Framing Inclusive Peace: ASEAN Soft Power Strategy in the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (2017–2023)

Abstract

Starting in 2017, ASEAN began to raise the agenda of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) as part of diplomatic efforts that uphold global values. The study examines how ASEAN builds a strategic approach to WPS through the process of formulating problems, finding root causes, and developing normative responses. The study refers to important ASEAN policy documents for the period 2017–2021. The process illustrates how global norms are absorbed and adapted to the regional context to build ASEAN's image as a peaceful and inclusive region, in line with SDG 5 and SDG 16 targets. The research aims to analyze how ASEAN frames the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda as part of the region’s soft power strategy during 2017-2021. Using a qualitative descriptive method, this research uses secondary data-based sources such as official ASEAN documents, cooperation reports with UN Women, and regional forums. This study contributes to filling the gap in research related to the role of ASEAN value diplomacy in building an inclusive and peaceful regional image.