Authority of Non-Human Agents: Speech Act Analysis of Peace Process Documents

Abstract

The study answered the questions “what is the authority of peace agreements” and “how do the peace agreements perform/invoke its power.” Exploring Francois Cooren’s seminal concepts on nonhuman agency and Searle’s Speech Act Theory, the study analyzed the two milestone peace agreements in the Philippines’ Mindanao peace process, namely (1) 1996 Final Peace Agreement and Implementation of 1976 Tripoli Agreement, and (2) 2014 Comprehensive Agreement of Bangsamoro (CAB). The authority of the peace agreement lies, first, on its assertives – its power to affirm and assure the implementation of those written provisions. Second is in directives, third is in commissives and last are expressives and declarations. The peace agreement has the authority to force two settling parties to enter into an agreement. Moreover, the agreements performed the following roles; under the assertives, the peace agreements in Mindanao assert to: (1) recognize the Bangsamoro identity for the realization of the lasting peace, (2) affirm the autonomy of the Bangsamoro, (3) highlight the need of transition, and (4) upholds the significance of socio-economic, cultural and educational development; and under the directives, the agreements command or order to (a) implement significant monitoring and transition mechanisms, (b) draft and pass the basic law, (c) devise a normalization program, and, (d) mandate equal representation.