PeaceWorkForum

In January 2025, Malaysia took on the pivotal role of chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), demonstrating exceptional leadership by mediating the tense border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. Through Malaysia's adept diplomacy, a ceasefire was successfully brokered on July 28, followed by strategic rounds of talks in August and September. As the October 2025 Kuala Lumpur summit approaches, Malaysia is poised to finalize the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), underscoring its commitment to regional stability. With Myanmar deferring its chairmanship, the Philippines is set to assume this crucial role in January 2026, a mere 15 months away. ASEAN's reliance on the chair for crisis management, supported by the troika mechanism, ensures seamless continuity. While Malaysia currently leads, the Philippines must prepare to inherit this responsibility if the dispute lingers. Current Mediation by Malaysia De-escalation: Malaysia's diplomatic prowess has helped m...

Abstract   The Franco-German joint history textbook, Histoire/Geschichte, represents a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation aimed at fostering mutual understanding and mitigating ethnic and national tensions between France and Germany. Initiated in the early 2000s as part of broader post–World War II reconciliation efforts, the project sought to create a shared historical narrative for secondary school students. It addressed sensitive topics such as the World Wars and periods of occupation through multiperspectival approaches. This paper examines the historical context of Franco-German hostility, the development and content of the textbook, its implementation and reception, and its broader impact on bilateral relations and the reduction of conflict. It argues that educational initiatives like this are essential in transforming adversarial memories into foundations for peace, serving as a model for other divided societies (He, 2009; Judt, 2006).   Introduction   ...

The Thai-Cambodian border conflict in 2025, centered around disputes over the Preah Vihear temple and the Emerald Triangle, has sparked significant activity on Facebook, reflecting polarized sentiments, nationalist fervor, and calls for peace. Below is an updated analysis of trends and expressions based on the latest available data as of September 23, 2025. Trends on Facebook Facebook remains a primary platform for both information dissemination and propaganda, with millions of interactions across Thai, Cambodian, and regional groups since the conflict's escalation in July 2025. Key trends include: - Surge in Nationalist Content: Posts in Cambodian groups like "Khmer Unity" and "ASEAN Watch" frequently feature anti-Thai narratives, accusing Thailand of violating the July 28 ceasefire with "drone strikes" and "tear gas attacks." Videos of Cambodian villagers protesting near border zones, often with captions like "Thailand steals our land,...

Introduction In contemporary society, ethnic identity is predominantly subjective and lacks an objective basis, as human civilization has not preserved the purity of any race globally (Barth, 1969). Human interaction has facilitated cross-cultural relations for thousands of years. This raises the question of why the concept of ethnic identity, which claims an objective perspective, remains influential in ethnic or racial relations. Despite the absence of objective racial purity, ethnic identity continues to exert a significant influence on social dynamics and personal experiences (Phinney, 1990). This persistence can be attributed to deeply ingrained cultural narratives, historical legacies, and human inclination to seek belonging within defined groups (Cornell & Hartmann, 2007). Researchers have identified factors such as socialization, political manipulation, and the need for a collective identity as contributors to the enduring influence of ethnic categorization in modern societ...

Defense Contractors Involved in the 2025 Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict The 2025 Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, centered on the disputed Preah Vihear temple area, escalated in July 2025 with artillery exchanges, airstrikes, and drone operations. Below is a compiled list of key defense contractors and suppliers whose equipment was reportedly used or highlighted in the clashes, based on available reports. I've organized it by country of supply, indicating the recipient side (Cambodia or Thailand) and examples of supplied items. This focuses on confirmed or alleged usage during the conflict, drawing from military analyses and news sources. Note that many systems are legacy acquisitions, and direct "behind-the-scenes" orchestration is not evidenced—rather, these are arms providers fueling the escalation. Chinese Contractors (Primarily to Cambodia; Some to Thailand) - China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO): Supplied multiple rocket launchers (e.g., PHL-03, PHL-90B...

Manipur, a state in Northeast India, is strategically positioned to serve as a vital gateway for Southeast Asia to India due to its unique geographical, cultural, and economic advantages. Below are the key reasons, explained concisely: 1. Geographical Proximity: Manipur shares a 398-km international border with Myanmar, a Southeast Asian nation. This makes it a natural entry point for trade and connectivity with countries like Thailand, Laos, and beyond, via Myanmar. 2. Act East Policy: India’s Act East Policy aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia. Manipur’s location makes it a critical hub for implementing this policy, facilitating cross-border trade, investment, and infrastructure projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. 3. Trade Potential: Manipur’s border town, Moreh, is a key trading point with Myanmar. The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Moreh enhances trade efficiency, enabling goods from Southeast Asia to enter India and vice versa, boosting economic ti...