The Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation's second national survey of 1,500 Thai citizens explores the depth of color divisions in contemporary Thailand; key topics include the state of democracy in Thailand, elections, conflict and security, and options for...

The Asia Foundation's second national survey of 1,500 Thai citizens explores the depth of color divisions in contemporary Thailand; key topics include the state of democracy in Thailand, elections, conflict and security, and options for reconciliation.

Findings from The Asia Foundation's eighth survey in Afghanistan - the broadest public opinion poll in the country of 6,290 Afghan citizens across all 34 provinces.

View an e-reader version of the

Findings from The Asia Foundation's eighth survey in Afghanistan - the broadest public opinion poll in the country of 6,290 Afghan citizens across all 34 provinces.

View an e-reader version of the Survey here.

Aid to Subnational Conflict and Post-Conflict Areas: Balancing Development, Governance, and Security

Subnational conflict is a widespread problem in Asia, affecting nearly two-thirds of the countries in South and Southeast Asia. While...

Aid to Subnational Conflict and Post-Conflict Areas: Balancing Development, Governance, and Security

Subnational conflict is a widespread problem in Asia, affecting nearly two-thirds of the countries in South and Southeast Asia. While most of Asia is rapidly developing, subnational conflict areas typically lag behind in key development indicators. Many of these regions have been afflicted by conflict for decades, leading to protracted cycles of under-development, poor governance and instability. These conditions create an environment that stifles local economic growth, prevents integration into the national and regional economies, and leads to deteriorating social services. The project team will focus on four cases of subnational conflicts and post-conflict in Asia: Mindanao and Sulu (Philippines), Southern Thailand, Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka, and Aceh (Indonesia).

The executive summary of the research Mr. Wiratmadinata conducted during his six-month fellowship at the University of Maryland's Center for International Development and Conflict Management, as The  Asia Foundation's William P. Fuller...

The executive summary of the research Mr. Wiratmadinata conducted during his six-month fellowship at the University of Maryland's Center for International Development and Conflict Management, as The  Asia Foundation's William P. Fuller Fellow in Conflict Resolution for 2008.

This volume presents several studies on feuding or clan confl icts, popularly known in Mindanao as rido. This effort is the result of a coordinated research conducted by Mindanao-based civil society organizations and academic institutions with...

This volume presents several studies on feuding or clan confl icts, popularly known in Mindanao as rido. This effort is the result of a coordinated research conducted by Mindanao-based civil society organizations and academic institutions with support from the United States Agency for International Development (usaid) and The Asia Foundation. The studies variously mapped the incidence of clan confl icts in Mindanao and conducted in-depth investigations into the root causes of the confl icts, the parties involved, the conditions for their escalation and recurrence, the relationship to other forms of confl ict, and the potential for confl ict resolution.

The Asia Foundation has been working with the Ministry of Justice in Sri Lanka since the 1960s on a variety of programs designed to improve the administration of justice. The first Community Mediation Boards of Sri Lanka were established in...

The Asia Foundation has been working with the Ministry of Justice in Sri Lanka since the 1960s on a variety of programs designed to improve the administration of justice. The first Community Mediation Boards of Sri Lanka were established in 1990 as an alternative form of dispute resolution, providing accessible, timely, and affordable justice by settling disputes between individuals, families, and small groups. Since then, the Foundation has supported the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) with the objective of facilitating the voluntary settlement of minor disputes using interest-based mediation. The Community Mediation Boards project is the Foundation’s longest-running program of assistance in Sri Lanka.

February 2013

Over the past decade, community-­based development (CBD) programs have become among the most common and widely-­accepted methods for providing assistance to conflict-­affected regions. These trends partly...

February 2013

Over the past decade, community-­based development (CBD) programs have become among the most common and widely-­accepted methods for providing assistance to conflict-­affected regions. These trends partly reflect an increased sensitivity to conflict dynamics and a commitment to extend the benefits of development to conflict-­affected communities in order to help them rebuild infrastructure and improve livelihoods. In the Philippines, the government has adopted CBD as a core component of its strategy to address internal armed conflict, and nearly all of the major international development partners are implementing some form of CBD programming to support conflict-­affected communities. Community-­based development refers to a broad spectrum of development program approaches that channel the benefits of aid directly to the community level and often (though not all cases) prioritize participation and ownership by community members in program implementation. This study was undertaken to provide some clarity and guidance on CBD in conflict-­affected areas.

A brief description of the comparative review study, a one year grant from the World Bank’s State and Peace-building Fund. The study will examine the possible impact of community based development projects in conflict affected areas in...

A brief description of the comparative review study, a one year grant from the World Bank’s State and Peace-building Fund. The study will examine the possible impact of community based development projects in conflict affected areas in the Philippines, particularly on peace-building and conflict.

The Asia Foundation’s conflict management and prevention program aims to reduce the effects of violence on development and to help prevent future violent conflict. Events of 2006 show that outbreaks of violence can destabilize economic...

The Asia Foundation’s conflict management and prevention program aims to reduce the effects of violence on development and to help prevent future violent conflict. Events of 2006 show that outbreaks of violence can destabilize economic and democratic development and slow progress. In response to these events, The Asia Foundation is addressing the crisis by linking critical governance vulnerabilities directly to the underlying causes and enabling factors of the violence. The Foundation is facilitating consultations with Timorese leaders to formulate practical recommendations for governance reform for policymakers that will help reduce the potential for violent conflict in the near- to mid-term.

Tetum version

Fundasaun Ázia nia programa jestaun no prevensaun ba konflitu buka atu hamenus efeitu violénsia nian ba dezenvolvimentu no ajuda prevene konflitu violentu iha futuru. Eventu sira iha tinan 2006 hatudu katak...

Tetum version

Fundasaun Ázia nia programa jestaun no prevensaun ba konflitu buka atu hamenus efeitu violénsia nian ba dezenvolvimentu no ajuda prevene konflitu violentu iha futuru. Eventu sira iha tinan 2006 hatudu katak akontesimentu violénsia nian bele dezestabiliza dezenvolvimentu ekonómiku no demokrátiku no atraza progresu. Hodi hatan ba eventu sira ne’e, Fundasaun Ázia lida ho krize ne’e liuhosi identifika ligasaun entre vulnerabilidade krítika governasaun nian sira diretamente ho kauza fundamentál no faktór sira ne’ebé mak hamosu violénsia. Fundasaun fasilita daudaun konsulta ho líder Timór nian sira hodi formula rekomendasaun prátika kona-ba reforma governasaun nian ba polítika-nain sira ne’ebé sei ajuda hamenus potensiál ba konflitu violentu iha kurtu no médiu-prazu.

Occasional Paper No. 18, October 2012

Thailand's southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and the four Malay-speaking districts in Songkhla province have a combined population of about 2 million people, of whom more than...

Occasional Paper No. 18, October 2012

Thailand's southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and the four Malay-speaking districts in Songkhla province have a combined population of about 2 million people, of whom more than 1.5 million are Malay Muslims. This distinctive ethnic-religious group has a history and identity that predates the imposition of centralized rule of the Thais in the early 20th century and was once part of the independent Sultanate of Patani. Thailand's nation-state constructs, along with its historical narrative and the centralized structure of the Thai state agencies, have at various times been both unable and unwilling to accommodate their unique Malay identity and historical narrative. Adding to their sense of alienation is the fact that the restive region, commonly referred to as the Deep South, is one of the most neglected regions in the country. This paper investigates the role of civil societies in Thailand's Deep South.

The Philippines suffers from endemic conflicts on many levels, some arising out of traditional cleav - ages and others from the complex responses of a society undergoing rapid change. Political insta - bility, intra-community conflicts over...

The Philippines suffers from endemic conflicts on many levels, some arising out of traditional cleav - ages and others from the complex responses of a society undergoing rapid change. Political insta - bility, intra-community conflicts over natural resources, and the conflicts in Mindanao in par- ticular, continue to undermine efforts to improve the country's economy and governance. The Asia Foundation aims to address conflicts through enhanced conflict resolution mechanisms; improved communication channels within affected commu- nities and between government and com munity groups; and policy-oriented substantive discussions with inputs from key stakeholders.

Conducted by The Asia Foundation's office in Bangkok, this is its first public perception survey focused on Thailand's three southern border provinces of Yala, Narathiwas, and Pattani. The survey provides essential information on citizen views...

Conducted by The Asia Foundation's office in Bangkok, this is its first public perception survey focused on Thailand's three southern border provinces of Yala, Narathiwas, and Pattani. The survey provides essential information on citizen views and experiences in a region that has been plagued by unrest for six years.

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.

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 Asia Foundation commissioned a study in August 2010 to examine the dynamics of gender and conflict in Mindanao. Leslie Dwyer and Rufa Guiam conducted field-based research and a literature review to identify challenges and opportunities for...

The Asia Foundation commissioned a study in August 2010 to examine the dynamics of gender and conflict in Mindanao. Leslie Dwyer and Rufa Guiam conducted field-based research and a literature review to identify challenges and opportunities for women and men in community and national peacebuilding. Their report argues that programming is more effective when comprehensive gender analysis is utilized, and that such an approach can be transformative in societies trying to emerge from conflict.

The Asia Foundation commissioned a study in August 2010 to examine the dynamics of gender and conflict in Mindanao. Leslie Dwyer and Rufa Guiam conducted field-based research and a literature review to identify challenges and opportunities for...

The Asia Foundation commissioned a study in August 2010 to examine the dynamics of gender and conflict in Mindanao. Leslie Dwyer and Rufa Guiam conducted field-based research and a literature review to identify challenges and opportunities for women and men in community and national peacebuilding. Their report argues that programming is more effective when comprehensive gender analysis is utilized, and that such an approach can be transformative in societies trying to emerge from conflict.