The Center's Projects
Burma Program
Burma has suffered from despotic military rule for more than four decades. Much of the Burmese citizenry has fled their country, seeking refuge around the world and building a vibrant and active pro-democracy movement for Burma. After two generations of suffering, it appears that the military junta in Burma may be weakening, and hopes for a peaceful transition to democracy are growing. The world has learned, however, that the end of tyranny does not automatically lead to democracy and the rule of law. To make the transition to a new constitutional order, Burmese people must have the skills and knowledge necessary to make democracy work. Because so many Burmese look to them, leaders of the democracy movement especially need to prepare themselves for the high public duties that await them after the transition.
Liberia Program
The Center's Liberia projects fall into three general categories: first, material aid to the University of Liberia; second, contributions to the teaching mission of the University of Liberia School of Law; and third, contributions to legal research and law reform efforts. The goal of all of these projects is to rebuild the legal profession and the constitutional culture that will help to sustain democracy and the rule of law in the future.
Central Asia Program
The Center's Central Asia program, which currently involves projects in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, is in the planning stages. Plans are in place for a conference bringing together democratic reformers and "public intellectuals" from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other Central Asian nations to discuss the future of democracy and constitutional reform in their countries. We are also developing contacts with significant figures in the legal and academic communities of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.