The ASEAN Way approach involves a high degree of discretion, informality,
pragmatism, consensus building, and non-confrontational bargaining styles
(Amitav Archarya, 1996). Among the key features of the ASEAN Way are: first,
consensus and consultation; second, coriflict management rather than conflict
resolution; third, non interference policy; fourth, preference for informal bilateral
arrangements, and the avoidance of excessive institutionalization; and fifth, the
avoidance of formal multilateral security arrangements.