About

Harvard Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation

The Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia is housed at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, one of twelve research centers at Harvard Kennedy School.

In 2008, under the leadership of Anthony Saich, the Asia Programs at HKS (now the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia) joined the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation. Two years later, the permanently endowed Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia was established as part of the Ash Center to bring together academics and practitioners from around the world to enhance research, teaching, and training on public policy and governance issues of critical importance in Asia.

Harvard Kennedy School

The Ash Center is proud to be part of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match.

Students and alumni of Harvard Kennedy School are showing their commitment to public service in their countries, states, cities, and tribal governments around the world.

Director Anthony Saich

Anthony Saich is the director of the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia and Daewoo Professor of International Affairs, teaching courses on comparative political institutions, democratic governance, and transitional economies with a focus on China. In his capacity as Institute Director, Saich also serves as the faculty chair of the China Programs, the Asia Energy Leaders Program, Unseen Legacies of the Vietnam War and the Global Vietnam Wars Studies Initiative.