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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Tiktok, X & Co. – Media Usage and Susceptibility to Disinformation
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation commissioned a survey that shows that users of social networks such as TikTok, X, and YouTube are particularly susceptible to misinformation and anti-Western narratives.
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Thailand Court Removed Prime Minister From Office Over Leaked Phone Call
Thailand’s constitutional court ruled on Friday to remove the current prime minister Paetongtarn Shinnawatra from office over a leaked phone call with former prime minister of Cambodia Hun Sen.
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South Korea's Sunshine Policy: A Fresh Start in Moscow's Shadow
With Lee Jae-myung, South Korea is returning to dialogue with the North, but Russia's war against Ukraine is shifting the balance of power on the peninsula and strengthening Pyongyang's position.
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Resilient Women Reinvent Small Business
Facing seized shipments, scarce resources and political turmoil, women in Myanmar are finding creative ways to keep their businesses alive.
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CALD Women Mentorship Program Launches in Taipei
On August 8, 2025, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom launched the Asian Women Education Mentorship Program (AWE), aimed to help young women grow in their public leadership roles and strengthen democratic resilience across Asia. For this three-month program, FNF SOOA bring together the expertise of our long-term partners CALD Women’s Caucus and the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan (DPP).
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Statement from the Bureau of Liberal International and the Executive Committee of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats on the Escalating Tensions Between Thailand and Cambodia
Amidst growing tension between Cambodia and Thailand over border dispute, the bureau of Liberal International and the executive committee of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats jointly issue a statement to call for maximum restraint and commit to peaceful negotiation over the dispute.
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BRICS - Challenges on the way to the summit in Rio de Janeiro
Global ambitions meet political tensions at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil is struggling to make progress on climate protection and wants to sustainably strengthen cooperation in the Global South.
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China´s and Russia´s increasing influence in Southeast Asia
Beijing’s and Moscow’s strategic integration of diplomatic, military, and economic instruments - Joseph Nye calls the mix “smart power” - exert influence in Southeast Asia. Democratic states are concerned. But they must move beyond platitudes to counter Beijing’s and Moscow’s influence. Credible, pragmatic support that delivers tangible benefits on the ground are needed if the West wants to remain influential in the region.
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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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Will the BRICS States or Donald Trump Reshape the Liberal World Order?
The liberal world order is under pressure: while the BRICS states are building alternative structures, Trump is pursuing an ‘America First’ policy. Who will shape the future of the global order?
