast Asian region, has its own dispute resolution mechanism called the “ASEAN Way”. When it comes to regionalism, many experts argue that regional organizations such as the European Union (EU), Organization of African Unity (OAU), and others play a major role in resolving the internal conflict.
So what is ASEAN’s path?
To understand the ASEAN Way, we should understand that ASEAN respects the concept of sovereignty and the principle of non-interference. In this way, it was possible to maintain the current peace between the member states. In this mechanism, ASEAN adopts 4 elements that can be called the ASEAN Way.
First, the principle of non-interference. Articles 2(a) and 2(b) of the ASEAN Charter state that all ASEAN members should respect the independence of each country and not interfere in their internal affairs. This principle is also enshrined in Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter. Since ASEAN upholds mutual respect, all internal problems should be solved by its own government.
Secondly, the principle of silent diplomacy. As ASEAN avoids major conflicts between member states that could lead to war, the personal approach becomes one way to resolve disputes. In short, soft diplomacy becomes the first and only thing that can be done in the event of a conflict between member states. In this principle, the level of “comfort” is important to avoid an increase in bilateral tensions.
Third, the principle of non-use of force. No matter how serious the conflict is, ASEAN member states will never use force to resolve the conflict. Unlike the UN, with which the organization can impose an embargo and conduct military intervention, as in the cases of Somalia (1992) and Rwanda (1994), ASEAN prefers to use an informal approach to prevent conflict escalation. Instead of carrying out a humanitarian intervention or the so-called military intervention in a case related to human rights violations, ASEAN would provide humanitarian assistance through the ASEAN Coordination Center for Humanitarian Assistance. Moreover, mutual trust is an important issue in ASEAN.
Fourth, the principle of decision-making by consensus. In this regional organization, each member has the same position as decision-makers. So no voting takes place in this process. All issues will be discussed by consensus to find the best solution to the issue.
These elements have created the “ASEAN Way,” which is distinct from other regional organizations. Although many experts have argued that ASEAN is too soft on some human rights issues, ASEAN has been successful in maintaining peace among its members. Therefore, there is no conflict that leads to war.
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Source :
KATSUMATA, H. (2003). Reconstructing Diplomatic Norms in Southeast Asia: The Case for Strict Adherence to the “ASEAN Way.” Modern Southeast Asia, 25(1), 104-121. Retrieved January 20, 2020 from www.jstor.org/stable/25798630
