Southeast and East Asia
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) promotes democracy, human rights, economic freedom, and curbing climate change. In Southeast and East Asia, we have offices in Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta, Manila, Seoul, Taipei, and Malaysia. The FNF regional team works with the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism, Collective of Applied Law and Legal Realism (CALR), a pro bono initiative by AmerBON Advocates, and the ASEAN Prosperity Initiative, which is part of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs. Should you have questions or suggestions about our work, please contact us. You can also meet our team here.
News
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Violence in Myanmar: women targeted by the military and resistance groups
Women in Myanmar have been exposed to massive violence since the military coup in 2021. A new study shows the dramatic consequences and calls for better access to justice.
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Business & Human Rights: Measures for the Global South
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights call for a “smart mix of measures — national and international, mandatory and voluntary — to foster business respect for human rights”. This was also the theme of the 13th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva.
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East Asia Caught Between Washington and Beijing
Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are opting for de-escalation in the tariff dispute with the United States. Europe should take note of East Asian democracies’ behavior: it finds itself in a similar dilemma.
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Guarding Democracy
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) has released its 2024 annual publication under the theme “Guarding Democracy.” This edition compiles a series of powerful inaugural speeches delivered by politicians within its network, highlighting their commitment to liberal democratic values. The publication also provides a comprehensive overview of CALD’s key activities throughout the year, showcasing the organization’s efforts to strengthen democracy across Southeast and East Asia through solidarity, dialogue, and action.
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Small Island, Big Impact: What Europe can learn from Taiwan
Taiwan is under increasing pressure from China, but the island is admirably defending its democracy. Its example shows how free societies can remain resilient.
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“Fighting Starts When Talking Stops”: The South China Sea Conflict in the Light of a New US Foreign Policy
Donald Trump's second term in office is causing unrest in the Pacific. Many countries bordering the South China Sea fear that US support will wane and that China's behaviour could become even more aggressive. Will Trump's isolationism also affect the Indo-Pacific region, giving China ‘free rein’?
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CALD Hosts Conference on South China Sea Disputes Amid Trump 2.0 Presidency
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), a regional network of liberal and democratic political parties in Asia, successfully hosted their high-profile regional conference, “South China Sea Disputes Under Trump 2.0: Finding a Common Ground Among Claimant States,” on 3 April 2025, at Miriam College, Quezon City. The event brought together leading experts, policymakers, and scholars to tackle pressing issues surrounding the South China Sea, including escalating geopolitical tensions, regional security, and the future of diplomatic negotiations.
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7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Myanmar and Thailand, Thousands Feared Trapped
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook Myanmar and Thailand, killing over 1,600 people. International aid is on the way, but damaged infrastructure is hampering rescue and supply measures.
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CALD hails Duterte's Arrest as a Step Towards Justice
CALD considers the arrest of Duterte as a testament that no one is above the law and that justice eventually finds its way to address impunity and blatant disregard for human rights. At the conclusion of the ICC trial, we are hopeful that justice will finally be served to thousands of victims of the deadly drug war.
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AI in Elections in East and Southeast Asia
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats has published a new policy paper: “AI in Elections in East and Southeast Asia: Opportunities, challenges, and ways forward for democrats and liberals”.
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Regulatory Challenges for MSMEs in ASEAN
Malaysia´s Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) have launched the “ASEAN Integration Report 2024”. The seventh edition of this annual report focuses on barriers that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) face in cross-border trade in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
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Empowering Women in Politics in Southeast and East Asia “Women-Up Democracy” Conference
Read up on our "Women-Up Democracy" on October 28 at Chatrium Grand Bangkok! Together more than 150 leaders, activists, and students unite to share stories, foster solidarity, and drive change in politics.
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Business, Human Rights, and Unexpected Laughs in Gummersbach (and Cologne and Berlin)
From Sept 15-27, our IAF seminar on Business & Human Rights featured Ms. Umavathni Vathanaganthan from Malaysia, sharing regional insights. Read her full reflection here.
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Women-Up Democracy Speakers
Our Women-Up Democracy event on October 28th, 2024, will bring together inspiring speakers who are making a significant impact in the fields of gender equality and democratic leadership.
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Women-Up Democracy
Join us on October 28 at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok for Women Up Democracy! Connect with female politicians and aspiring leaders from across Asia, share experiences, and explore solutions for political empowerment.
Focus
Our Project Directors
Most popular
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Agreement with the IMF - important milestone for Argentina's resurrection
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Small Island, Big Impact: What Europe can learn from Taiwan
Taiwan -
“Fighting Starts When Talking Stops”: The South China Sea Conflict in the Light of a New US Foreign Policy
US Foreign Policy -
Bringing the Vote Closer
Model Youth Parliament