regionAsia-Pacific

In many ways, the Asia-Pacific region is a bellwether for the world’s democratic development. It contains more than half the world’s population, has achieved some of the strongest overall economic growth during the past decade, and features governmental systems that span the entire political spectrum, from a completely closed dictatorship in North Korea to a vibrant and open democracy in Taiwan and everything in between.

Maldives Voter

The Asia-Pacific region is not immune from authoritarianism’s recent march; dictatorships have tightened their grips, illegitimate rulers use the façade of democracy and rule of law to maintain power, and some successful democracies’ pluralism has eroded.

Yet the Asia-Pacific region has so much going for it. The region is one of the youngest in the world, with several countries boasting an average age well under 30, many of its economies are poised to return to economic growth following the end of the pandemic, and a diversity of people and cultures assures continued dynamism. If the region can unleash its potential through democratic governance and open societies, then its future is bright indeed.

And that is the future that IRI is working to be part of. First, by working to strengthen sustainable, resilient democratic institutions to represent individuals and communities and defend against authoritarian influence. IRI and its partners help ensure state institutions are transparent and accountable, the media is free and accurate, political parties are responsive to constituents, and civil society safely and effectively represents communities.

Second, IRI works with its Asia-Pacific partners to ensure that people, particularly those on the periphery of power, can understand and safely exercise their universal human rights, hold leaders and institutions accountable, prevent and counter extremism and discrimination, and increase resilience to dis/misinformation.

Finally, IRI and its partners work to ensure that all people, regardless of how they identify, possess and exercise fundamental human rights and that states create and enforce safeguards to protect individual rights, liberty, and security.

The Asia-Pacific region is home to the world’s largest authoritarian government and its largest democracy. It features democracies backsliding and authoritarians slowly moving towards a more mature and accountable system. While the democratic future of the region will be determined by those who live there, IRI will continue its support for democrats in the region as they advocate, protest, and work to secure their rights and freedom.

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