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.
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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Programs
Countries
Bangladesh
As one of the most densely populated countries on earth, Bangladesh needs a government that is responsive to over 160…
Burma
There are few countries that have witnessed the political turmoil that has rocked Burma over the last three decades. In…
Cambodia
A country rich with history and culture, Cambodia sits at a pivotal point in their democratic development. With an emphasis…
China
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is one of the biggest threats to democracy on the world stage. As the challenges…
Fiji
Though the Republic of Fiji has become a regional leader, from the mid-80s to the early 2000s the country was…
Indonesia
Indonesia is a vibrant and diverse country with over 270 million people. IRI’s work there supports political parties and civil…
Korea
Since IRI cannot work in closed North Korea, its work focuses on building the intellectual, social, and emotional competencies of…
Laos
As a one-party state with strong restrictions on civil liberties, the people of Laos face many obstacles to a democratic…
Malaysia
Amidst Malaysia’s turbulent politics, IRI seeks to reinforce the democratic gains of the 2018 general elections by supporting initiatives that…
Maldives
As a nation consisting of 196 inhabited islands and spread across 35,000 square miles, the Maldives is one of the…
Mongolia
Located between Russia and China, a vibrant democracy in Mongolia can serve as a model for other aspiring nations hoping…
Nepal
IRI has worked in Nepal since 2018 conducting legislative strengthening, civil society, and women’s and youth empowerment programs. After a…
Pakistan
The geo-strategic location of Pakistan plays a significant role in influencing and shaping the dynamics of South Asia. IRI has…
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been holding regular elections since independence in 1975 but the 20-year civil war that took…
Philippines
A longtime strategic partner to the United States, the Philippines has experienced an uneven pathway to building democratic institutions and…
Samoa
Once considered the Pacific Islands’ most stable democracy, in 2021 Samoa’s ruling political party and the world’s second-longest ruling head…
Solomon Islands
Despite sporadic but frequent years of civil unrest, including the most recent riots in 2021, Solomon Islands continues to hold…
Sri Lanka
Situated in a geo-strategic location in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka and the U.S. maintain strong bilateral relations based on…
Taiwan
With its vibrant democracy and civil society, Taiwan is a world leader in innovating to create positive social change and…
Thailand
IRI has operated consistently in Thailand to strengthen the ability of Thai political parties to effectively and democratically govern, bolster…
Timor-Leste
IRI Timor-Leste provides leadership training and support to rising, forward-looking leaders. IRI’s approach includes media releases and talk shows featuring…
Vanuatu
Since gaining independence in 1980, the archipelago country of Vanuatu has elected only five women to its 50-person parliament. Through…