Asia America Initiative - History and Mission

History and Mission

Asia America Initiative (AAI) was founded in 2002 by Albert Santoli, who is a best-selling author of history, a Vietnam war veteran and experienced humanitarian relief provider. Within the year following the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Mr. Santoli resigned from his position as an international policy advisor in the U.S. Congress to create a non-profit humanitarian organization to address inter-cultural and inter-religious hostilities that could be replicated in numerous countries. He utilized lessons leaned from his many years of experience in reporting and humanitarian intervention in areas of armed conflict to create methodologies that could be an alternative to an over-reliance on military force to deter recruitment tactics of terror organizations.

To start the non-profit organization with a tax-exempt umbrella to receive contributions, Mr. Santoli became Senior Vice-President of the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC) n Washington. Under the directive of the AFPC, AAI was formerly known as the Asia-Pacific Initiative. In 2004, the organization changed its name to Asia America Initiative and officially established itself as an independent nonprofit organization. It has since continued its work in providing humanitarian aid, conducting policy forums, and publishing strategic reports.

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 in need. By integrating human rights, civil society, and livelihood skills as key components for peace mediation, AAI aims to empower communities on the front line of terror to deter violence by building hope.