Internship bridges the gap between the theory and practice in the field of studies. The training includes provision of theoretical foundations of the field of peace and conflict and opportunity to have a professional experience in international and local organizations as a final requirement for the completion of the program leading to a master’s degree. This internship final report focuses on the latter part of the training.
Specifically, this final report describes the conduct of internship in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly in the Bureau for Resources Development (BRD), from June- October 2008. The internship was divided into three assignments/activities, namely, the Best of ASEAN Performing Arts, the ASEAN Political and Security Community meeting, and the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force in Myanmar. These activities and events are characterized as ASEAN Way of peacebuilding in Southeast Asian region.
The report contains mainly seven sections; 1) a profile of the organization that hosts the internship, 2) conceptual framework on the area of work, and 3) the relationship of the area of work with the field of peace and conflict studies, 4) accomplishments and assessment, 5) lesson learned, 6) summary, 7) recommendations.
Table of Contents
Chapter I
Introduction
Host Organization: ASEAN
Chapter II
Conceptual Outline
Community Building
ASEAN Way
Peacebuilding
Chapter III
ASEAN Way and the Field of Peace and Conflict
Chapter IV
Accomplishments
Assessment
Chapter V
Lessons Learned
Chapter VI
Summary and Recommendations
Research Objectives and Themes
This report documents an internship experience at the ASEAN Secretariat, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge in peace and conflict studies and practical applications in regional governance. The work investigates how ASEAN contributes to regional stability through its unique consensus-based approach, community-building efforts, and humanitarian interventions.
- The role of the "ASEAN Way" in regional conflict management and dispute settlement.
- Implementation of socio-cultural community projects, specifically through cultural and artistic initiatives.
- Practical contributions to post-disaster humanitarian aid and structural recovery in Myanmar.
- The integration of theoretical peacebuilding frameworks with institutional practice in inter-governmental organizations.
Excerpt from the Book
ASEAN Way
In ASEAN, there is a prevailing community-like approach to decision-making and dealing with issues affecting the region. It is known as the ASEAN way, which is based on consensus. Davidson (2002) observes that “the underlying approach to decision-making in ASEAN is the consensus approach embodied in the Malay terms musyawarah and mufakat” (p.41). Roughly translated in English, musyawarah means deliberation while mufakat is consensus or musyawarah untuk mufakat which means deliberation for consensus. This approach is familiar in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines for example, the value of pakikisama (concession) is noted in the “practice of yielding to the will of the leader or majority so as to make the group decision unanimous” (Lynch, 1973, p.10). Getting along with others is a character trait of Filipinos.
The term “ASEAN way” refers to claims about a distinct approach to dispute settlement and regional cooperation developed by the ASEAN members with the aim of ensuring regional peace and stability. Its norms include a code of conduct for interstate behavior as well as a decision-making process based on consultation and consensus. The code of conduct constitutes the behavioural norms of the ASEAN, which incorporates certain well known principles like non-interference in domestic affairs of other states, non-use of force, pacific settlement of disputes and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of member-states (Batabyal, 2004, p.355-356)
The principles on respect on state sovereignty and non-interference to domestic affairs are at the core of ASEAN way of conflict management which entails “gradual, time-consuming processes to find consensus” (Kivimaki, 2001, p.17). Yet, Chavez (2007) indicates that these principles “posed a range of difficulties in dealing with socio-political issues – whether internal or external – except those that are considered as external security threats. Internal political security issues arising from member countries’ actions or policies are never meddled with” (p.360).
Summary of Chapters
Chapter I: This chapter provides an introduction to the internship program and offers a profile of ASEAN as the host organization, including its history and mission.
Chapter II: This section presents a conceptual framework, reviewing key theories regarding regional integration, community building, and peacebuilding in the Southeast Asian context.
Chapter III: This chapter discusses the intersection between the specific "ASEAN Way" approach and the academic discipline of peace and conflict studies.
Chapter IV: The author details the specific activities completed during the internship and provides a qualitative assessment of these accomplishments.
Chapter V: This chapter reflects on the personal and professional lessons learned throughout the duration of the internship.
Chapter VI: The report concludes with a summary of findings and provides recommendations for event organization, project implementation, and future internship programs.
Keywords
ASEAN, ASEAN Way, Peacebuilding, Conflict Transformation, Regional Integration, Humanitarian Operations, Community Building, Southeast Asia, Consensus, Socio-Cultural Community, Internship, Diplomacy, Cyclone Nargis, Post-Disaster Recovery, Governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this report?
The report focuses on documenting a professional internship at the ASEAN Secretariat, specifically analyzing how the organization applies its unique "ASEAN Way" to peacebuilding, regional integration, and humanitarian crisis management.
What are the central themes of the work?
The central themes include the intersection of theory and practice in peace studies, the mechanisms of consensus-based decision-making, and the challenges of implementing community-based recovery projects in the aftermath of natural disasters.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of ASEAN's socio-cultural and humanitarian initiatives as practical manifestations of peacebuilding in the region.
Which methodology is employed?
The work utilizes an experiential and reflective methodology, drawing upon participant observation, case studies (such as the Cyclone Nargis response), and a review of regional governance concepts.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body covers the conceptual background of ASEAN, the practical experience of organizing cultural events, witnessing political blueprints for security, and direct involvement in humanitarian relief efforts in Myanmar.
Which keywords define this study?
Key terms include ASEAN, ASEAN Way, Peacebuilding, Regional Integration, and Community Building, reflecting the organizational and thematic focus of the report.
How did the internship contribute to the humanitarian effort in Myanmar?
The internship supported the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) by assisting in coordination meetings and conducting field visits to remote villages to document the needs of underserved populations after Cyclone Nargis.
What is the "ASEAN Way" in the context of decision-making?
It is a consensus-based approach rooted in deliberation (musyawarah) and consensus (mufakat), emphasizing non-interference, consultation, and regional solidarity rather than top-down integration.
What specific recommendation does the author give for future projects?
The author highlights the necessity of "participatory methods," urging project designers to actively consult villagers and involve local social structures to ensure project relevance, sustainability, and community ownership.
- Quote paper
- Menandro Abanes (Author), 2008, ASEAN Way of Peacebuilding through Performing Arts, Community Building, and Humanitarian Operations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/172490
