Region Asia | Heinrich Böll Stiftung

Dossiers

Afghanistan 2011: 10 Years of International Engagement

After ten years of international involvement in Afghanistan, a second conference will take plan in Bonn this December 2011 to discuss the country’s future. Since 2002, the Heinrich Böll Foundation has actively supported the development of civil society in Afghanistan and has promoted exchanges between the German and Afghan public. The following dossier provides a venue for comments, analysis and debate ahead of the Bonn Conference on Afghanistan.

London 2010: New chance for Afghanistan?

This Afghanistan Dossier offers a variety of articles, analysis and commentary from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Germany, regarding the current situation in Afghanistan and its potential outcomes.

Rethinking China's Tibet Policy

The essay discusses China's education and economic development policy of Tibetan regions. The reasons why Tibetans are being left behind by the rapid pace of economic development are complex, and do include cultural and language differences. A high illiteracy rate and a lack of vocational training are some of the biggest obstacles to overcome.

By Ben Hillman

Publications

Addressing Afghanistan’s Climate Induced Exodus

E-Paper

In Southern Afghanistan, an urgent crisis is brewing. Water scarcity is driving large-scale displacement and migration, threatening to escalate into a global issue. Decades of drought have depleted traditional water sources, pushing communities to rely on unsustainable groundwater extraction.

pdf

Afghanistan: Ruling by Decree

Policy Brief

Within Taliban governance, the absence of a constitution or legal structure leaves Emir's decrees as the principal guiding force. This policy brief looks at Taliban governance and the challenges posed by the reliance on moral guidance.

pdf

Afghanistan: Response to Forced Returnees

Policy Brief

In 2023, tensions peaked between Afghanistan and Pakistan over the expulsion of Afghan nationals. This brief examines the institutional response, challenges, and recommendations for international support.

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Gender

International Women’s Day: The diverse meanings of “work from home” for women in Asia

Increase in domestic violence, lay-offs, care responsibilities, restrictions on domestic and international movement, economic insecurities, psychological burdens - these are just a few of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic in Asia in the last two years. The gendered nature of COVID-19 impacts is obvious and has sparked large feminist responses in the region.

"It became my mission to locate women's voices"

Interview

Urvashi Butalia is one of India’s foremost feminists. On the occasion of her receiving Germany’s Goethe Medal on August 28, 2017 in Weimar, we have talked to her about her work as a publisher, feminism, writing and politics in India.

By Axel Harneit-Sievers

Democracy

An Afghan security force member checks a vehicle in Kabul

Working conditions of local civil society in Afghanistan

Analysis

Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the landscape of Afghan civil society has dramatically changed. Understanding these conditions and constraints is crucial for external actors, especially as they attempt to engage with local organizations.

By Hamzah

Several women are discussing while sitting in a circle on the floor

Reflection: 30 years of women in Cambodian politics

Analysis

The results of the July 2023 elections show that Cambodia is far from achieving its stated vision of gender equality and equitable political participation for women. A reflection.

By Kann Vicheika

Video

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Dr. Adil Najam is a leading global expert on issues related to developing country environmental policy, especially climate change. In this interview, that was conducted on November 11, 2013 in conjunction with our lecture series "Understand Pakistan", he speaks about his expectations for the COP19 in Warsaw. He underlines the importance of international agreements and calls for immediate action. He doesn't expect a significant accord to be signed in Warsaw this year - even though he wishes an agreement to be made.

Ecology

Ein Finger, der mit schwazer Farbe bestrichen wird.

Book: Current Electoral Processes in Southeast Asia. Regional Learnings

Book

Six experts from different asian countries discuss the issues, consequences and expactations of elections in Southeast asia.

Myanmar: Uncertain Future for Elections Amidst Growing Tension

Analyse

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military conducted a military coup, tarnishing the nation's history with its notorious record of atrocities. Internationally infamous for its genocide of the Rohingya, the military has since then been striving to seize control of the state by resorting to arrests, torture, and killings of civilians.

By Kyaw Soe

Perspectives Asia

Perspectives Asia #10: Fabrics of Society

The 10th issue of Perspectives Asia takes a look at how the pandemic is reshaping state/society relationships in different Asian countries; it also shares down-to-earth Covid-19 experiences from different regions and cultures, on issues as diverse as trust in government institutions, the situation of migrant workers, and gender relationships.

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Perspectives Asa: Cover of the 9th issue

Perspectives Asia: Two Sides of the Medals

This issue of Perspectives Asia examines intersections of sports and politics. We look at how, through sports, identities are shaped, myths and heroes are born, and unconventional truths are buried.

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All Issues

All articles from Asia

Introduction

Our Work in Asia

The aim of our projects in Asia is to support the democratisation of the region and promote the recognition of human rights. Our work also focuses on promoting environmental sustainability and social justice.

Recordings

Southasian Perspecitves on the West
with Pankaj Mishra (Historian) and Nadeem Aslam (Writer) on September 12th, 2014

Events

10

September

Queerness in Southeastasia

Panel discussion Tuesday, 10. September 2024 in Berlin

panel discussion

Offices in Asia

Video: Urvashi Butalia on Women's Rights in India