Asia America Initiative

About me:

Asia America Initiative (AAI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting democratic ideals, strengthening international security and mediating in conflict-plagued areas throughout the Asia-Pacific region. By combining model humanitarian programs with traditional policy forums and pro-active strategic reports, AAI takes a unique approach in finding solutions to seemingly intractable challenges. AAI operations are rooted in the belief that international security and the defense of human rights are inseparable. Therefore, victory over terrorist movements requires the foresight to provide humanitarian assistance in at-risk, impoverished communities. As a catalyst for policy innovation, AAI's field programs deliver direct aid to populations targeted by terrorist recruitment. In the Philippines, AAI is networking private U.S. humanitarian and educational organizations with local NGOs to support the peace process in Muslim Mindanao. These efforts are intended to enhance the quality of life, reinforce opportunities for women, offer alternatives to conflict and to deny militant networks the ability to recruit. The Initiative is in the process of expanding these grassroots programs into other key communities across the region. Through its analytical writing and "In Focus" publications, AAI presents a coherent and comprehensive strategic view of the vast Asia-Pacific region, which extends from the Silk Road to the West Coast of the United States. AAI seeks to find common ground among this vast mosaic of terrain and cultures by cultivating cooperative and mutually beneficial long-term relationships between the United States and Asian neighbors by hosting forums with prominent Asian and American policy experts. In addition, AAI provides timely and insightful information to policy makers and the public on emerging transnational security trends. AAI was founded by Al Santoli, a best-selling author, a nominee for both the Pulitzer Prize and American Book Award for History, and editor of the weekly China In-Focus and Asia In Focus. Over three decades - as a historian, journalist, soldier, national security advisor in the U.S. Congress, human rights monitor, and as a foreign policy expert - Mr. Santoli has directly participated in seeking solutions to some of the most dramatic and complex events that have shaped U.S.-Asian relations. To find out more, please visit asiaamerica.org