Prevention from Below: Civil Society Efforts to Prevent Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia
October 28, 2020Preventing violent extremism is typically seen as a task for government security agencies, and yet civil society organizations also play a vital role. From community networks operating at the grassroots to policy research institutes, non-governmental groups have unparalleled advantages in reaching marginalized groups and supporting effective, locally defined responses. What are the most effective ways of supporting civil society efforts…
-
Nepal’s Constitution and Federalism: Vision and Implementation
October 28, 2020After over sixty years of political struggles, including armed conflict, Nepal succeeded in promulgating its new constitution through an elected Constituent Assembly in September 2015—the seventh constitution in as many decades. The constitution restructured Nepal into a federal republic, moving away from constitutional monarchy and a unitary system of governance, bringing hopes for economic empowerment, social transformation, and inclusive society….
-
Violent Conflict, Tech Companies, and Social Media in Southeast Asia
October 28, 2020Online spaces are the new frontier of conflict and violence in Southeast Asia. With the rapid spread of mobile broadband, inexpensive smartphones, online social networks, and messaging applications, the internet has become an important space for civic dialogue as well as more harmful behavior. Violent groups and movements use digital tools to recruit new members, spread propaganda, and keep their…
-
Covid-19 and the Alignment of Timor-Leste’s Aviation and Tourism Strategies
October 28, 2020Before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Timor-Leste’s aviation sector was at an embryonic stage of development, and the shortcomings of its aviation sector were recognized as constraints on the development of tourism. Yet the fact is that international aviation is an extremely complex system. It is critically important that Timor-Leste’s resources are focused directly on the key structural challenges…
-
The Saga of Rice Sector Reform in the Philippines
October 27, 2020In 2011, The Asia Foundation published Built on Dreams, Grounded in Reality: Economic Policy Reform in the Philippines, a collection of case studies that document policy and institutional reform in various sectors in the Philippines. The book included Chapter 7 – Stymied Reforms in Rice Marketing in the Philippines, 1980-2009. The chapter told how numerous successive efforts to change rice…
-
How Covid-19 and Conflict Intersect in Kachin State
October 27, 2020Myanmar’s Northernmost region, a zone of long-term violent conflict, rising geopolitical tensions, and great natural resource wealth, has thus far been spared the worst of Covid-19, but maintaining these positives is a challenge. Livelihoods are shattered and formal negotiations between conflict parties are now on hold for the November election and subsequent government transition. Kachin State faces particular challenges associated…
-
Adapting to Succeed: Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Vietnamese Businesses
October 23, 2020Vietnam is facing enormous challenges due to climate change, with an increase in a variety of extreme climate events. Countless international studies have shown that Vietnam is one of the top 10 countries most seriously affected by climate change. Originating from this reality, and with the support of the global courier group UPS, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and…
-
Advancing Gender Equality & Social Inclusion in India
October 20, 2020The Asia Foundation opened a resident office in India in 2008. The Foundation collaborates with communities, government, civil society, and other development partners to implement evidence-based programs to advance gender equality and social inclusion and to expand women’s rights, security, and economic opportunities in India. This includes a focus on changing attitudes and social norms that perpetuate gender-based violence, and…
-
Indonesia
October 15, 2020Indonesia plays a growing leadership role as a key economy and holder of major environmental assets. The Asia Foundation creates effective partnerships with innovative local government, civil society, and private sector leaders in Indonesia. Our efforts advance reforms that improve environmental governance, increase social inclusion, strengthen justice systems, protect human rights, and promote tolerance and equitable economic growth.
-
Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey – July 2020
October 14, 2020The Covid-19, or coronavirus, global pandemic has required huge responses from governments all over the world. Timor-Leste has its own unique requirements when addressing an event of this magnitude. The Government of Timor-Leste responded by declaring a state of emergency, which closed schools, suspended public transport and large gatherings, instituted border closures and established requirements for social distancing. This wave…
