The ASEAN Way And Its Relevance In International Dispute Resolution
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 8
- 1 min read
Prathyush Rajan, NUALS, Kochi.
ABSTRACT
This article examines the relevance of the ASEAN Way in international dispute resolution, focusing on its consensus-based, non-interventionist, and dialogue-driven approach. It explains how ASEAN’s methods are rooted in regional political culture and used to maintain harmony among diverse member states. The article discusses the policy of constructive engagement, Asian values, and the tension between sovereignty and human rights, showing how ASEAN balances stability with limited collective action. It evaluates major disputes involving the South China Sea, Thailand- Cambodia, Myanmar, and transboundary haze to explain both the strengths and weaknesses of the ASEAN Way. While the model has helped prevent escalation and preserve regional unity, the article argues that its dependence on consensus often produces slow, ambiguous, and nonbinding responses. It concludes that ASEAN must evolve toward more effective and flexible mechanisms while preserving its cooperative spirit.
