Posted on June 1, 2009

MacArthur Foundation Launches $68 Million Initiative to Promote Peace, Security in Asia

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has announced a seven-year, $68 million initiative designed to increase international cooperation in fostering peace and security in Asia.

As part of the Asia Security Initiative, grantees from around the world will work together on three critical security issues: strengthening regional cooperation (to be coordinated by the Peking University Center for International and Strategic Studies in China); preventing conflict in northeast Asia (to be coordinated by the East Asia Institute in Korea); and building international cooperation to respond to internal challenges (to be coordinated by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore).

The initiative also will work to build long-term capacity in policy research by funding new research positions, improving communications among participating institutions, and assisting in the dissemination of research and analysis. Starting in 2010, the initiative will fund year-long fellowships for mid-career leaders in academia, government, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and media to undertake policy research on Asian security challenges.

"The growing economic and political power of Asia is transforming the globe," said MacArthur Foundation president Jonathan Fanton. "Over the coming decades, the Asia-Pacific will be the world's economic engine, helping millions in the region to find new prosperity. Yet, in this time of great opportunity, security challenges — from power conflicts to resource scarcity — threaten to undo the region's many gains. As China, India, and other Asian nations become regional and global powers, Asia-Pacific nations must think anew about how our societies can work together to foster peace and prevent conflict."

For more information about Asia Security Initiative grantees, visit the MacArthur Foundation Web site.