Podcasts about The Asia Foundation

Xin chào and hello! Welcome to Season 3 of Thip Khao Talk Podcast. Sophia Tran-Vu, Legacies of War Board Member, sits down with Former Ambassador Ted Osius!Former Ambassador Ted Osius is  President & CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council. A diplomat for thirty years, Ambassador Osius served from 2014 to 2017 as U.S. ambassador to Vietnam.Leading a team of 900, Ambassador Osius devised and implemented strategies to deepen economic, security and cultural ties between the two countries.  In October 2021, Osius published his most recent book, Nothing Is Impossible: America's Reconciliation with Vietnam, with a Foreword by former Secretary of State John Kerry, covering the two countries' 25-year journey from adversaries to friends and partners. After his departure from government, Osius joined Google Asia-Pacific as Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy, covering 19 Asian nations from Google's Singapore headquarters.  Earlier, he was a senior advisor at the Albright-Stonebridge Group and the first Vice President of Fulbright University Vietnam.  Osius was associate professor at the National War College and Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. As a diplomat, Osius served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Political Minister-Counselor in New Delhi, India.  Osius also served as deputy director of the Office of Korean Affairs at the State Department, regional environment officer for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and senior advisor on Asia and trade to Vice President Al Gore.  He also served in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, and at the United Nations. Ambassador Osius earned a Bachelor's degree from Harvard University, a Master's degree from Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, and an Honorary Doctorate from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education.  He was the first U.S. ambassador to receive the Order of Friendship from the President of Vietnam.  He serves on the Asia Foundation's Board of Trustees and is a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy. Ambassador Osius speaks Vietnamese, French and Italian, and a bit of Japanese, Indonesian, Hindi, Thai, Tagalog and Greek.  He and his husband, Clayton Bond, have a son and a daughter.Theme song by ⁠Lao Jazzanova⁠Order Nothing Is ImpossibleLearn more about Legacies of War

As the civil conflict in Myanmar passes its fourth anniversary, is this ethnically complex country any closer to a peaceful resolution of its internal conflict? Do opposition forces have a singular vision for what a post-conflict Myanmar might look like, or could the country simply break apart? Join Petra Alderman as she talks to Claire Smith about the evolution of Myanmar's ongoing conflict, the different domestic and international actors involved, potential pathways for peace, and the broader regional and geopolitical implications of intervention in Myanmar. *This episode was recorded prior to the March 2025 earthquake* Project website (with links to conflict & peace backgrounder and poster) *** This episode was originally recorded in early December 2024. *** Claire Smith is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of York (UK). She works on the comparative politics of conflict management, intervention and peacebuilding in the context of political transition in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia and Myanmar. Claire's research has appeared in leading conflict and peace journals including Conflict, Security and Development, Third World Quarterly, Global Responsibility to Protect and Peacebuilding. Her research has been funded by the ESRC, GCRF, The Asia Foundation, the ISRF and The World Peace Foundation. Claire Smith Transcript Petra Alderman is a researcher, CEDAR affiliate, and a manager of the LSE Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre. The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world and follow us on X (Twitter) at @CEDAR_Bham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

As the civil conflict in Myanmar passes its fourth anniversary, is this ethnically complex country any closer to a peaceful resolution of its internal conflict? Do opposition forces have a singular vision for what a post-conflict Myanmar might look like, or could the country simply break apart? Join Petra Alderman as she talks to Claire Smith about the evolution of Myanmar's ongoing conflict, the different domestic and international actors involved, potential pathways for peace, and the broader regional and geopolitical implications of intervention in Myanmar. *This episode was recorded prior to the March 2025 earthquake* Project website (with links to conflict & peace backgrounder and poster) *** This episode was originally recorded in early December 2024. *** Claire Smith is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of York (UK). She works on the comparative politics of conflict management, intervention and peacebuilding in the context of political transition in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia and Myanmar. Claire's research has appeared in leading conflict and peace journals including Conflict, Security and Development, Third World Quarterly, Global Responsibility to Protect and Peacebuilding. Her research has been funded by the ESRC, GCRF, The Asia Foundation, the ISRF and The World Peace Foundation. Claire Smith Transcript Petra Alderman is a researcher, CEDAR affiliate, and a manager of the LSE Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre. The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world and follow us on X (Twitter) at @CEDAR_Bham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

As the civil conflict in Myanmar passes its fourth anniversary, is this ethnically complex country any closer to a peaceful resolution of its internal conflict? Do opposition forces have a singular vision for what a post-conflict Myanmar might look like, or could the country simply break apart? Join Petra Alderman as she talks to Claire Smith about the evolution of Myanmar's ongoing conflict, the different domestic and international actors involved, potential pathways for peace, and the broader regional and geopolitical implications of intervention in Myanmar. *This episode was recorded prior to the March 2025 earthquake* Project website (with links to conflict & peace backgrounder and poster) *** This episode was originally recorded in early December 2024. *** Claire Smith is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of York (UK). She works on the comparative politics of conflict management, intervention and peacebuilding in the context of political transition in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia and Myanmar. Claire's research has appeared in leading conflict and peace journals including Conflict, Security and Development, Third World Quarterly, Global Responsibility to Protect and Peacebuilding. Her research has been funded by the ESRC, GCRF, The Asia Foundation, the ISRF and The World Peace Foundation. Claire Smith Transcript Petra Alderman is a researcher, CEDAR affiliate, and a manager of the LSE Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre. The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world and follow us on X (Twitter) at @CEDAR_Bham Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies

In this episode, we're diving into the power of narrative in international development. More than just storytelling, narrative has become a critical tool—from shaping program design to influencing funding decisions. Donors and practitioners alike are recognizing the role of narrative in advancing sustainable development goals. But what exactly does "narrative" mean in this context, and how can we use it effectively to create real change? We'll explore how narrative can be both a means and an end in the push for a more equitable and sustainable world. Joining us to unpack this are Mandy Van Deven, founder of Both/And Solutions and co-lead of Elemental, Chiara Cattaneo, co-lead of Elemental, and Paco Camacho, Director of the Law and Human Rights Program for the Asia Foundation in the Philippines.

Today's episode will be part of a 3-part series where I, your host, Nathan Greene, interview a group of my current professors here at Clark University.  I want to preface this series by asking you what you think development is. Currently, I'm in my last semester of a master's in International Development at Clark University, where I've begun to question my own assumptions of what development is.  I was first introduced to this concept of development in my economic growth and development course at St. John's University. There, we explored how economic growth led to improvements in living standards that allowed people to achieve their full potential. This is what Nobel Laureate, Amartya Sen, calls his capability approach: when societies are able to produce the conditions necessary for people to flourish. But, since coming to Clark, my idea of development has changed. I began to separate economic development from general development. Growth wasn't always desirable, and could even lead to entrenched inequalities, environmental degradation, or accumulation by dispossession. So I want to ask you again, what does development mean to you? Is it different from economic growth? Are the two mutually exclusive? And, should we even strive for economic growth? To answer these questions, I've enlisted the help of three of my professors, who have helped shape my understanding of development. The first person we'll be speaking to is Dr. Jude Fernando, who will tell us about his research on Microfinance and small-scale solutions to societal improvement. The second person we'll speak with is Dr. Denise Bebbington to get a macro-level understanding of the impacts of economic growth. We'll then conclude with Dr. Dave Bell, who will give us a more metaphysical analysis of development and how the concept has changed over time.  Dr. Jude Fernando is currently a professor at Clark University and has held professorships at multiple institutions such as the University of Arizona, Dordt College, and the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka. His research work focuses on Microfinance and the role NGOs play in development. His research has earned him consulting roles at global institutions such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Asia Foundation, and the World Bank. Dr. Fernando is the founder of the Alfa Children and Youth Training Institute in Sri Lanka, an NGO established to help children impacted by the Southeast Asian Tsunami of 2004. He has written many journal articles and book contributions but is also the author of The Political Economy of NGOs: State Formation in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Dr. Fernando earned his bachelor's degree in applied economics from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka; and his PhD in economics, anthropology, and south asian history from the University of Pennsylvania. For today's episode, we'll discuss Microfinance and its criticisms, small- versus large-scale change, and why economists should rethink the importance of the solidarity economy.  To check out more of our content, including our research and policy tools, visit our website: https://www.hgsss.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smart-talk-hgsss/support

Southeast Asia has become the central arena of U.S.-Chinese competition. In this conversation, the authors of a new report from The Asia Foundation discuss the prospects for peaceful regional cooperation.

This week, we look back three decades to an Asia Foundation program that has transformed the delivery of justice in Bangladesh by making the country's traditional system for mediating disputes, the shalish, more inclusive, more equitable, and more sensitive to the rights and interests of women and vulnerable groups. 

The Asia Foundation is a US-based nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. The Foundation's work focusses on governance, climate action, gender equality, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. TAF works in more than 20 countries with funding from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.Chief Executive Laurel E Miller was in New Zealand recently, and sat down for a discussion on US strategy in Asia, and the activities of the Foundation.+This interview was recorded before the recent attempt to assassinate Donald Trump + Tweet us at @AsiaMediaCentreWebsite asiamediacentre.org.nz Email us at media@asianz.org.nzWhakawhetai mo te whakarongo .. thanks for listening !

Your journey of active citizenship doesn't have to start by launching a project from scratch! It's just as valuable to join and support existing ones in your community. ✍️ Take it from the teacher-student duo, Philip Caermare and James Agad! Listen to their story and how they became active members of 'Project Citizen' in the finale of Kasama Sa Pagbabago Season 2.–“Kasama sa Pagbabago” is a podcast by YouthLedPH—a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development, and powered by PumaPodcast.Be inspired by the stories of young changemakers when you subscribe to Kasama sa Pagbabago Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the going gets tough, the tough remember who they're doing it for. Carlo Africa of Hirayang Kabataan talks about being inspired by young changemakers to stay on track for his 20-year plan for a better Philippines in this episode of the "Kasama sa Pagbabago" podcast.–“Kasama sa Pagbabago” is a podcast by YouthLedPH—a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development, and powered by PumaPodcast.Be inspired by the stories of young changemakers when you subscribe to Kasama sa Pagbabago Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 In 1936, the Philippines gave traditional farmers formal title to the lands they had farmed for generations. The Public Land Act was expected to boost agriculture by encouraging landowners to invest in their property, yet for years it didn't work. The puzzle was why, and what to do about it.Joining us for this tale of “thinking and working politically” is Erwin Tiamson, former director of the Philippines Land Management Bureau and attorney with our partner, the Foundation for Economic Freedom, which worked to change the law. Also with us is Jaime Faustino of The Asia Foundation's Coalitions for Change. Read more about "thinking and working politically" in our latest issue of the InAsia blog. 

You shouldn't have to be rich, or leave your province, to be an artist! Meet Gabriel Villaruel, Artistic Director of Pintakasi, a dynamic organization of artists hailing from Alabat, Quezon. Gab shares insights about blending strategy with humanity in order to bring your advocacies to life. In this episode, hear how Gab, through Pintakasi, is making a difference by bringing art to their island. From the "Kasama sa Pagbabago" podcast.“Kasama sa Pagbabago” is a podcast by YouthLedPH—a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development, and powered by PumaPodcast.For more inspiring stories about young Filipino changemakers, subscribe to Kasama sa Pagbabago Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poverty deprives Badjao communities of opportunities to break the cycle. Meet Melvin Yagong and Edriane Casipong, members of Tawi-Tawi Sanib Pwersa Kabataan. On Kasama sa Pagbabago, they discuss how they've taken "Project Kiyum" from distributing hygiene kits, to opening doors for Badjaos to access education and government services.–“Kasama sa Pagbabago” is a podcast by YouthLedPH—a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development, and powered by PumaPodcast.For more inspiring stories about young Filipino changemakers, subscribe to Kasama sa Pagbabago Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CNN Reports on Truth Social DWAC Merger, Communism in America, DWAC merger is approved, Watters discusses omnibus Bill and pork involved, expenditures are ridiculous we go over them line by line, ASIA FOUNDATION funded again (Drop 239) Why smart people believe dumb things. MTG files to vacate Johnson, and much much more...

Sabi nila, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” so that's what these young people did! In the new season of Kasama sa Pagbabago, we've got a new host and a new pack of young changemakers who are serving their communities.Get episodes of Kasama sa Pagbabago as soon as they drop by subscribing to their feed!–“Kasama sa Pagbabago” is a podcast by @YouthLedph—a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development, and powered by PumaPodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#Ep.086 Mandakini is an international development consultant with more than 18 years of expertise in program design, development, and aid management in South Asia. She has managed complex regional programs in South Asia focused on sustainable development, with a strong understanding of governance systems, institutions, and political economy dynamics. In March of last year, she worked with The Asia Foundation to publish a report on how South Asian Civic Spaces are evolving.   Shuvangi and Mandakini begin with an overview of civic spaces in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, highlighting the challenges amidst evolving political landscapes and exploring how South Asian civic spaces adapt with innovation and resilience. They emphasize collaboration to address common challenges and strengthen civic spaces. They also delve into the role of donors in safeguarding civic spaces, offering recommendations for effective contributions and promoting sustainability. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

Rural women have proven to be uniquely effective protectors of Indonesia's vast and threatened forests. Joining us this week is Rahpriyanto Alam Surya Putra,  the director of The Asia Foundation's Environmental Governance program in Indonesia, to talk about women's forest stewardship and a project called the 100 Champions Network. Read the full InAsia blog piece on the the project: Cultivating Women's Forest Stewardship: The 100 Champions Network - The Asia Foundation

We explore the transformative journey of The Asia Foundation's Books for Asia, now reborn as Let's Read. Director Kyle Barker, alongside team members from Indonesia, Aryasatyani Sintadewi and Haura Najmakamila, delve into the pivotal shift from distributing millions of physical books since 1954 to pioneering digital storybooks in local languages. This innovative leap into digital literacy aims to foster young readers' growth, reflecting the evolving landscape of publishing and the crucial role of digital access in education and development.Check out the full Let's Read digital library and read Kyle Barker's blog chronicling the history of Books for Asia. 

The first group of tourists to visit North Korea since before the COVID-19 pandemic returned home to Russia this week after a 4-day trip to Pyongyang and the Masikryong Ski Resort. NK News Data Correspondent Anton Sokolin discusses plans for more groups of Russian nationals to visit the DPRK next month, the experiences of one man who spent time at a North Korean summer camp on two separate occasions, as well as a state media report stating Pyongyang tested a new “controlled rocket artillery shell and ballistic control system” last week. Then, Senior Fellow for Korean Studies and Chief Executive Office at the Korea Economic Institute of America Scott Snyder joins the podcast to discuss his role writing about North and South Korea's foreign policies to provide context for media and analyze and assess current issues. He also talks about his latest book, “The United States–South Korea Alliance: Why It May Fail and Why It Must Not,” and areas where Washington and Seoul can work together outside defense, such as technology development, global public health, and space cooperation.  Scott Snyder (@snydersas) is set to become the new president and chief executive officer of the Korea Economic Institute of America next month. He has served as the Senior Fellow for Korea Studies at the Korea Economic Institute of America for over a decade and was previously a senior associate in the international relations program of the Asia Foundation. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot (@JaccoZed) exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

Azmal Hossan joins the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast to discuss his recent selection for the 2030 Climate Champions fellowship, an initiative from The Asia Foundation aimed at bolstering U.S. and China collaboration on climate change.

#Ep.077 In this episode, Khushi and Preeti discuss strategic peacebuilding and the role of Dialogue in it. The two explore the core principles of dialogue as a conflict-solving tool and the wide scope of issues it has helped tackle professionals like Preeti in inviting resolution. They place the significance of dialogue & peacebuilding in the specific context of Nepal and highlight how underlying contentions impact aspects of society and development. They then discuss Preeti's view on the nexus of peace building and justice and recommendations to improve the State's efforts for sustainable progress in this front.     Preeti Thapa is a peacebuilder, lawyer, mediator, and certified master trainer in mediation and dialogue with more than 21 years of experience. She is The Asia Foundation's deputy director of Justice and Governance in Nepal. Her expertise lies in access to justice and strategic peacebuilding through community mediation and multi-stakeholder dialogue. Preeti has worked with Nepal's Ministry of Law and Justice on mediation policies and, in particular, contributed to the passage of the Mediation Act and Regulation. Preeti is a member of the Nepal Bar Association and of the Community Mediators' Society Nepal. She is also a visiting faculty member at Kathmandu University, the Army Command and Staff College, and Folke Bernadotte Academy, Sweden on Mediation and Dialogue. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

Last week, Nepal and India signed a power trade deal during the Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishanker's visit. The agreement consolidates the bilateral understanding of electricity exports pushed during the PM's visit to India in 2023.  Given the Indian government's conditions on cross-border electricity trade, which recognizes electricity as a strategic commodity of interest, the recent agreement can be interpreted as a positive sign. However, the current agreement does not specify who, how, and when this electricity will be traded.  Hopefully, these matters will be progressively defined in the days to come. For now, we are re-releasing an earlier episode that touches upon the drivers, optimism, and challenges of Nepal India's power trade.  Originally aired on 26 September 2022, in this episode of PxP: Conversations, Saumitra Neupane and Sagar Prasai discuss how the Indian electricity market gets featured in Nepal's hydropower imagination, the impact that this has had on Nepal's ability to exploit its hydropower potential, and what differentiates the Nepali model from that of other bilateral arrangements such as those between India and Bhutan.  They also examine India's policy positions on cross-border electricity trade in the last ten years and how regional rivalry between India and China complicates energy markets in South Asia. They also discuss the future market opportunities for Nepali hydropower and whether there are longer-term trends that support supply signals and investor confidence in Nepali hydropower. They end their conversation by discussing the possibilities of markets beyond India, primarily Bangladesh and China, and evaluate whether realistic opportunities exist on these fronts. Sagar Prasai is a development professional with over two decades of experience working in water, energy, climate issues, and regional cooperation in South Asia. He is based in Nepal and provides advisory services to various organizations, including The Asia Foundation and the Australian Government's DFAT. Previously, he served as The Asia Foundation's country representative in India. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!  

You're listening to a Special Release episode of Insight Myanmar Podcast. In the aftermath of Operation 1027, a pivotal military action initiated by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, and further supported by a coalition of ethnic fighters and PDF units, Myanmar is undergoing a transformative moment and so we are launching this series in response.Our guest is Matthew Arnold, an academic and independent policy analyst specializing in politics, governance, and peace and conflict, with extensive experience in Myanmar and a background encompassing roles at The Asia Foundation, academic research, and with the UN World Food Program in various conflict zones and humanitarian crises.Arnold notes that Myanmar now stands at a critical juncture, marked by 33 months of both armed and peaceful resistance against military dictatorship. He describes how Operation 1027, executed by competent and strategically inclined Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), reflects a carefully considered move based on the evolving trajectory of the conflict. In his view, the junta, facing widespread and entrenched resistance, lacks the depth to recover, evidenced by its inability to launch significant counter-offensives.To Arnold, the pro-democracy resistance, a bottom-up revolt evolving into a national uprising for federal democracy, remains steadfast despite criticisms and flaws. The junta's brutal tactics have ignited an unquenchable fire of revolution, and its continued atrocities are unlikely to shift the tide. Arnold boldly predicts that the democratic movement, now viable and ascendant, is poised for outright victory within the next 3 to 6 months, shaping a post-conflict peace that, while potentially messy, is distinguished by social goodwill and solidarity among the Myanmar people.Amid calls for international support, Arnold urges an open-minded approach, emphasizing Myanmar's potential for positive collective change and dismissing notions of irreparable fracture. In his view, Operation 1027 serves as a catalyst, signaling a ray of hope in a dark world, inviting contemplation, preparation, and celebration of the impending collapse of the genocidal junta.

You're listening to a Special Release episode of Insight Myanmar Podcast. In the aftermath of Operation 1027, a pivotal military action initiated by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, and further supported by a coalition of ethnic fighters and PDF units, Myanmar is undergoing a transformative moment and so we are launching this series in response.Our guest is Matthew Arnold, an academic and independent policy analyst specializing in politics, governance, and peace and conflict, with extensive experience in Myanmar and a background encompassing roles at The Asia Foundation, academic research, and with the UN World Food Program in various conflict zones and humanitarian crises.Arnold notes that Myanmar now stands at a critical juncture, marked by 33 months of both armed and peaceful resistance against military dictatorship. He describes how Operation 1027, executed by competent and strategically inclined Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), reflects a carefully considered move based on the evolving trajectory of the conflict. In his view, the junta, facing widespread and entrenched resistance, lacks the depth to recover, evidenced by its inability to launch significant counter-offensives.To Arnold, the pro-democracy resistance, a bottom-up revolt evolving into a national uprising for federal democracy, remains steadfast despite criticisms and flaws. The junta's brutal tactics have ignited an unquenchable fire of revolution, and its continued atrocities are unlikely to shift the tide. Arnold boldly predicts that the democratic movement, now viable and ascendant, is poised for outright victory within the next 3 to 6 months, shaping a post-conflict peace that, while potentially messy, is distinguished by social goodwill and solidarity among the Myanmar people.Amid calls for international support, Arnold urges an open-minded approach, emphasizing Myanmar's potential for positive collective change and dismissing notions of irreparable fracture. In his view, Operation 1027 serves as a catalyst, signaling a ray of hope in a dark world, inviting contemplation, preparation, and celebration of the impending collapse of the genocidal junta.

This week it is all about Southeast Asia on the ASPI pod. To kick off, Gatra Priyandita speaks to Thomas Parks from The Asia Foundation about geopolitics in Southeast Asia. While there's a lot of attention on the US-China rivalry and its implications for the region, Gatra and Tom focus on the different regional dynamics in Southeast Asia, including ASEAN, regional challenges and the relationships that countries like Australia and Japan have in the region and how they have changed. Zooming in on Indonesia, Gatra Priyandita speaks to Natalie Sambhi about Indonesian politics and foreign policy and Australia's relationship with Indonesia. They discuss Indonesia's vision for the world and how it aligns with Australia's, the roles both countries can play in shaping international rules and norms and how to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, including through education. Guests: Gatra Priyandita: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Thomas Parks: https://asiafoundation.org/people/thomas-parks/ Natalie Sambhi: https://www.ververesearch.org/our-team1 Music: "Righteous" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

The Asia Foundation's country representative in Indonesia, Hana Satriyo,  is a veteran advocate  for women's and minority rights and a champion against disinformation who's worked tirelessly with government ministries, civil society, and local governments across the Indonesian archipelago. Dive into our impactful initiatives in Indonesia with Hana. Learn more about our work in Indonesia.

Today's episode of The Aid Market podcast features Michael as the host, joined by Shannon Green, a senior advisor to the administrator for the USAID's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, and Barbara Smith, who manages democracy, human rights, conflict resolution, and rule of law programs at the Carter Center.    In this episode, they delve into prominent issues and explore the actions taken in response. Additionally, they discuss the current administration's priorities, election integrity, AI's role, and localization efforts and retrospectively examine our past and present progress.   IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Mike begins by sharing who is on today's podcast and an update from Dean Fritz Meyer of the Denver Democracy Summit [09:06] Shannon discusses what her role is at the USAID's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Governance and what is happening there [19:28] Barbara shares how this administration is currently prioritizing this work that Shannon shared and compares where we were to where we are [26:15] Discussion of USAID Forward and localization and the role AI plays [38:38] Discussion of the National Security Council [44:08] Question from a partner regarding Save the Children and the Global Fragility Act [46:47] Question from a listener on how the DRG is promoted versus what is done on counter-authoritarianism [50:41] Questions from two listeners regarding traditional humanitarian and USAID priorities [55:12] Barbara and Shannon leave the listeners with important thoughts    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  People from all over the world hunger for freedom. The USAID is harnessing its development assistance to promote accountable states, active citizens and rights-respecting societies. Brazen attempts at stealing elections are a problem in Africa.    RESOURCES:   Shannon Green - USAID website Barbara Smith - Carter Center Website Fritz Mayer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frederick-mayer-11862b3b   ABOUT THE GUESTS:   Shannon N. Green :Assistant to the Administrator Shannon N. Green serves as the Assistant to the Administrator of the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG). In this role, she leads USAID's efforts to invigorate democracy, enhance human rights and justice, and bolster governance that advances the public interest and delivers inclusive development. Previously, Ms. Green was the Senior Advisor to the Administrator and Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Task Force where she led USAID's historic elevation of anti-corruption and aligned the Agency's policies, programming, and resources to counter corruption at a global scale. Before returning to public service in 2021, Ms. Green was the Senior Director of Programs at the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) and Director and Senior Fellow of the Human Rights Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where her research focused on addressing threats to democratic institutions and norms, enhancing justice and accountability, and improving security forces' respect for human rights. From 2004 - 2015, Ms. Green held a number of positions in the U.S. Government, including as the Senior Director for Global Engagement on the National Security Council. In that role, she spearheaded efforts to deepen and broaden U.S. engagement with critical populations overseas, including the President's Stand with Civil Society Agenda and young leader initiatives around the world. Prior to that, Ms. Green served in the DRG Center, where she developed policies, strategies, and programs to advance political reform and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa. Ms. Green received her B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of Georgia and her M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University, and has served as an adjunct professor for Syracuse University Maxwell School.   Fritz Mayer Dean of Josef Korbel School of International Studies Frederick ‘Fritz' Mayer, Ph.D., is the dean of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. Dean Mayer's research interests include international trade and economic globalization and the role of storytelling in politics and collective action. He has published two single-author books, four educational publications, and numerous articles and chapters. He is affiliated with the American Political Science Association, the International Studies Association, and the Association of Public Policy and Management. Prior to DU, Dean Mayer served as professor of public policy, political science and environment; associate dean; director of the Center for Political Leadership, Innovation and Service; and director of the Program on Global Policy and Governance at the Terry Sandford School of Public Policy at Duke University. Barbara Smith, M.S. Vice President, Peace Programs Barbara Smith oversees the Carter Center's democracy, human rights, conflict resolution, and rule of law programs, which operate projects and observe elections in countries across the globe. Before coming to The Carter Center in September 2020, Smith was principal and founder of the international development consulting firm Mountain Time Development. She also was a senior associate at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, focused on the Human Rights Initiative, conducting field work and research on civil society. Her wide-ranging career also includes assignments at the United States Agency for International Development and with the National Security Council in the White House. At USAID, Smith held a number of positions, most recently as deputy assistant to the administrator in the Bureau of Policy, Planning, and Learning. She also co-led the team that created the seminal USAID 2013 Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Strategy, which is applied across the approximately 100 countries where USAID works. Other positions she held at USAID included senior policy analyst, deputy coordinator for Middle East Transition Response during the Arab Spring, and senior field advisor for democracy and governance. Smith served on the National Security Council as a director for Afghanistan and Pakistan affairs and as senior director for governance and law at the Asia Foundation. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, she was a spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. In Afghanistan, she was assistant country representative for the Asia Foundation, where she also directed the foundation's efforts to assist Afghanistan in holding its first post-Taliban elections. Smith earned a bachelor's degree in government from the University of Texas and a master's degree in political science from Texas State University.

Saturday Mornings host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host, award-winning author Neil Humphreys talk with  Marija Ralic, Google.org Lead, Google APAC, and Mehreen Tanvir, Project Manager, The Asia Foundation about Go Digital ASEAN 2.0 and how Google partners with Enterprise Singapore, SGTech to offer 15,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships to 300 local SMEs and underserved communities including Certificates in Data Analytics and Business Intelligence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Mike and Jude are joined by Thomas Parks, Country Representative for Thailand with The Asia Foundation and author of the recently published book Southeast Asia's Multipolar Future: Averting a New Cold War. They begin with an overview of Southeast Asia's experience during and following the Cold War and discuss the region's desire to avoid a re-division into blocs. They explore how regional states are seeking to preserve strategic ambiguity in their international relations and diversify their economic partnerships to avoid becoming highly dependent on any one great power.  They then consider the effects a conflict in Taiwan would have on regional states' autonomy and probable reactions if conflict were to occur, as well as regional perspectives on the prospects for major U.S.-China decoupling and associated vulnerabilities.   The conservation concludes by exploring space for multipolar cooperation in the region among small and middle powers, how they have prioritized deep connections with each other, and how this in turn allows them to enter into robust security or economic relationships with major powers while also preserving the perception of autonomy in the eyes of their peers. 

This July marks the 30th anniversary of a legal decision in the Philippines that has reverberated far beyond those shores. In 1993, a young attorney named Antonio Oposa sued the Philippine Department of the Environment and Natural Resources and its secretary, “Jun” Factoran, to halt logging in the nation's vanishing old-growth forests. The remarkable aspect of the case is that he sued on behalf of generations as yet unborn.The key holding of Minors Oposa vs. Factoran is now known as the Oposa Doctrine. It grants current generations legal standing to bring actions on behalf of future generations with respect to environmental rights.Joining John and Tracie to talk about his famous case is lawyer and environmentalist Antonio Oposa. Also joining us is his longtime friend Erik Jensen, formerly with The Asia Foundation in Manila and now at Stanford Law School, who had a first-hand view of the event.

Maraming napagusapang dokumento, annexes, agreements, and laws. At lahat ito ay more than just a piece of paper. Pero paano nga ba ito nararamdaman ng mga taga Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao? Tatalakayin ito sa season finale ng "Balangkas ng Bukas."Balangkas ng Bukas is a podcast by Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed)—a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development, powered by PumaPodcast with the support of the United Voices for Peace Network.To learn more about how reforms are made, subscribe to discover more episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#Ep.047 Last Monday, the 29th of May, Finance Minister Dr. Mahat took the parliamentary podium for three grueling hours to announce the national budget for the Fiscal Year 2023/ 24. Besides the typical significance of the policy document for the State, this year's Budget gathered more anticipation as word about a looming economic crisis was spreading fervently among experts and citizens alike. The Budget and its performance hence is a test for the State to prove its capacity to overcome historical errors.  In today's episode,  PEI's Saumitra Neupane sits with Sagar Prasai and Paras Kharel in a riveting conversation discussing the Nepal Budget FY 2023/24, analyzing its structure, priorities, and impacts.  They situate the Budget in the current context of an economic slowdown, tracing historical patterns, factors, and events that have enervated the Nepali economy. Their conversation then informs how the budget responds to contemporary economic challenges and what factors play into its performance success or failure.  Sagar is a development professional with over two decades of experience working in the areas of water, energy, climate issues, and regional cooperation in South Asia. He currently provides advisory services to various organizations, including The Asia Foundation and the Australian Government's DFAT.  Paras is a trade economist with over 15 years of research experience. He is the Executive Director at South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics, and Environment and has a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Melbourne.  Click here to support us on Patreon!!

"People will only leave a relationship when they are treated badly." isn't just a quote applicable to our love lives. Tungkol din 'yan sa pagbuo ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Director Wendell Orbeso, Member of Parliament Anna Basman, and Director Emboy Bahjin of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity speak on the lengthy debates at congress and the most important parts of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in this episode of "Balangkas ng Bukas."Balangkas ng Bukas is a podcast by Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed)—a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development, powered by PumaPodcast with the support of the United Voices for Peace Network.Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mabuhay! For teacher PJ Hernandez, mahalagang matuto bukod sa pagbabasa ng textbook. Kaya niya naisip ang "The Traveling Salakot," a walking tour and advocacy that takes history to the streets and trains youth volunteers to share our culture through the mediums they know best. Kilalanin si PJ sa season finale ng "Kasama sa Pagbabago" podcast.Kasama sa Pagbabago is a podcast by the Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed), a project of the Asia Foundation and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Powered by PumaPodcast.Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first episode of the series traced the Bangsamoros' history from pre-colonial times up until the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., so let's pick up where we left off. Here's part two of our history lesson on the Bangsamoro as told by BARMM Minister of Parliament Anna Basman and Professor Tirmizy Abdullah, a historian from Mindanao State University. From the "Balangkas ng Bukas" podcast.Balangkas ng Bukas is a podcast by Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed)—a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development, powered by PumaPodcast with the support of the United Voices for Peace Network.Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WFH and thriving! That's MK's goal for her fellow moms who take care of their families while making their careers WERK. Hear how she built her online community, Filipina Home-Based Moms on this episode of the "Kasama sa Pagbabago" podcast.Kasama sa Pagbabago is a podcast by the Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed), a project of the Asia Foundation and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Powered by PumaPodcast.Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get an introduction to the Bangsamoro Organic Law by tracing the history of Muslim Mindanao with Professor Tirmizy Abdullah, a historian from Mindanao State University. From the arrival of Islam, to significant events in recent history, this is season 1 of "Balangkas ng Bukas": a new podcast that looks into the events that ignited the changes we see and enjoy today.Balangkas ng Bukas is a podcast by Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed)—a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development, powered by PumaPodcast with the support of the United Voices for Peace Network.Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paano ba baguhin ang mundo? Sa totoo lang, mahirap at matagal! Pero kapag nagawa, sulit lahat ng pagsisikap, diba? Alamin natin ang mga natatagong kuwento sa likod ng reporma sa "Balangkas ng Bukas" podcast. Sa season one, tatalakayin natin ang Bangsamoro Organic Law. Balangkas ng Bukas is a podcast by the Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed), a project of the Asia Foundation and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Powered by PumaPodcast.Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Multitasker yarn? At the start of the pandemic, Nekka Abueva saw that the trisikad drivers in her neighborhood had lost their source of income, kaya gumawa siya ng programa para sa kanila even while she was studying. But she had bigger plans, and that included empowering their wives. Kasama sa Pagbabago is a podcast by the Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed), a project of the Asia Foundation and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Powered by PumaPodcast.Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patricia (Tricia) DeGennaro is a Senior Fellow and Project Lead for the Balkans Next research initiative at Joint Special Operations University (JSOU). She came to JSOU from US Central Command's(USCENTCOM) Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) where she was a Senior Social Scientist focused on strategic communications and influence in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility.DeGennaro holds an MBA in International Trade and Finance from George Washington University and an MPA in International Security and Conflict Resolution from Harvard University. She speaks fluent Albanian and has a basic knowledge of Italian, Arabic and Dari.She joins us to discuss geopolitical issues throughout Europe, especially Central and Eastern Europe and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We also discuss her ideas for forging a lasting path towards peace. Previously, she supported the US Army's Training and Doctrine Command Operational EnvironmentTraining Support Center. DeGennaro was an adjunct professor at New York University's Department of International Affairs for almost fifteen years teaching courses on international security policy, civilian and military affairs, and terrorism. She has been a Senior Fellow at the World Policy Institute and a Visiting Scholar at George Mason University's School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. DeGennaro capitalizes on over twenty years of experience as an academic, military advisor and practitioner in international security. Much of her work focuses on the information environment, countering terrorism and violent extremism, and transitioning nations from war. She has spent considerable time in the Balkans, the Middle East and Afghanistan on information operations, security, civilian and military affairs, provincial governance, capacity building, and joint interagency, intergovernmental and multinational coordination.During her tenure, she has consulted with USAID, Department of State, and Senior Military Officers as well as the Asia Foundation, Director of National Intelligence Office, Department of Homeland Security,The Conference Board, World Bank, Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee chaired by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and several organizations that support the Middle East peace process. She spent four years in Albania as a Small and Medium Enterprise volunteer with the Peace Corps and, later, as an economic development consultant with US Agency for International Development.DeGennaro has published several articles on US foreign policy and national security topics. Her focus is to encourage a grand strategy for an integrated international policy that looks beyond war and the use of force. She is often an expert commentator for CNN, MSNBC, Al Jazeera, Fox News, BBC and various nationally and internationally syndicated media outlets.

Multitasker yarn? At the start of the pandemic, Nekka Abueva saw that the trisikad drivers in her neighborhood had lost their source of income, kaya gumawa siya ng programa para sa kanila even while she was studying. But she had bigger plans, and that included empowering their wives. Hear her story on Kasama sa Pagbabago: https://tinyurl.com/5n8mv66zKasama sa Pagbabago is a podcast by the Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed), a project of the Asia Foundation and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Powered by PumaPodcast.Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saan ba nakakahanap ng true love ngayon? For Richelle Verdeprado, nasa advocacy work ang sikreto! From helping students in need through a Facebook donation drive, to founding a foster home for children in need, the path ultimately led to her husband, with whom she shares her causes. Goals! From the "Kasama sa Pagbabago" podcast.Kasama sa Pagbabago is a podcast by the Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed), a project of the Asia Foundation and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Powered by PumaPodcast.Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new generation of Filipinos means a new generation of heroes! Kilalanin natin ang mga Gen Z at batang Millennial na "Kasama sa Pagbabago."Ang "Kasama sa Pagbabago" ay isang podcast mula sa Youth Leadership for Democracy, o YouthLed—a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development. Powered by PumaPodcast.Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode: https://open.spotify.com/show/1JUmB46Up7wPP177Lq7zKM?si=5892609bfbd34106 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As president and CEO, David Arnold steered The Asia Foundation through 12 momentous years. 

IN order to get the attention of everyone on the earth, the enemy uses tactics from the demonic music industry and Hollywood to bring folks in to their spells, Same old trick, different day. The balloon is gone, Turkey has earthquakes, and more…

America's foreign policy has undergone significant evolution since its founding. After World War II, the country embraced a policy of containment towards the Soviet Union, leading to increased involvement in international affairs. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War marked a shift towards a more interventionist foreign policy, as seen in the Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Russia-Ukraine War, which began in 2014 with Russia's annexation of Crimea, marked a new low in US-Russian relations, with the US imposing economic sanctions in response. China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region has also been a challenge for US foreign policy, with the US responding with a mix of engagement and competition, including trade tensions and efforts to strengthen partnerships in the region. In this episode, PEI's Anurag Acharya sits with Ryan Hass to discuss the US and its role as a global leader in a changing geopolitical landscape. Ryan Hass is a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C. and a member of the Board of Trustees of The Asia Foundation. From 2013 to 2017, he has served as the Director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia at the U.S. National Security Council, advising President Obama and senior White House officials on all aspects of American policy towards these three countries. In this 15-year tenure in the US Foreign Service, Ryan served in various American embassies, from Beijing, and Seoul, to Ulaanbaatar. He has authored multiple books, including “Stronger: Adapting America's China Strategy in an Age of Competitive Interdependence.” Anurag and Ryan discuss the evolution of American foreign policy, especially in the last two tumultuous decades since 9/11, and how that has impacted its position as a global leader. They also examine contemporary world crises like the Russia-Ukraine War, as well as the potential conflict between US and China over Taiwan, and America's response to China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Ryan further elaborates his proposition that, instead of looking for a hostile contestation, the US and China both have to learn to live with each other, that the US must invest in itself and in its friends, and how the collaboration between these competing powers on collective-action problems like climate change can result in better outcomes for everyone. Click here to support us on Patreon!!

Ep. Br#003 As the world gathers in Egypt for COP 27 this week, the discussion on climate change, its global impact, and the need to curb dependency on carbon-intensive sources of energy take center stage. Joining this spirit of climate consciousness and innovative rethinking, PEI colleagues - Saurab Lama and Nirjan Rai - discuss PEI's 2021 paper “The Political Economy of Mainstreaming Renewable Energy in Nepal.” The two discuss the hydro-dominant narrative of Nepal's electricity sector and the significance of other-than-hydro renewable energy sources in pursuit of its energy goals. They go further into the politics of institutions in the sector and how the extant interests and incentives in the sector are obstructing mainstreaming initiatives. They conclude with recommendations on the need to increase the electricity consumption of the average Nepali and to change the sector narrative that includes issues of climate change and energy security, Nirjan is a researcher with over a decade of experience in designing, managing, and leading analytical studies on Nepal's energy and water governance. He helped establish Policy Entrepeneurs Inc and Niti Foundation, two Nepali policy research institutions, and has worked at the Asian Development Bank and The Asia Foundation. He is also a United World College alum and an Asia Foundation Development Fellow. The paper is can be downloaded from PEI's website

Last week, The Asia Foundation presented our Chang Lin Tien Distinguished Leadership Award to the pioneering Philippine news site Rappler and its founding team, Maria Ressa, Glenda Gloria, Chay Hofileña, and Beth Frondoso, for their courageous online journalism. Once a scrappy startup, Rappler at 10 years old has become a political lightning rod with an average of 40 million page views a month and a history of discomfiting the powerful.Founded in 2012 by a team of veteran journalists, Rappler's impact reverberated far beyond the Philippines as it modeled a style of fast-paced, online journalism that upended established newsrooms. It was also a canary in the coalmine of social media, as a tool that once seemed like a new voice for democracy took a darker turn towards online attacks and disinformation.John and Tracie sat down in San Francisco with two of Rappler's founders, Executive Editor Glenda Gloria and CEO and President Maria Ressa, to talk about their careers, what it's like to win a Nobel Peace Prize while threatened with years in prison, and which of the four founders is the mean one.

Meet twenty young leaders from the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific, the first graduates of The Asia Foundation's LeadNext Fellowship program. Read the full blog about the LeadNext fellows.