Conclusion: Understanding the East Asian Peace

Abstract

The absence of security organisations or other formalised conflict management mechanisms has not hindered the East Asian region’s ability to prevent regional tensions and disputes from escalating into war, or to move towards a more stable peace. Instead, a number of interlinked informal processes have worked together to prevent conflict and build peace. Together, the different informal processes have moved — and continue to move — the East Asian region towards a durable peace. They have acted as a two track approach to peace. On the one hand, despite the lack of serious attempts to resolve the existing conflicts, a negative peace has been ensured through the practice of conflict avoidance and the role of the USA as a stabilising force. At the same time, a longer-term peace-building process has over time transformed relations in East Asia, moving the region further and further away from the risk of war. It might not be a quick process, nor the most efficient way forward. But it works.