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[EAI Online Seminar] COVID-19 and the New World Order Series 3. The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Future of Democracy in Asia

.a_wrap {font-size:16px; font-family:Nanum Gothic, Sans-serif, Arial; line-height:26px;} The East Asia Institute (President: Yul Sohn) hosted the third online seminar series of COVID-19 and the New World Order, The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Future of Democracy in Asia. There were rounds of discussions on the role of democracy during the pandemic, and region-specific perspectives on Asian democracy.   Date & Time: July 16(Thur) 12:00 - 1:00 PM (KST) Speakers: Larry Diamond(Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, the Hoover Institution, Professor of Sociology and Political Science at Stanford University) Discussants: Francisco A. Magno(Professor at De La Salle University & Director at Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance) Maiko Ichihara(Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Law and the School of International and Public Policy at Hitotsubashi University) U Khine Win(Executive Director of Sandhi Governance Institute) Moderator:  Sook Jong Lee (Senior Fellow, EAI; Professor, Sungkyunkwan University)       ■ Francisco A. Magno is the Director of the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance at De La Salle University where he previously served as Chair of the Political Science Department and Director of the Social Development Research Center. He has conducted teaching and research at Florida State University, University of Reading, Waseda University, Hiroshima University, University of Hawaii, and University of the Philippines. His works appeared in journals such as Pacific Affairs, Security Dialogue, Peace Review, International Review of Public Administration, Environmental History, Philippine Political Science Journal, and Philippine Studies.                                                                                                                                                                                            ■ Maiko Ichihara is an Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Law and the School of International and Public Policy at Hitotsubashi University, and currently a Visiting Scholar at the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law at Stanford University. She is a committee member of the World Movement for Democracy, East Asia Democracy Forum, and Partnership for Democratic Governance, and is a co-chair of Democracy for the Future project at the Japan Center for International Exchange. She has undertaken research on international relations, democracy support, and Japanese foreign policy. Her recent publications includes: “The Role of Democracy Promotion in Japanese Foreign Policy” in Nicholas Szechenyi, ed., Asianism and Universalism: The Evolution of Norms and Power in Modern Asia (Washington DC: Center for International and Strategic Studies, 2019).   ■ U Khine Win is executive director at Sandhi Governance Institute. He continues its research and social movement activities for transparency and accountability in the public sector, and governance of democratic civil society in Myanmar.   ■ Sook Jong Lee is a professor of public administration at Sungkyunkwan University and senior fellow of the East Asia Institute. She has been directing the Asian Democracy Research Network since its formation in 2015, leading a network of about nineteen research organizations across Asia to promote democracy with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy. Her recent publications include Transforming Global Governance with Middle Power Diplomacy: South Korea’s Role in the 21st Century (ed. 2016), and Keys to Successful Presidency in South Korea (ed. 2013 and 2016).     ■ For inquiries: Juhyun Jun, Research Associate/Project Manager  02 2277 1683 (ext. 204)  |  [email protected]                       The East Asia Institute takes no institutional position on policy issues and has no affiliation with the Korean government. All statements of fact and expressions of opinion contained in its publications are the sole responsibility of the author or authors.

2020-07-20Views : 18658
Working paper
[Working Paper] Access to Clean and Safe Water in Yangon: A Case of Municipal Water Provision in Insein Township

.a_wrap {font-size:14px; font-family:Nanum Gothic, Sans-serif, Arial; line-height:20px;} Executive Summary The provision of safe and reliable water supply is important to all urban dwellers. Actually, urban water supply systems aim to be a safe and reliable water supply for all urban residents. But the municipal water supply with improved public hygiene is still inadequate even in the major cities of Yangon and Mandalay. This research aims to explore the challenges facing the current water supply in Yangon, particularly at the township level. It will also identify the factors that hinder the sustainable supply of water at the township level.   Quotes from the Paper Background of the Study Access to clean and safe water remains a pressing issue since Yangon is undergoing rapid economic growth which is likely to result in fast-paced urbanization. These two factors combined are expected to further stress the water supply system and its alternatives. The same could also exasperate differences in services among areas in the same townships. Yangon City comprises 33 townships. Insein, one of the townships, was selected for this study partly because of its relatively higher urban population compared to other townships. Statement of the Research Problem Access to clean and safe water is an urgent issue in Yangon. Little research has been done on the subject, especially at the township level. This study aims to provide in-depth information on the case of Insein Township with the hope of coming up with actions and strategies that can be implemented to provide sustainable access and/or supply for residents in this area as well as Yangon City in general. Research Questions This study aims to answer the following questions.       a)   What are the current water supply challenges in Insein Township?       b)   What are the factors that hinder the sustainable supply of water in the township?       c)   What are some of the strategies and actions that can be implemented in both the short and long-term to improve access to clean and safe water in Insein Township and Yangon City in general?   Author Another Development (AD) is a local Myanmar think-tank and a non-profit organization. The motto of the organization is “DIGNITY, PROSPERITY and COOPERATION” and the programs we anticipate rolling out in the coming five years reflect these principles. There are five themes that AD is focusing on: Human Rights, Multiculturalism, Decentralization and Federalism, Rural Economic Development and Social Enterprises, and E-government and E-citizen. AD was set up to be part of the solution to the problems and conflicts prevailing in Myanmar by advocating effective public policy change.    

Another Development 2019-01-30Views : 10443
Working paper
[Working Paper] Civic Engagement between MP and their Regional Community

.a_wrap {font-size:14px; font-family:Nanum Gothic, Sans-serif, Arial; line-height:20px;} Introduction Members of Parliament (MPs) have three major responsibilities, including the responsibility to represent their constituencies. This means MPs are responsible for helping and protecting the people who voted for them in accordance with the existing law and their authority. As representatives, MPs have to present the people’s needs and difficulties to the government. This task can be effectively carried out through actions such as approving laws required for the country and monitoring the government instead of the people. Therefore, MPs need to strengthen their activities on their representative duty. MPs also need support and assistance to be effective representatives. Moreover, there is also need to upgrade the capacities of MPs as well as their support staff. In order for MPs to be effective representatives, it is necessary for them to improve their level of knowledge on topics such as understanding the existing political situation through the voters, the role of Parliament and representatives, and citizen rights and responsibilities. By increasing their own awareness on these topics, citizens can also collaborate with MPs, evaluate and criticize the performance of Members of Parliament and the government, monitor the government through MPs and participate and contribute to the legislation process. Only if those needs, between members of Parliaments, can be fulfilled, transparency, accountability, responsibility and collaboration can be strengthened. Only if those representative duties are carried out effectively, regional development can be progressed more and more.   Author The Open Myanmar Initiative (OMI) is a nonprofit organization promoting the right to information and education. The OMI is the first ever independent political think-tank in Myanmar. OMI tries to play an important role to formulate policy studies and recommendations on various political issues and provide them to policy makers, political parties, civil society organizations and general population through various delivery systems, including publishing, using social media networks, providing trainings and public talks, organizing seminars and conferences, as well as direct engagement with Members of Parliament and the Government Ministers.    

Open Myanmar Initiative 2019-01-21Views : 10302
Working paper
[Working Paper] The Boom in Unregistered Private Cars in Kachin State

.a_wrap {font-size:14px; font-family:Nanum Gothic, Sans-serif, Arial; line-height:20px;} Executive Summary This research focuses on the use of unregistered cars in Myitkyina, Kachin State. From 2001, the military government artificially supported the domestic car industry. However, this did not last long, and the monopoly on vehicle import licenses led to a boom in the black market. Short supply and high demand meant that the secondhand car market in Myanmar was one of the most expensive in the world. This paper will explore the situation and the reasons for the increased use of unregistered private cars. Significantly, the import trend started in 2011 with the liberalization of car import procedures. Although the use of private cars in Kachin State has increased enormously, the amount of tax revenue remains stagnant because of an increase in unregistered vehicles . This rise led to the State Parliament agreeing to a proposal in 2016 to offer registration to unregistered car owners, but this could not be implemented because of the limited legislative power at the state level. A registered car costs five times more than an unregistered one, and at least four unregistered cars are driven to Myitkyina every day. The number of people who bought an unregistered car in 2017 is the highest of any year so far, and the briefly imposed travel restrictions on unregistered vehicles are no longer being implemented. The unreasonable cost of registering a vehicle is forcing people to choose affordability over the risk that the car could be taken away, but the huge number of illegally imported cars deprive the Union of vital tax revenue. According to the 2015 Motor Vehicle Law, the term “motor vehicle” refers to a vehicle with wheels using mechanical or electrical power or any other energy to move. Thus, it includes all kinds of vehicles such as motor cycles, motor cars and other vehicles. This research, however, will only focus on cars: using an unregistered car is against the relatively recent Motor Vehicle Law that was passed in 2015.   Author Naushawng Development Institute (NDI) is an independent, non-profit education and development organization founded on April 9th2009 by Kachin scholars committed to strengthening democracy and community development in northern Myanmar. NDI contributes to democratic transition, peace building and sustainable development in Myanmar through training; education; advocacy; research and policy development analysis, as well as networking.    

Naushawng Development Institute 2019-01-17Views : 10561