The Asia Foundation

The opinion poll on the Contemporary Political Situation in Nepal (CPS 2005) was carried out by Interdisciplinary Analysts, an independent research organisation based in Kathmandu. It was designed between the second week of September 2004 and...

The opinion poll on the Contemporary Political Situation in Nepal (CPS 2005) was carried out by Interdisciplinary Analysts, an independent research organisation based in Kathmandu. It was designed between the second week of September 2004 and the third week of November 2004 and administered in the field between the fourth week of November 2004 and the third week of December 2004. Data processing and analysis were conducted between the fourth week of December 2004 and the fourth week of January 2005. Then, during the second week of February 2005, a preliminary report was prepared.

In January, 2005, the United States, Canada, and Europe completed the phase-out of quotas governing imports of textiles and apparel in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). The Asia Foundation works toward policy reform...

In January, 2005, the United States, Canada, and Europe completed the phase-out of quotas governing imports of textiles and apparel in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). The Asia Foundation works toward policy reform in the post-ATC environment.

The fifth annual study of “Investment Competitiveness of Regencies/Cities in Indonesia” implemented by KPPOD (Regional Autonomy Watch). Since the first socialization of the 2001 study results, public response toward the rank has...

The fifth annual study of “Investment Competitiveness of Regencies/Cities in Indonesia” implemented by KPPOD (Regional Autonomy Watch). Since the first socialization of the 2001 study results, public response toward the rank has been extensive. The private sector has shown its appreciation by using the study result as one of its sources to formulate investment policies; academicians have shared their opinions on the methodology used in the study; moreover, some prominent international institutions have used the studies’ findings as their reference.

This report is a contribution to a broader study entitled, "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), which examines the peace process in Sri Lanka with a particular focus on international engagement. This...

This report is a contribution to a broader study entitled, "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), which examines the peace process in Sri Lanka with a particular focus on international engagement. This particular background study focuses on the relationship between the economic agenda of the United Nations Front (UNF) government and the peace process it initiated by signing the February 2002 Ceasefire Agreement (CFA). The UNF government tried to carry out an extensive programme of reforms on the economic front while initiating a difficult process of political negotiations with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The basic conclusion of the study is that the political fallout from the economic reform program undermined the peace process, signified by the defeat of the UNF government in April 2004.

The Asia Foundation is working in Afghanistan to support the development of the political
system and the capacity of local organizations and institutions to educate Afghans on key
development objectives, particularly the elections...

The Asia Foundation is working in Afghanistan to support the development of the political
system and the capacity of local organizations and institutions to educate Afghans on key
development objectives, particularly the elections for president and for the National Assembly. The Foundation supports these projects through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other partners.

This report summarizes the discussion and conclusions of a U.S.-Vietnam dialogue held in Washington, D.C. in December 2004. Vietnamese and American representatives from the executive, legislative, business, non-governmental and academic...

This report summarizes the discussion and conclusions of a U.S.-Vietnam dialogue held in Washington, D.C. in December 2004. Vietnamese and American representatives from the executive, legislative, business, non-governmental and academic sectors participated in the conference. Its objective was to assess the bilateral relationship at the 10-year mark after normalization, and to offer recommendations to improve relations. The meeting was the final activity in a research and education project on U.S.-Vietnam relations conducted
by The Asia Foundation in collaboration with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR). The project’s ultimate goal is to promote a deeper understanding among Americans and Vietnamese on domestic and international factors that affect bilateral relations, encouraging more informed policymaking in the two countries.

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political...

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal...

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

Success Story: Maya

Maya is only 12 years old. Like thousands of young girls living in rural Nepal, she was lured to the city by a trafficker with promises of a better life. Through the efforts of The Asia Foundation-supported Center...

Success Story: Maya

Maya is only 12 years old. Like thousands of young girls living in rural Nepal, she was lured to the city by a trafficker with promises of a better life. Through the efforts of The Asia Foundation-supported Center for Legal Research and Resources Development (CeLRRd), she was rescued and is back with her parents, and receiving literacy training. Her counselor at CeLRRd tells her story.

The Asia Foundation has maintained a resident office and country program in Bangladesh continuously since 1954. In 2004, the Foundation celebrates its 50th Anniversary. For five decades, the Foundation has played a unique and unparalleled role...

The Asia Foundation has maintained a resident office and country program in Bangladesh continuously since 1954. In 2004, the Foundation celebrates its 50th Anniversary. For five decades, the Foundation has played a unique and unparalleled role as a responsive and trusted partner in the Asia-Pacific region and in working to advance constructive relations between the nations and peoples of the region.

This report presents the findings of the most comprehensive public opinion poll conducted in Afghanistan in the post-Taliban era. The survey was undertaken by The Asia Foundation [Project Direction and Editing by The Asia Foundation] in order...

This report presents the findings of the most comprehensive public opinion poll conducted in Afghanistan in the post-Taliban era. The survey was undertaken by The Asia Foundation [Project Direction and Editing by The Asia Foundation] in order to provide detailed, quantified information on the knowledge and attitudes of Afghan citizens regarding their country’s forthcoming first national elections, now scheduled for October 2004. The goal was to use the findings to provide the Foundation and other non-governmental organizations conducting voter education with information needed to more accurately plan their work for the election. A democracy assessment survey.

The Asia Foundation (TAF) and Global Risk Strategies (Global) are providing invaluable advice and assistance to the Joint Electoral Management Body Secretariat (JEMBS), a hybrid of Afghan professionals and UN advisors planning Voter...

The Asia Foundation (TAF) and Global Risk Strategies (Global) are providing invaluable advice and assistance to the Joint Electoral Management Body Secretariat (JEMBS), a hybrid of Afghan professionals and UN advisors planning Voter Registration and Elections.

Thousands of Nepali women and girls are trafficked within and outside of Nepal
every year. Sabina was one of them. Now she is at a center run by ABC/Nepal, an
Asia Foundation supported-NGO, providing shelter and counseling services...

Thousands of Nepali women and girls are trafficked within and outside of Nepal
every year. Sabina was one of them. Now she is at a center run by ABC/Nepal, an
Asia Foundation supported-NGO, providing shelter and counseling services to
trafficking survivors. She has renewed hope for a better life. This is her story.

Paper Presented at the 4th Asian Regional Conference of the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR)

The Asia Foundation conceptualized and funded a study that looked into the cleavages, roots of conflict and possible...

Paper Presented at the 4th Asian Regional Conference of the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR)

The Asia Foundation conceptualized and funded a study that looked into the cleavages, roots of conflict and possible mechanisms of conflict management in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao or ARMM. In partnership with the Office of the President and TNS-TRENDS, a probability survey of households in ARMM and adjacent areas was undertaken. The findings indicate a high level of pride for one’s ethnicity and religion, high church attendance and high regard for religious leaders in ARMM. The study also revealed that Muslim ethnic groups are more divided than they would care to admit. Interfamily and clan conflicts tend to be more prevalent than “military-rebel” wars or “Muslim-Christian” feuds. On conflict resolution, majority says that appealing to higher authorities would be the most effective means. When asked what would be best for ARMM, most would prefer that Islamic laws be implemented in ARMM rather than support moves to secede from the Philippines. The study findings give much insight on how to further explore new and efficient ways of managing conflicts in ARMM.

The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this...

The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this unprecedented longitudinal examination of decentralization, the Foundation and our partners have been able to diagnose problems with precision and, more important, put forward nuanced remedies that are applicable to the highly varied conditions across this enormously complex country.

In Bahasa: The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of...

In Bahasa: The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this unprecedented longitudinal examination of decentralization, the Foundation and our partners have been able to diagnose problems with precision and, more important, put forward nuanced remedies that are applicable to the highly varied conditions across this enormously complex country.

Ethnic conflict in the Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province continues to threaten the stability and development both of that region and the entire country. As a result, the Asia Foundation, the Foundation for Co-existence, and others are...

Ethnic conflict in the Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province continues to threaten the stability and development both of that region and the entire country. As a result, the Asia Foundation, the Foundation for Co-existence, and others are involved in efforts to develop a framework for early a warning and response to potential conflicts in the east. A necessary step in this process is research that offers an accurate assessment of public attitudes concerning this situation, a better understanding of the initial signs of conflict, and ways that conflict can be prevented. The purpose of this survey, based on individual interviews, was to systematically gauge ordinary citizens’ perceptions of conflict in the East, and to move beyond reliance on the “usual (key informant) suspects.” A secondary aim was to identify pressing issues that could be explored through a follow-up quantitative survey designed to measure changes in public perceptions of, and attitudes towards, the level of human security in the East.

This report is part of a larger research and education project on U.S.-Vietnam relations being conducted by The Asia Foundation in collaboration with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR). The project’s basic...

This report is part of a larger research and education project on U.S.-Vietnam relations being conducted by The Asia Foundation in collaboration with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR). The project’s basic purpose is to examine various dimensions of the Vietnamese-American bilateral relationship, especially in the context of economic normalization between the two countries and a changing international environment in the Asia-Pacific region.

This report presents the findings of The Asia Foundation’s third national survey of the ndonesian electorate. The aim of the research was to assess voter knowledge and opinion, and to identify key issues and challenges facing election...

This report presents the findings of The Asia Foundation’s third national survey of the ndonesian electorate. The aim of the research was to assess voter knowledge and opinion, and to identify key issues and challenges facing election administrators and assistance providers in advance of the 2004 National Elections. The survey was conducted between June 25 and August 10, 2003, in 32 of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, and consisted of a random, nationally representative sample of 1,056 in-person interviews, plus an over-sample of 230 people to allow some regional analysis. The survey was funded with generous support from the U.S. Agency for International Development.