Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): March 2026
Articles

The role of AIPA in mediating ethnic conflicts in Myanmar after the 2021 coup: A normative constructivist perspective

Fathan Rafiqi
Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta
Muhammad Fajhriyadi Hastira
Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta
Bio
Surwandono
Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

Published 13-05-2026

Keywords

  • AIPA,
  • Myanmar Ethnic Conflict,
  • normative constructivism,
  • parliamentary diplomacy,
  • regional norm formation

How to Cite

Rafiqi, F., Hastira, M. F., & Surwandono. (2026). The role of AIPA in mediating ethnic conflicts in Myanmar after the 2021 coup: A normative constructivist perspective. International Journal of Humanity Studies (IJHS), 9(2), 310-320. https://doi.org/10.24071/ijhs.v9i2.60

Abstract

This study analyses the strategic role of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in resolving ethnic tensions in Myanmar after the February 2021 coup, to evaluate the impact of parliamentary diplomacy on the establishment of regional standards. The employed methodology is qualitative literature research, examining source documents such as AIPA decisions from the 42nd to 44th General Assemblies (2021–2023), alongside secondary literature using content analysis within a constructivist normative framework. The findings indicate that AIPA effectively launched the establishment of norms by articulating concepts of inclusivity and human rights in the General Assembly communiqué and securing extensive parliamentary backing for the Five-Point Consensus. The norm cascade stage was evident when the national parliaments of Indonesia and Malaysia repudiated the Myanmar military junta and interacted with the National Unity Government. The March 2023 fact-finding mission and the creation of an ad hoc monitoring committee helped people follow the rules better. It was hard to do because AIPA resolutions are not binding, and political commitments in each country differ. These results show that AIPA is a "norm entrepreneur" and that parliamentary diplomacy needs better compliance mechanisms to have an effect on real policy.

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