Asia
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) promotes democracy, human rights, economic freedom, and curbing climate change. In Asia, we have offices in Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, New Delhi, Seoul, and Taipei. We also work in 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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As a Blockade and a Global Hunger for Minerals devastated MYANMAR
By 2030, the EU must slash emissions by 55% while Germany targets 15 million EVs on its roads—up from just 2.3 million in 2023. That leap demands six times more rare earths and twelve times more lithium. But decades of processing those metals have left toxic, thorium‑laced waste seeping into soils and groundwater, poisoning farmlands, displacing herder communities, and threatening both ecosystems and human health. Is our climate solution sowing a poisoned harvest?
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America Leads, China Is Catching Up, Europe Is Falling Behind
Control over AI chatbots means power. A new FNF study shows that Chinese apps are now widely used around the world. Europe is losing ground.
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China’s and Russia’s Overseas Campaigns
The apparent success of authoritarian regimes fuels doubts about democracy. Two studies conducted in democratic Malaysia show how China’s and Russia’s propaganda works.
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250 Years of Adam Smith: Lessons for the Philippines
Many of the problems the Philippines are facing today are not new. That is why the Scotsman Adam Smith wrote “The Wealth of Nations” 250 years ago. In light of questions about the creation and redistribution of wealth, as well as economic freedom and lack thereof, the question remains: Should we finally listen to him?
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Shielding Democracy
As foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) increasingly threaten democratic societies, strengthening Germany’s and Europe’s resilience has become a strategic priority.
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From Aid Dependency to Community-Led Development
The experience of ARCH with tribal communities to secure land titles demonstrates an approach that requires far less external funding, while producing stronger and more sustainable outcomes. It is rooted in local participation, community ownership, and practical empowerment rather than dependence on large aid flows. Read the full article to learn more.
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"Leadership is Not a Solo Journey"
The 2026 Asian Women Education (AWE) CALD Mentorship Program begins a six-month journey to support emerging women leaders.
Focus
Our Regional Team
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Berlin Talks: Migration as an Engine for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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As a Blockade and a Global Hunger for Minerals devastated MYANMAR
MYANMAR -
Zimbabwe’s young innovators bring home grown breakthroughs to the global stage
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Venezuela after the earthquakes
Venezuela