Conflict Management and Atrocity Prevention in Southeast Asia: Making asean “Fit for Purpose”

Abstract

Abstract Described as a force for peace since its establishment in 1967, asean is now confronted with a slew of political and security issues that has severely challenged its modalities of addressing regional problems, including the internal conflicts of its member states. The continuing political crisis in Myanmar reflects the kinds of dilemmas faced by asean in keeping to its sticky regional norms and practices while being a responsive and effective regional organisation. As asean struggles to become “fit for purpose”, the paper argues that a negotiated “asean Way”, founded on ideas of positive peace and human security, allows asean to chart a renewed regional agenda for maintaining peace and security in Southeast Asia, while at the same time contributing to comprehensive efforts on managing regional conflicts and preventing atrocities.