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Japan 2011 Disaster: CRS Experts [March 15, 2011]
This CRS (Congressional Research Service) report "provides access to names and contact information for CRS experts on policy concerns relating to the nuclear and humanitarian disaster unfolding in Japan. Policy areas identified include (1) Nuclear power, nuclear safety, and radioactive heath concerns; (2) Geology, earthquakes, and tsunamis; (3) U.S. relations with Japan; (4) U.S. government response to the disaster; and (5) Economic impacts of the crisis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben
2011-03-15
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United States Relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) [November 16, 2009]
"The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is Southeast Asia's primary multilateral organization. Established in 1967, it has grown into one of the world's largest regional fora, representing a strategically important group of 10 nations that spans critical sea lanes and accounts for 5% of U.S. trade. This report discusses U.S. diplomatic, security, trade, and aid ties with ASEAN, analyzes major issues affecting Southeast Asian countries and U.S.-ASEAN relations, and examines ASEAN's relations with other regional powers. Much U.S. engagement with the region occurs at the bilateral level, but this report focuses on multilateral diplomacy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Manyin, Mark E.; Dolven, Ben
2009-11-16
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Terrorism in Southeast Asia [October 16, 2007]
"Since September 2001, the United States has increased focus on radical Islamist and terrorist groups in Southeast Asia, particularly those in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. Southeast Asia is a base for past, current, and possibly future terrorist operations. Al Qaeda penetrated the region by establishing local cells, training Southeast Asians in its camps in Afghanistan, and by financing and cooperating with indigenous radical Islamist groups. Indonesia and the southern Philippines have been particularly vulnerable to penetration by anti-American Islamic terrorist groups. [...]. In September 2009, Indonesian authorities claimed they had killed the leader of one [Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)] cell, Noordin Mohammed Top. Noordin is believed to have been responsible for organizing the nearsimultaneous July 17, 2009 bombings of the J.W. Marriot and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta. [...]. The responses of countries in the region to both the threat and to the U.S. reaction generally have varied with the intensity of their concerns about the threat to their own stability and domestic politics. In general, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines were quick to crack down on militant groups and share intelligence with the United States and Australia, whereas Indonesia began to do so only after attacks or arrests revealed the severity of the threat to their citizens. Many governments view increased American pressure and military presence in their region with ambivalence because of the political sensitivity of the issue with both mainstream Islamic and secular nationalist groups. The Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand has escalated in recent years as has terrorist activity in southern areas of the Philippines. The report looks at the rise of Islamist militancy and the JI network, and discusses terrorism in the region, concluding with options for U.S. policy. Strategies include placing greater emphasis on attacking institutions that support terrorism, building up regional governments' capacities for combating terrorist groups, and reducing the sense of alienation among Muslim citizens."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-; Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Dolven, Ben
2007-10-16
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Japan 2011 Disaster: CRS Experts [April 7, 2011]
From the Document: "The following table provides access to names and contact information for CRS experts on policy concerns relating to the nuclear and humanitarian disaster unfolding in Japan. Policy areas identified include: 1) Nuclear power, nuclear safety, and radioactive heath concerns; 2) Geology, earthquakes, and tsunamis; 3) U.S. relations with Japan; 4) U.S. government response to the disaster; and 5) Economic impacts of the crisis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben
2011-04-07
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Maritime Territorial Disputes in East Asia: Issues for Congress [January 30, 2013]
"Tensions surrounding numerous maritime territorial disputes in East Asia have become a pressing challenge for U.S. foreign policymakers. Beginning around 2005-2006, long-disputed waters in the South China Sea and, more recently, the East China Sea have become the site of increasingly aggressive behavior from nations trying to strengthen claims to disputed areas or to explore and develop offshore energy and fishery resources. Rising tensions in these waters raise a number of important issues for the 113th Congress. The tensions have been fed by a series of aggressive actions by maritime authorities, including harassing vessels, destroying equipment, and blockading islets and shoals. The increasing frequency of such events raises the possibility of miscalculations that could lead to overt conflict at sea. It also poses complex questions about security and U.S. diplomacy in the region, and represents one of the most complicated challenges for the Obama Administration's strategy of 'rebalancing' foreign policy priorities towards the Asia-Pacific. The territorial disputes at the heart of these tensions are decades old, and incidents between the parties to the disputes have been ongoing for many years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben; Kan, Shirley; Manyin, Mark E.
2013-01-30
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Pivot to the Pacific? The Obama Administration's 'Rebalancing' Toward Asia [March 28, 2012]
"In the fall of 2011 and early 2012, the Obama Administration announced that it would be
intensifying the U.S. role in the Asia-Pacific region. To do this, it intends to raise the region's priority in U.S. military planning, foreign policy, and economic policy. With U.S. troops gone from Iraq and poised to be drawn down in Afghanistan, Administration officials say they plan to 'rebalance' U.S. attention toward planning for future challenges and opportunities, such as those represented in the Asia-Pacific region. As President Barack Obama stated in a November 2011 address to the Australian parliament, his goal is to ensure that 'the United States will play a larger and long-term role in shaping this region [the Asia-Pacific] and its future.' The ultimate goal, according to National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, is to promote U.S. interests by helping to shape the norms and rules of the Asia-Pacific region, to ensure that 'international law and norms be respected, that commerce and freedom of navigation are not impeded, that emerging powers build trust with their neighbors, and that disagreements are resolved peacefully without threats or
coercion.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manyin, Mark E.; Daggett, Stephen; Dolven, Ben
2012-03-28
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Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations [June 5, 2012]
"Under the Obama Administration, the United States has prioritized engagement with Southeast Asia and a broader strategic rebalancing towards the Asia-Pacific. With its favorable geographic location and broad-based economy, Thailand has traditionally been considered among the most likely countries to play a major leadership role in the region. But growing U.S. engagement with other allies and partners such as the Philippines and Singapore, and Thailand's domestic problems appear to have dimmed the prominence of the U.S.-Thai relationship in Southeast Asia. Thailand maintains close relations with China and is considered by some to be a key arena of competition between Beijing and Washington for influence."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Dolven, Ben
2012-06-05
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Timor-Leste: Political Dynamics, Development, and International Involvement [July 3, 2012]
"The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste gained independence on May 20, 2002, after a long history of Portuguese colonialism and, more recently, Indonesian rule. The young nation, with a population of 1.1 million, has been aided by the United Nations under several different mandates under which the U.N. has provided peacekeeping, humanitarian, reconstruction and capacity building assistance to establish a functioning government. The current United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) is slated to withdraw from the nation at the end of 2012. […] That said, Timor-Leste faces many serious challenges as it seeks to establish and deepen a stable democracy and develop its economy. Many institutions in the young nation remain weak, and tensions remain between the young country's political elites and among security forces. Timor- Leste remains one of Asia's poorest nations, ranking 147th out of 187 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index. Generating economic opportunity and employment are among the government's greatest challenges. Congressional concerns have focused on security and the role of the United Nations, human rights, East Timor's boundary disputes with Australia and Indonesia, and the strengthening of the nation's political system and functioning of its parliament. Key challenges for Timor-Leste include creating enough political stability to focus on building state capacity and infrastructure, providing employment, and preventing the oil-and-gas revenue stream from being squandered by corruption or poor investment decisions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben; Margesson, Rhoda; Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-
2012-07-03
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Maritime Territorial Disputes in East Asia: Issues for Congress [May 14, 2014]
"Rising tensions stemming from maritime territorial disputes in East Asia have become a pressing challenge for U.S. policy makers, and pose one of the most complicated issues for the Obama Administration's policy of strategic 'rebalancing' towards the Asia-Pacific. Since around 2005-2006, long-disputed waters and land features in the South China Sea and, more recently, the East China Sea have seen increasingly aggressive behavior from nations trying to strengthen claims to disputed areas. Although China is not the only nation that has sought to press its maritime territorial claims, actions taken by People's Republic of China (PRC) actors, including its maritime law enforcement authorities and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), have been a particular concern. Chinese maritime authorities have taken actions include harassing vessels, destroying equipment, and blockading islets and shoals. Observers are concerned that the increasing frequency of such events raises the possibility of miscalculations that could lead to overt conflict at sea. […] The Senate may consider offering its advice and consent on the United States becoming a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Congress also may choose to examine the economic and security implications of a greater U.S. military presence in disputed areas, or the merits of providing additional resources to Southeast Asian nations to monitor and police their maritime domains. It also may choose to support efforts to lower tensions, including discussions between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on a Code of Conduct for parties in the South China Sea."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben; Manyin, Mark E.; Kan, Shirley
2014-05-14
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Republic of the Philippines and U.S. Interests--2014 [April 23, 2014]
"The United States and the Republic of the Philippines maintain close ties stemming from the U.S. colonial period (1898-1946), the bilateral security alliance bound by the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, and common strategic and economic interests. In the past decade, the Philippines has been one of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign assistance in Southeast Asia, including both military and development aid. Many observers say that U.S. public and private support to the Philippines following Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which struck the central part of the country on November 8, 2013, bolstered the already strong bilateral relationship. [...] Major efforts and aims of the 113th Congress have included providing assistance for Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) relief and recovery, reducing extrajudicial killings carried out by the Philippine Army, promoting a peaceful resolution to South China Sea disputes that is based upon international law and collaborative diplomatic processes, and supporting benefits for Filipino Veterans who served under or alongside U.S. Armed Forces during World War II."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Dolven, Ben
2014-04-23
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Republic of the Philippines and U.S. Interests-2014 [May 15, 2014]
"The United States and the Republic of the Philippines maintain close ties stemming from the U.S. colonial period (1898-1946), the bilateral security alliance bound by the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, and common strategic and economic interests. In the past decade, the Philippines has been one of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign assistance in Southeast Asia, including both military and development aid. Many observers say that U.S. public and private support to the Philippines following Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which struck the central part of the country on November 8, 2013, bolstered the already strong bilateral relationship. Although the United States closed its military bases in the Philippines in 1992, the two sides have maintained security cooperation. Joint counterterrorism efforts, in which U.S. forces play a noncombat role, have helped to reduce Islamist terrorist threats in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines. During the past year, Washington and Manila have held discussions on the framework for an increased, non-permanent U.S. military presence in the Philippines. Since 2012, the Philippines has played a key role in the Obama Administration's 'rebalancing' of foreign policy priorities to Asia, particularly as maritime territorial disputes between China and other claimants in the South China Sea have intensified. The U.S. government has pledged greater security assistance to the Philippines as joint military exercises reorient from a domestic focus to an outward one."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Dolven, Ben
2014-05-15
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Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations [June 19, 2014]
"Thailand is a long-time military ally and a significant trade and economic partner for the United States. In 2013, Thailand was the United States' 24th largest goods trading partner, with $38.0 billion in total two-way goods trade. For many years, Thailand was also seen as a model of stable democracy in Southeast Asia, although this image, along with U.S. relations, has been complicated by deep political and economic instability in the wake of two military coups in the past eight years. The first, in 2006, displaced Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a popular but polarizing figure who remains a focus of many divisions within Thailand. The second, in 2014, deposed an acting prime minister after Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was ousted from the premiership by a Constitutional Court decision that many saw as politically motivated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Dolven, Ben
2014-06-19
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Terrorism in Southeast Asia [October 16, 2009]
"Since September 2001, the United States has increased focus on radical Islamist and terrorist groups in Southeast Asia, particularly those in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. Southeast Asia has been a base for terrorist operations. Al Qaeda penetrated the region by establishing local cells, training Southeast Asians in its camps in Afghanistan, and by financing and cooperating with indigenous radical Islamist groups. Indonesia and the southern Philippines have been particularly vulnerable to penetration by Islamic terrorist groups. […] The report looks at the rise of Islamist militancy and the JI [Jemaah Islamiyah] network, and discusses terrorism in the region, concluding with options for U.S. policy. Strategies include placing greater emphasis on attacking institutions that support terrorism, building up regional governments' capacities for combating terrorist groups, and reducing the sense of alienation among Muslim citizens."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-; Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Dolven, Ben . . .
2009-10-16
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Chinese Land Reclamation in the South China Sea: Implications and Policy Options [June 18, 2015]
"Since September 2013, China has undertaken extensive reclamation and construction on several reefs in the Spratly Island chain in the South China Sea, raising a variety of concerns in the United States and Asia. The reclamation has created over 2,000 acres (809 hectares) of artificial landmasses on Chinese-occupied reefs that are disputed between several countries and are located in some of the world's most heavily trafficked waters. China announced on June 16, 2015 that its reclamation work would be completed 'in the upcoming days,' and that when reclamation was finished, it would turn to building facilities on the newly created artificial islands. The reclamation activity continues a series of assertive actions by China in the South China Sea as Beijing seeks to more actively stress its sovereignty claims in the area. […] This, some observers argue, raises the question of whether the United States has developed a strategy for countering Chinese actions, and if so, whether that strategy is adequate. China states that its activities are legal, reflecting its claim of sovereignty over the affected features, and notes that other South China Sea claimants have also reclaimed areas on features that they occupy. […] This report assesses legal, military/operational, and diplomatic implications of the reclamation and construction activity. It surveys U.S. and Chinese statements on the situation, provides a history of reclamation activity by other nations including the United States and other South China Sea claimants, and discusses U.S. strategy and potential options for U.S. policymakers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben; Elsea, Jennifer; Lawrence, Susan V. . . .
2015-06-18
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Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations [July 29, 2015]
"Thailand is a long-time military ally and a significant trade and economic partner for the United States. For many years, Thailand was seen as a model democracy in Southeast Asia, although this image, along with U.S.-Thai relations, has been complicated by deep political and economic instability in the wake of two military coups in the past nine years. […] Thai politics has been contentious for more than a decade, mainly because of the rivalry between Thaksin's supporters and opponents. Many of Thaksin's supporters hail from the poorer, more rural areas of northern Thailand, and they have benefited from populist policies launched by Thaksin and his supporters. Parties loyal to Thaksin have won the last six nationwide elections including several that took place after the 2006 coup, but a series of prime ministers have been removed, either via coup or court action. Thaksin's opponents--a mix of conservative royalists, military figures, and Bangkok elites--have refused to accept the results of these elections. Both Thaskin's opponents (loosely known as 'Yellow Shirts') and his supporters ('Red Shirts') have staged large-scale protests, which have become violent at times. In 2010, demonstrations led to riots in Bangkok and other cities, and the worst street violence in Thailand in decades. […] The United States and the international community have raised other concerns about Thailand, mainly having to do with human trafficking, the large refugee population living within the country's borders, and human rights and democracy conditions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Dolven, Ben; Mackey, William
2015-07-29
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Trans-Pacific Partnership: Strategic Implications [February 3, 2016]
From the Summary: "On October 5, 2015, Ministers of the 12 Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries announced conclusion of their free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. The agreement is one of the Obama Administration's signature trade policy initiatives, an effort to reduce and eliminate trade and investment barriers and establish new rules and disciplines to govern trade and investment among the 12 countries. TPP proponents, including Administration officials, argue that the proposed TPP would have substantial strategic benefits for the United States in addition to its direct economic impact. They argue that the agreement would enhance overall U.S. influence in the economically dynamic Asia-Pacific region and advance U.S. leadership in setting and modernizing the rules of commerce in the region and potentially in the multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Williams, Brock R.; Dolven, Ben; Fergusson, Ian F. . . .
2016-02-03
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Trans-Pacific Partnership: Strategic Implications [February 4, 2016]
From the report summary: "On February 4, 2016, Ministers of the 12 countries participating in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations signed the proposed free trade agreement (FTA). TPP is one of the Obama Administration's signature trade policy initiatives, an effort to reduce and eliminate trade and investment barriers and establish new rules and disciplines to govern trade and investment among the 12 countries. TPP proponents, including Administration officials, argue that the proposed TPP would have substantial strategic benefits for the United States in addition to its direct economic impact. They argue that the agreement would enhance overall U.S. influence in the economically dynamic Asia-Pacific region and advance U.S. leadership in setting and modernizing the rules of commerce in the region and potentially in the multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO). [...] China is not a TPP member, but features prominently in discussion of the agreement's potential strategic effects. Some argue that China is attempting to create a regional order that seeks to minimize U.S. presence and power. In this line of reasoning, the TPP serves as a counter to growing Chinese economic and political influence, implying that failure to conclude TPP could, in effect, allow China to shape regional rules of commerce and diplomacy through its own trade and investment initiatives. Others, however, argue that TPP is complementary to other FTAs and trade agreements throughout the region, including those championed by China, and that new members--possibly including China--will be critical for the TPP to influence regional norms."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Williams, Brock R.; Dolven, Ben; Fergusson, Ian F. . . .
2016-02-04
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Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations [December 20, 2013]
"U.S.-Thailand relations are of interest to Congress because of Thailand's status as a long-time military ally and a significant trade and economic partner. For many years, Thailand was also seen as a model of stable democracy in Southeast Asia, although this image, along with U.S. relations, have been complicated by deep political and economic instability in the wake of a September 2006 coup that displaced Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a popular but divisive figure who remains a flashpoint for many divisions within Thailand. In recent years, Thai politics have been dominated by rivalries between populist forces led by Thaksin (now in exile) and his opponents, a mix of conservative royalists and military figures, and other Bangkok elites. Despite his exile, pro-Thaksin political parties have won the three nationwide elections since his ouster, and the current government is led by his younger sister, Yingluck Shinawatra. Mass movements both supporting and opposing Thaksin have staged vigorous demonstrations, including protests in 2010 that spilled over to riots in Bangkok and other cities, causing the worst street violence in Thailand in decades. Large-scale anti-Thaksin demonstrations in November and December 2013 forced Prime Minister Yingluck to dissolve Parliament and call for nationwide elections in February 2014. […] Although the alliance itself does not appear to be fundamentally shaken by Thailand's political events of the past few years, Bangkok's reliability as a partner, and its ability to be a regional leader, are uncertain. Successive Thai governments have also been unable to stem violence by insurgents in the southern majority-Muslim provinces."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Dolven, Ben
2013-12-20
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Malaysia [Updated May 22, 2019]
From the Overview: "Malaysia plays an active role in regional diplomacy, and it has been a partner in various U.S. initiatives in Asia, including trade and security initiatives as well as efforts to combat terrorism and religious extremism. It is one of four Southeast Asian nations that have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, and its export-led economy has encouraged it to undertake trade negotiations with the United States and others. Malaysia was a member of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), from which the United States withdrew in 2017, and it is one of 11 members of the renamed Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Malaysia was an original member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and it sees itself as both a regional leader and a moderate voice within the Islamic world. Despite generally cooperative bilateral relations with the United States, some issues remain obstacles to closer ties, including Malaysian opposition to much U.S. policy in the Middle East, and U.S. concerns over some Malaysian economic and human-rights policies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-; Dolven, Ben
2019-05-22
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Philippines [Updated August 5, 2019]
From the Overview: "The United States and the Republic of the Philippines maintain a deep relationship that includes a bilateral security alliance, extensive military cooperation, close people-to-people ties, and many shared strategic and economic interests. U.S. administration of the Philippines as a colonial territory (1898-1946), which followed 300 years of Spanish rule, also shaped the relationship. Bilateral relations have faced challenges under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has long held negative views of the United States. Elected in 2016, Duterte has pursued rapprochement with China and a violent extrajudicial antidrug campaign. Major areas of U.S.-Philippine cooperation, nonetheless, have continued."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2019-08-05
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Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated June 25, 2019]
From the Overview: "Thailand is a long-time military ally and economic partner of the United States. These ties endure,but more than a decade of political turmoil in Thailand, including two military coups in 2006 and 2014, has complicated U.S.-Thai relations and erased Thailand's image as a model democracy in Southeast Asia. Thailand conducted nationwide elections in March 2019--its first since 2011--and in June seated a new government led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army who led the 2014 coup. The polls were conducted under new rules drafted by the junta that structurally protect the military's influence, and questions remain about the new government's popular legitimacy. The military government also rewrote Thailand's constitution to create a military-appointed Senate, and was widely criticized for harassment of government critics and severe restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Dolven, Ben; Smith, Kirt
2019-06-25
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Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated July 31, 2015]
From the Summary: "Thailand is a long-time military ally and a significant trade and economic partner for the United States. For many years, Thailand was seen as a model democracy in Southeast Asia, although this image, along with U.S.-Thai relations, has been complicated by deep political and economic instability in the wake of two military coups in the past nine years. [...] The United States and the international community have raised other concerns about Thailand, mainly having to do with human trafficking, the large refugee population living within the country's borders, and human rights and democracy conditions. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Mackey, Wil; Dolven, Ben
2015-07-31
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Timor-Leste: Background and U.S. Relations [Update June 27, 2019]
From the Overview: "Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor), is one of the world's youngest nation-states, having gained its independence from Indonesia on May 20, 2002. This marked the end of more than three centuries of foreign rule, including over 300 years of Portuguese rule followed by 24 years of Indonesian control. The nation's transition to independence was traumatic: Following a 1999 nationwide referendum that supported independence, violence led by paramilitary militias supported by elements of the Indonesian military killed around 1,300 Timorese and displaced nearly 500,000. Today, with a population of 1.3 million, Timor-Leste is one of the world's poorest nations, with one of Asia's highest illiteracy rates. Timor-Leste has made considerable strides in building stability and democratic institutions, although it continues to face many challenges in consolidating its democracy and developing its economy. The nation's 2012 presidential and parliamentary elections, conducted peacefully as a U.N. peacekeeping mission prepared to leave the country, were widely seen as a turning point in Timor-Leste's development. Subsequent presidential and parliamentary elections have seen high voter participation and have been considered by international observers to have been largely free and fair."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben
2019-06-27
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War Legacy Issues in Southeast Asia: Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) [June 3, 2019]
From the Document: "More than 40 years after the end of the Vietnam War, unexploded ordnance (UXO) from numerous conflicts, but primarily dropped by U.S. forces over Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam during the Vietnam War, continues to cause casualties in those countries. Over the past 25 years, the United States has provided a total of over $400 million in assistance for UXO clearance and related activities in those three countries through the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of State (DOS), and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as funding for treatment of victims through USAID and the Leahy War Victims fund. Although casualty numbers have dropped in recent years, no systematic assessment of affected areas has been done, and many observers believe it may still take decades to clear the affected areas. War legacy issues such as UXO clearance and victim assistance may raise important considerations for Congress as it addresses the impact of U.S. participation in conflicts around the world and how the United States should deal with the aftermath of such conflicts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Martin, Michael F.; Feickert, Andrew; Dolven, Ben . . .
2019-06-03
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Mongolia [Updated July 1, 2019]
From the Overview: "Mongolia is a landlocked nation of 3 million people between Russia and the People's Republic of China (PRC). It has been viewed as a democratic success story both among former Soviet satellite states and in Asia. In 1989, democratic activists staged protests against communist rule and formed the Mongolian Democratic Union. The Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), which had ruled the country since 1921, allowed multiparty elections in 1990 and relinquished power in 1996, when a Democratic Party (DP)-led coalition of opposition forces won nationwide elections. Mongolia's foreign relations are driven by a desire to preserve its autonomy by balancing relations between major partners, including the United States, China, and Russia, and also Japan and South Korea. Its economy is supported by extensive mineral resources, but growth remains uneven, driven by fluctuations in mineral and petroleum prices."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Dolven, Ben
2019-07-01
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Philippines [Updated February 14, 2020]
From the Overview: "The United States and the Republic of the Philippines have maintained a deep relationship that has included a bilateral security alliance, extensive military cooperation, close people-to-people ties, and many shared strategic and economic interests. U.S. administration of the Philippines as a colonial territory (1898-1946), which followed 300 years of Spanish rule, also shaped the relationship. Since 2016, when President Rodrigo Duterte was elected, his violent antidrug campaign and harassment of political opponents, human rights activists, and journalists, as well as his distrust of the United States and rapprochement with China, has raised concerns among many U.S. policymakers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Dolven, Ben
2020-02-14
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Singapore: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated July 20, 2016]
From the Overview: "Though only about three times the size of Washington, DC, and with a population of 5.5 million, the city-state of Singapore punches far above its weight in both economic and diplomatic influence. Its stable government, strong economic performance, educated citizenry, and strategic position along key shipping lanes make it a major player in regional affairs. For the United States, Singapore is a crucial partner in trade and security cooperation, as the Obama Administration executes its rebalance to Asia strategy. Singapore's value has only grown as the Administration has given special emphasis to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a platform for multilateral engagement. Singapore's heavy dependence on international trade makes maintaining regional stability one of its foremost priorities. As a result, the nation is a firm supporter of both U.S. trade policy and the U.S. security role in Asia. However, the country also maintains close relations with China."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Dolven, Ben
2016-07-20
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Laos [Updated December 13, 2019]
From the Document: "The Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR or Laos) has a population of 7.2 million in a land-locked area around the size of Utah. Laos has been ruled by a single party, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, for more than four decades. The National Assembly, 73% of which consists of new members elected in 2016, reportedly has become more outspoken in recent years, particularly on the issue of official corruption. Laos is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the primary multilateral grouping in Southeast Asia. The LPDR depends heavily on foreign investment, much of it from the People's Republic of China (PRC), for its infrastructure development. Since a 1986 economic opening, Laos has gradually implemented market-based economic reforms, and in 2013 became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The economy has been growing steadily during the past decade, but Laos remains one of Asia's poorest nations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2019-12-13
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Mongolia [Updated December 19, 2019]
From the Overview: "Mongolia is a landlocked nation of 3 million people between Russia and the People's Republic of China (PRC). It has been viewed as a democratic success story both among former Soviet satellite states and in Asia. In 1989, democratic activists staged protests against communist rule and formed the Mongolian Democratic Union. The Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), which had ruled the country since 1921, allowed multiparty elections in 1990 and relinquished power in 1996, when a Democratic Party (DP)-led coalition of opposition forces won nationwide elections. Mongolia's foreign relations are driven by a desire to preserve its autonomy by balancing relations between major partners, including the United States, China, and Russia, and also Japan and South Korea. Its economy is supported by extensive mineral resources, but growth remains uneven, driven by fluctuations in mineral and petroleum prices."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Dolven, Ben
2019-12-19
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Religious Intolerence in Indonesia [October 10, 2018]
"Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, and it has long been known for its moderate interpretations of Islam. Yet, in recent years, there have been numerous acts of religious intolerance directed against minority religious groups in the country, including Ahmadis, a Muslim sect. This sort of intolerance gained international attention in December 2016 when over 200,000 protestors descended on Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, to demand that the city's governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, resign. They accused Basuki, otherwise known as Ahok, of blasphemy because he had suggested that his political opponents were using a Quranic verse to encourage Muslims to vote against non-Muslims. (Ahok is a double minority in Indonesia: he is a Christian and ethnically Chinese.) Months later, Ahok lost his reelection bid; he also was charged with blasphemy, convicted, and sentenced to two years in prison."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mackey, Wil; Dolven, Ben
2018-10-10
