Peter Beck
Civil Society Leaders Gather in Seoul for Inaugural Asia Democracy Network Assembly
October 30, 2013
Blog
As civil society in Asia has made significant progress over the past several decades, the need for a forum that brings together the major players to focus on key challenges to inclusive and participatory democracy has become increasingly important.
Challenges Ahead for South Korea’s First Female President
December 19, 2012
Blog
South Koreans proved once again why they have one of the most vibrant democracies in Asia by narrowly electing the first woman as president of the country on December 19. Even though exit polls showed that she would lose, five-term lawmaker Park Geun-hye secured 51.6 percent…
After North Korea’s Rocket Launch: Picking Up the Pieces
April 18, 2012
Blog
North Korea’s failed rocket launch accomplished the rarest of feats. The regime managed to simultaneously outrage the world and embarrass itself at the same time. Unfortunately, this increases the likelihood that Pyongyang will undertake a nuclear test…
Encountering Asia’s Empowered Women
March 28, 2012
Blog
The most lasting impression of my first trip to South Asia is the empowered women I met at every turn. Asia’s economic future depends less on finding a new technology or development strategy and more on expanding opportunities for women.