LINKS_ ASIA-PACIFIC
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Centre for Deliberative Democracy & Global GovernanceAustralian National UniversityDeliberative democracy is one of the major growth areas in contemporary political theory and social science, and ANU claims what is possibly the world’s largest concentration of deliberative democracy scholars. Many of the world’s leading deliberative democrats have spent time with us. The ‘Global Governance’ in our title emphasizes research directions that encompass transnational democracy and democratization, though research on democratic theory, local and national deliberation, and the micropolitics of deliberative forums also flourishes. |
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Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ)
The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free where all peoples will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information. Background In response to the 1998 political crisis in Malaysia, a group of five journalists, writers and activists started a project to fill in the demand for critical analysis of the political issues confronting the public. They created a website, saksi.com (“saksi” is Malay for “witness”), which grew to become an important source of analytical and independent information. The strong and positive response to the website prompted the group to register as an organisation to carry out an independent news/content provider project. Thus, the Centre for Independent Journalism was born. CIJ’s independent radio project RadiQRadio was implemented soon after and had at its peak a staff of 12 who contributed to the fledgling alternative media scene. In early 2003, CIJ explored different ways of broadening the scope of disseminating news across Malaysia. This included collaboration with an Indonesian radio station in Dumai for cross-border transmission. However, technical difficulties and the limited management experience of CIJ in running such a station posed insurmountable, and this particular project was discontinued. Nevertheless, at the same time CIJ was moving into new, much-needed activities to improve journalism standards and press freedom in Malaysia. The organisation is the leading group in media freedom advocacy and other freedom of expression issues in Malaysia. Website: http://cijmalaysia.org/ |
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Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta is an independent, non-profit organisation focusing on policy-oriented studies on domestic and international issues. It was established in 1971. CSIS’s mission is to contribute to improved policy making through policy-oriented research, dialogue, and public debate. This is based on the belief that long-term planning and vision for Indonesia and the region must be based on an in-depth understanding of economic, political and social issues including regional and international developments. CSIS research and studies are channeled in various forms as independent input to government, universities and research institutions, civil society organizations, media, and business. Website: http://www.csis.or.id/ |
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Democracy WatchDemocracywatch is an NGO working in promotion of democracy and good governance in Bangladesh since 1995. It conducts training and runs projects with a vision to build awareness on democracy and good governance. It also carries out research and opinion poll on different social and political dimensions. Democracywatch emphasizes most on education and awareness building of the young adults and women in the society. Towards this end, it runs courses on Lifestyle, Democracy Training Program, Internship Project with the Parliamentarians, IELTS, Basic Computing and English for General Purpose. Side by side, quiz, debate, dialogue session, and workshop on various issues of democracy are regularly carried out in an attempt to raise the confidence level of the youths. Website: http://www.dwatch-bd.org/index.html |
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Demos, Lembaga Kajian Demokrasi dan Hak Asasi (Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies)
This research institute was established to analyise democratic movements and trends in Indonesia. Initially under the supervision of prominent Indonesianists, Prof. Olle Tornquist (Oslo University) and Prof. Arief Budiman (Melbourne University). It now hosts individuals such as Arief Budiman and the late Munir. Asmara Nababan is also the chairman of KONTRAS (Komisi untuk Orang Hilang dan Korban Tindak Kekerasan, Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence) Website: http://www.demosindonesia.org |
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Institute of Political Science, Academia Sinica, Taiwan (IPSAS)
In July 1994, the Council of Academicians advised Academia Sinica to establish research institutions corresponding to established social sciences. In October 1999, a planning commission for the Institute of Political Science at Academia Sinica (IPSAS) was set up, followed by an academic consultative group. The consultative group came up with a formal proposal that was ratified by the Academy and later approved by the Presidential Office in March 2001. The Preparation Office of the IPSAS was founded in August. Professor Yu-Shan Wu is the Director. The IPSAS’s Academic Consultative Committee is chaired by Academician Hu Fu. |
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Intelligence SquaredIQ² occupies a unique position in Australia’s social and intellectual landscape. It is the only institution in town – aside from Parliament – to provide a forum for debate on the crucial issues of the day. But unlike Parliament, its debates are consistently exciting, witty, provocative – and comfortable, held as they are at the City Recital Hall Angel Place in Sydney and the Melbourne Town Hall in Melbourne. Best of all, you are invited to watch the live debates and even participate. Website: http://www.iq2oz.com/ |
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Lembaga Penelitian, Pendidikan dan Penerangan Ekonomi dan Sosial (LP3ES)
Institute for Social and Economic Research, Education & Information (LP3ES) is a Non-Government Organization (NGO), which is non-profit and autonomous. It was founded by a group of intellectuals and student activists on August 19, 1971. Its formation was sparked by the felt need for developing alternative thinking for national development. Website: http://www.lp3es.or.id/ |
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Lembaga Survei Indonesia (Indonesian Survey Institute)
The Institute regularly surveys public opinion on political issues and elections. It compares itself with GALLUP POLL, HARRIS POLL, ROPER and CROSLEY POLL Website: http://www.lsi.or.id |
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newdemocracy
The newdemocracy Foundation helps people reform Australia’s political system, by involving them in the process, so that government is more authentically democratic, deliberative and representative. About newdemocracy
Website: http://www.newdemocracy.com.au/ndf |
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People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD)
Founded in 1994 by more than 200 members, the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) is a civil organization dedicated to promoting justice and human rights in Korean society through the participation of the people. PSPD has been serving as a watchdog against the abuse of power. It has developed various activities to bring justice and democracy to many areas in our society: the PSPD evokes public awareness through campaigns, questioning social and political activities, filing administrative and public litigations, and petitioning legislation. The Civil Actions for 2000 General Election (the CAGE) and the Minority Shareholders’ Campaign might be said to be the most successful activities. PSPD has developed and coordinated a wide range of activities to bring about a systematic reform and to suggest counterproposals to various government policies and agendas. In this process, the PSPD has regarded independence and consistency as the most important principles of being a watchdog of power. |
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Philippine Council for Islam and DemocracyThe Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) emphasizes the compatibility of Islamic and democratic political thought as central to its quest to find solutions for ongoing conflict and development challenges that affect the Muslim community of Mindanao. The council includes members from civil society, academia, the media, private sector, military, and government, as well as religious leaders; institutional partners include the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the United States Institute of Peace, and the Asia Foundation. The organization’s research publications have addressed peace negotiations between the Philippine government and Moro National Liberation Front, the radicalization of Muslim communities in Southeast Asia, and models of peace education. It also sponsors seminars and conferences and supported the creation of the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines. PCID was founded in 2002 by young Muslim leaders to help the Muslim minority in the Philippines become more effectively engaged on social and political issues. Website: http://pcid.org.ph/ |
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Pusat Reformasi Pemilu [CETRO] (Centre for Electoral Reform)
CETRO is the successor of UNFREL (University Network Free and Fair), which has been an active election observer. Website: http://www.cetro.or.id/newweb/index.php |
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Surveys and Training Group of Social Weather Stations (SWS)SWS was established in August 1985 as a private non-stock, nonprofit social research institution. Its members, called Fellows, are social scientists in economics, political science, sociology, statistics, market research, and other fields.
Website: http://www.sws.org.ph/ |
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Taiwan Association for Human Rights(TAHR)
TAHR was established on International Human Rights Day, December 10, 1984. At then, within an environment of repression and fear, not only didn’t Taiwanese people stop pursuing freedom, rule by law and democracy, but also organized human rights movements by founding TAHR. In this period, TAHR fought for basic civil and political rights, together with the growing social and political opposition movements. Campaigns including freeing political prisoners; ending the practice of blacklisting; and demanding freedoms of speech, association, and assembly. |
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Taiwan Foundation for Democracy
Taiwan’s peaceful transition to democracy is not only a historical accomplishment for its twenty-three million people, but a landmark in the worldwide spread of democracy. Only after years of struggle and effort could this transformation take place. We must never forget this history, for it shapes the cornerstone of our continued commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights. The Foundation was established with an inter-related, two-tracked mission in mind. Domestically, the TFD strives to play a positive role in consolidating Taiwan’s democracy and fortifying its commitment to human rights; internationally, the Foundation hopes to become a strong link in the world? democratic network, joining forces with related organizations around the world. Through the years, Taiwan has received valuable long-term assistance and stalwart support from the international community, and it is now time to repay that community for all of its efforts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy project in 2002. After much research and careful evaluation, the Ministry integrated the required resources from many sectors of society. In January 2003, the Ministry obtained the support of all political parties to pass the budget for the Foundation in the legislature. The TFD formally came into being on June 17, 2003, with its first meeting of the Board of Trustees and Supervisory Board. At that meeting, Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng was elected its first chairman. According to its By-laws, the TFD is governed by a total of fifteen trustees and five supervisors, representing political parties, the government, academia, non-governmental organizations, and the business sector. |
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The Asia Foundation
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization committed to the development of a peaceful, prosperous, just, and open Asia-Pacific region. The Foundation supports Asian initiatives to improve governance, law, and civil society; women’s empowerment; economic reform and development; sustainable development and the environment; and international relations. Drawing on nearly 60 years of experience in Asia, the Foundation collaborates with private and public partners to support leadership and institutional development, exchanges, and policy research. With 18 offices throughout Asia, an office in Washington, DC, and its headquarters in San Francisco, the Foundation addresses these issues on both a country and regional level. In 2010, the Foundation provided more than $98 million in program support and distributed nearly one million books and journals valued at over $42 million. Website: http://asiafoundation.org/country/overview/indonesia |
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The Centre for Democratic Institutions (CDI)
CDI is Australia’s leading democracy promotion organisation, established by the Australian Government in 1998. Our mandate is to support the strengthening of democratic processes and institutions in Southeast Asia and the Pacific through knowledge sharing and interchange between Australia and our close neighbours. CDI’s focus is on parliamentary governance and political parties, with special attention to the quality of electoral processes and the promotion of women’s representation. Our main partner countries are East Timor, Indonesia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. CDI aims to harness Australian and international expertise in governance, institutional development and political practice in order to contribute to the development of good political leadership and robust, accountable democratic institutions in our region. Our objective is the transfer of skills and knowledge, not only from Australia to our partners but also amongst our partner countries themselves. We do this through intensive training courses for political practitioners and officials, capacity-building placements and interchanges with parliaments and parties. We pursue an agenda of policy-oriented research on issues related to parliaments, political parties, electoral systems, political leadership and representation. CDI’s core budget is provided by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), as part of Australia’s overseas aid program. We also benefit from working cooperatively with a range of international development organisations, UN bodies and international NGOs. CDI is based at the Australian National University (ANU) in Australia’s capital city, Canberra. Our location at ANU provides an institutional base for our operations and we are able to both draw upon and contribute to the intellectual resources and reputation of a premier centre of learning in Australia. |
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The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), established in 1993 by Professor Rehman Sobhan with support from leading civil society institutions in Bangladesh, is mandated by its Deed of Trust to service the growing demand that originates from the emerging civil society of Bangladesh for a more participatory and accountable development process. CPD seeks to address this felt need by way of organising multistakeholder consultations, by conducting research on issues of critical national and regional interests, through dissemination of knowledge and information on key developmental issues, and by influencing the policy making process in the country. In the process, CPD strives to bridge the gap between empirical research and policy advocacy through a sustained effort in public policy analysis. CPD endeavours to create a national environment conducive to open public discussion on important policy issues with a view to ensuring domestic ownership over the policy agenda and also building a broad-based support for such policies. Website: http://www.cpd.org.bd/index.asp |
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The Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS)The Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, also called the CSDS or informally, just the Centre, is a premier institute of India in the social sciences and humanities. The Centre provides a unique institutional space which seeks to nurture intellectual interests outside the entrenched boundaries of academic disciplines. This simultaneously gives the Centre a sense of intimacy with and distance from universities. Therefore, the Centre has deliberately chosen not to duplicate the structure of university department. This also allows the Centre to support and nurture interdisciplinary modes of enquiry. Over the years, the Centre has also managed to generate and utilize a productive tension between rigorous scholarly work and social movements, between academic commitment and political practices. It has been frequently engaged with contentious contemporary issues which have shaped its academic programme and contributed to struggles for dignity, livelihood and creative self expression. At the same time the CSDS zealously and meticulously guards its own space of reflective distance, theoretical work and research which has no obvious visibility in the public domain. Website: http://www.csds.in/index.php |
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The Council of Asian Liberals and DemocratsWhat is so far the only organization of Asian liberals and democrats had its beginnings in another continent, and over bottles of beer. It was in the early 1990′s, and an international conference of liberals was being held at Portugal’s picturesque coastal town. As Filipino legislator Florencio Abad recalls it, he and a couple of other delegates from Taiwan and Thailand felt like taking a break from the official proceedings. Intending to unwind over a few drinks, they motored down to Lisbon with a German colleague, where they found a restaurant to their liking. What was supposed to be a night of relaxation, however, soon became an evening of serious musings. It turned out that the Asians had been feeling rather out of place at the conference, where the issues being talked about were so far removed from those that concerned their countries. There was, Abad would say later, simply no Asian agenda being discussed. By the time the small group returned to Sintra, the idea of forming a new organization — one that would be exclusively for Asian liberals – had already been discussed with enthusiasm. After all, there was increasing agitation for democratic reforms across Asia at the time. Just a few years before, a bloodless “People Power” revolution had toppled a military-backed dictatorship in the Philippines. This had apparently inspired the citizens of other countries in the region, which was pockmarked with authoritarian regimes, to speak up as well. More and more peoples who had been oppressed for decades were suddenly rediscovering their voices. Some regimes responded to this with brutality, but there were also those who had begun to relax their grip, allowing a small, yet significant, breathing space for democratic initiatives. To the Asian liberals then at Sintra, it made perfect sense to offer support to the growing pro-democratic forces in the region. One way to do this, they thought, was to set up an organization that would act as a forum for liberal and democratic ideas in Asia. This would not only encourage a common understanding of the basic principles of liberal democracy, but would also help the liberals form appropriate responses to problems. Website: http://www.cald.org/site/index.php |
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The Institute of European and American Studies |
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The Korea Democracy Foundation(KDF)
KDF was created with the legislation of the Korea Democracy Foundation Act which was passed by the National Assembly with the belief that the spirit of the democracy movement should be extended, developed and acknowledged as a critical factor in bringing democracy to Korea. The foundation is a not-for-profit organization set up for the purpose of enhancing Korean democracy through a variety of projects aimed at inheriting the spirit of the movement. |
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The Museum of Australian Democracy
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is an Executive Agency within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio, with the Hon Simon Crean MP, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government and Minister for the Arts, as the responsible Minister. Vision and roleThe Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is a living museum of social and political history, located in a nationally listed heritage building in Parkes, Canberra. The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House helps people to understand Australia’s social and political history by interpreting the past and present and exploring the future. We achieve this by:
Website: http://moadoph.gov.au/ |
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The Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy or PCCEDThe Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy or PCCED is a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to the effective promotion of good citizenship in a democracy through education. While it has only been recently registered, the members of the organization have been actively engaged in education for democracy work for many years. Members of the organization have been actively engaged, individually, in education for democracy such as Civitas Philippines, CivAsia, and Project Citizen. The first major group initiative in education for democracy was in 2004, when the members successfully got a grant from the US Department of State Small Grants Commission to create the Civic Education Training Seminars. This was coursed through the Center for Research and Communication Foundation – a non-governmental organization affiliated with the University of Asia and the Pacific. The second major initiative began in 2005 when Project Citizen was officially adapted for the high school level in the Philippines. However, it has been implemented in the University since 2001. In 2006, a Philippine delegation comprised of Dr. Paul Dumol, Mr. Mir Tillah, Mr. Luis Martin Gascon, Dr. Ferdinand Piñgul, and Ms. Monica Ang was invited to the US to be trained in the pedagogy. The official licensing agreement was signed, and in 2007, the first Project Citizen textbook was launched in the Philippines. The Philippine delegation also were given a session to plan out their initiatives, and this is when the Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy was conceived. Website: http://pcced.org.ph/ |
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The Sejong InstituteThe Sejong Institute of the Sejong Foundation is a private non-profit research institute in the areas of security, national unification, and foreign affairs that is dedicated to suggesting a future map of the Republic of Korea. Established in 1983, the Sejong Institute is a private think tank located in the Republic of Korea that is dedicated to conducting researches and making analyses on the past, present and future mid- and long-term national policies in the areas of security, national unification, and foreign affairs. As an affiliated organization of the Sejong Foundation, it has been active in developing policy alternatives for the promotion of security, peace, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. In collaboration with numerous research fellows and experts from both domestic and international organizations, the Institute focuses its research programs and analyses mainly on security, inter-Korean relations, regional studies, and international political economy. Moreover, the Institute not only carries out various independent researches and analyses on these issues but also provides quality educational training services to related officials from both private and public sectors. Website: http://www.sejong.org/index.php |
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The Third World Studies Center (TWSC)
The Third World Studies Center (TWSC) of the University of the Philippines is an academic research institute based at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), committed to analyze and develop alternative perspectives on Philippine, regional and global issues. The TWSC evolved from an interdisciplinary colloquium of faculty members from different disciplines, brought together by shared perspectives sensitive to realities in the Third World. In 1977, the TWSC began to operate as a program affiliated with the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The program started out with a small resource collection, a research team, a production unit for supplementary instructional materials, and a physical center for alternative discourse. On 29 March 1979, the TWSC was lodged as a unit in the CSSP. In 1999, the College Assembly endorsed the formal recognition of the Third World Studies Program as a full-fledged research center of the college. This was officially approved by the Board of Regents in 2000. Since its establishment, the Center has committed itself to the pursuit of intellectual competence in political economy, democracy and development, and to the promotion of progressive policy alternatives. |
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- Surveys and Training Group of Social Weather Stations (SWS)
