Phar, Kim Beng and Hamzah, Luthfy (2025) War or Peace: ASEAN must transcend differences to nurture civilizational seeds in East Asia. War or Peace: ASEAN must transcend differences to nurture civilizational seeds in East Asia, NA (NA). p. 1.
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Abstract
This article argues that ASEAN must move beyond entrenched political and strategic differences to cultivate a deeper “civilizational consciousness” rooted in East Asia’s shared historical and cultural traditions. It contends that while ASEAN has long relied on principles such as consensus and non-interference to maintain regional stability, these mechanisms alone are increasingly insufficient in the face of intensifying geopolitical rivalries and internal fragmentation. Instead, the article advocates for a renewed emphasis on civilizational dialogue—drawing from the region’s rich heritage of philosophical, religious, and cultural exchange—to reinforce unity and mutual understanding. The piece situates ASEAN within a broader East Asian context, where overlapping civilizational influences—ranging from Confucian, Islamic, and Indic traditions—offer a foundation for cooperative norms that transcend state-centric interests. It highlights the need for ASEAN to act not merely as a diplomatic platform, but as a normative bridge that fosters trust, ethical governance, and long-term peace-building across the region. In doing so, ASEAN can better navigate tensions among major powers while preserving its centrality and cohesion. Ultimately, the article concludes that ASEAN’s future relevance depends on its ability to integrate material cooperation with civilizational empathy—transforming diversity from a source of division into a strategic asset for regional harmony and resilience.
| Item Type: | Article (Electronic Media) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Thailand; Cambodia; ASEAN; Dispute; Civilizational Consciousness; Islam; Confucianism |
| Subjects: | J Political Science > JZ International relations |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Political Science Office of the Rector |
| Depositing User: | Mr Muhammad Syameer Luthfy Bin Hamzah |
| Date Deposited: | 07 May 2026 15:52 |
| Last Modified: | 07 May 2026 16:08 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-05-Q3238 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/128832 |
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