The ASEAN way
The "ASEAN Way" refers to a methodology or approach to solving issues that respects the cultural norms of Southeast Asia. Masilamani and Peterson summarised it well: "'The ASEAN Way' refers to a working process or style that is informal and personal. Policymakers constantly utilize compromise, consensus, and consultation in the informal decision-making process...it above all prioritizes a consensus-based, non-conflictual way of addressing problems. Quiet diplomacy allows ASEAN leaders to communicate without bringing the discussions into the public view. Members avoid embarrassment that may lead to further conflict." It has been said that the merits of the ASEAN Way might "...be usefully applied to global conflict management.
Critics object that the ASEAN Way's emphasis on consultation, consensus, and non-interference forces the organisation to adopt only those policies which satisfy the "lowest common denominator". Decision making by consensus requires members to see eye-to-eye before ASEAN can move forward on an issue. Further, members may not have a common conception of the meaning of the "ASEAN Way". Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos emphasise non-interference. Older members focus on co-operation and co-ordination. These differences hinder efforts to find common solutions to particular issues, but also make it difficult to determine when collective action is appropriate in a given situation.