In April 2001 the Council of the Australian National University approved the establishment of a Centre for Conflict and Post-Conflict Studies, Asia Pacific. The Centre provides a focus for work on conflict, peacemaking, and post-conflict reconciliation and reconstruction in the countries of the island Pacific and Southeast Asia. It is based within the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australia's pre-eminent centre for research and advanced training on the region.

The Centre will also organize workshops, initiate applications for external funding, undertake consultancies, and provide intensive training programs.

The CCPCSAP is based within the Division of Politics and International Relations, RSPAS and will be directed by a steering committee headed by the former convenor of the Division, Dr R.J. May.