In this paper, Dr Ashley South explores how the ancient wisdom of Daoism can contribute towards peace-building, conflict transformation, and the comparative study of humanitarian doctrines, including International Humanitarian Law.

Dr Ashley South has over 20 years’ experience as a scholar, author and consultant. He has worked with a wide range of academic institutions (including universities in Thailand, Myanmar, Australia and the UK) and international agencies (UNDP, WFP, UNHCR, WWF, and a number of multilateral and bilateral donors), primarily in relation to Myanmar, as well as Thailand, Laos and the Philippines.

This paper was submitted to the 1st International Academic Exchange Conference on Humanitarianism and Chinese Traditional Culture, organised by the International Academy of the Red Cross in Binzhou, Shandong province, China, on 23 to 25 October 2025.

Please read the paper here.