The end of the Cold War in 1989 created opportunities for IFES to respond to an overwhelming demand for technical non-partisan expertise in democracy and governance. IFES continues to play a crucial role in transforming the democratic process throughout Central and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and Asia.

IFES has conducted dozens of pre-election and election technical assessments, sociological surveys, onsite technical assessment missions, election and judicial conferences, governance strengthening, observations, civic and voter education initiatives, civic education projects, school-based curriculum development projects and technology/equipment needs assessments throughout the region.

In addition to bilateral technical assistance projects, IFES' Europe & Asia Division is actively involved in several regional initiatives. These include: support to the Association of Central and Eastern European Election Officials (ACEEEO); an Election Compendium web site (developed in partnership with the University of Essex) and development of a web-based Regional Resource Center to support researchers, election commissioners and donors throughout the New Independent States.

IFES is integrally involved in several facets of Indonesia's transition to democracy, and it maintains an office in Indonesia to support media strengthening, civic and voter education, elections assistance, legislative reform, and administrative capacity building projects. IFES has also provided electoral technical assistance and conducted surveys in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Philippines, Thailand, India, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.