Ear to Asia: Recent Episodes
Asia Institute, The University of Melbourne
Ear to Asia is produced by Asia Institute, the Asia research specialists at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
In Ear to Asia, we talk with Asia experts to unpack the issues behind news headlines in a region that is rapidly changing the world.
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The history of the Pacific Ocean is often told as a story of isolated islands like French Polynesia or Hawaii, or as a mere backdrop to European discovery. But what if it's a central maritime world—a network of interconnections and struggles spanning landlocked Bolivia, Banaba island in Kiribati, and Haizhou, China? How did networks of silver, nitrates, and phosphates fuse the destinies of tiny Pacific islands with continental powers? And why did some regions escape becoming economic hinterlands while others faced total ecological devastation? Asia Historian Dr Lewis Mayo from Asia Institute joins host Sami Shah to unravel the threads of the historical tapestry of this vast region. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
For decades, Indonesia has defined its place in the world through "bebas dan aktif", meaning "free and active" — a foreign policy that's both independent and engaged, positioning itself as a bridge between major powers while avoiding formal alignment. But rising geopolitical tensions and intensifying competition in the Indo-Pacific are making that harder to sustain. Since taking office in October 2024, President Prabowo Subianto has brought a more personalised style to foreign policy, marked by frequent overseas visits and moves such as Indonesia's entry into BRICS. So, is Indonesia still practicing the cautious, consultative diplomacy it's long been known for, or adapting to a more contested environment? And how does it navigate relationships with China, the US, and others without compromising its commitment to non-alignment? Radityo Dharmaputra from Universitas Airlangga and Aristyo Darmawan from Universitas Indonesia, both experts in Indonesia's foreign policy, examine President Prabowo's impact on the nation's foreign policy. Hosted by Sami Shah. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Climate change is increasingly more than an environmental crisis — its human dimension is fast becoming one of the defining legal and political challenges of our era. Tens of millions are already displaced by floods, droughts, and rising seas, while communities like the Torres Strait Islanders face not just the loss of land, but the severing of profound cultural and spiritual ties to place. For low-lying Pacific nations like Tuvalu, the very existence of their state may one day be reduced to legal records and collective memory. So how does international law grapple with nations that no longer have territory? And what stands between the global community's emerging recommendations to safeguard the right to nationality and the political will to implement them? Assoc Prof Radha Govil and Aashish Yadav, both statelessness researchers from the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness at the Melbourne Law School, join host Sami Shah in exploring how climate change is pushing people into statelessness — and what can be done about it. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Across Southeast Asia, vast compounds have emerged as the nerve centers of large-scale online fraud, run by transnational crime syndicates with links to ethnic Chinese networks. Their targets are ordinary people across Asia and beyond, ensnared in scams that drain savings and devastate families. But inside the compound walls are trafficked workers — lured under false promises of legitimate employment, then held captive in conditions of digital servitude. So what is the true extent of this shadow economy? How have these scam compounds become embedded in local communities and cross-border networks? And as regional governments attempt crackdowns, what happens to the exploited workers once the compounds fall? Researchers into the intersection of organized crime and technology Dr Ivan Franceschini from Asia Institute and Ling Li from Ca' Foscari University of Venice join host Sami Shah to examine the reach and ramifications of Southeast Asia's scam compounds. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
A recent book on the subject by Ivan Franceschini, Ling Li and Mark Bo: Scam: Inside Southeast Asia's Cybercrime Compounds, Verso, 2025.
Rice is more than a staple in the Philippines — it’s a measure of well-being and security. But decades of government policies built around industrial-scale production have struggled to deliver self-sufficiency in a country where rice farming is overwhelmingly smallholder-based. As farmers contend with debt, land insecurity, and environmental vulnerability, are current strategies fit for purpose? Or does the future of food security lie in approaches that start with the realities of small-scale farming? Dr Eric Gutierrez and Prof Wolfram Dressler, both social geography researchers from the University Melbourne, join host Sami Shah to examine the complex realities of rice farming in the Philippines.
Prof Wolfram Dressler's recent book on the topic is For the Sake of Forests and Gods: Governing Life and Livelihood in the Philippine Uplands, Cornell University Press, 2025.
https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501779268/for-the-sake-of-forests-and-gods/#bookTabs=1
An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
While shared anxieties over China have brought India and the United States closer, President Donald Trump’s second-term tariffs and tougher immigration rules have injected fresh strain into the relationship. The pressure on New Delhi to curb Russian oil imports comes as Moscow itself deepens ties with Beijing, complicating India’s long-standing defence and energy partnerships. So where does this leave India’s quest for strategic autonomy? Can it still balance cooperation with the U.S., reliance on Russia, and cautious engagement with China? Or is that space rapidly closing? Political scientist Dr Pradeep Taneja from the University of Melbourne puts the India–US relationship under the microscope. Presented by Sami Shah. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
A year into his presidency, Prabowo Subianto stands at a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s political journey. Elected on promises of both continuity and change, his government has faced unrest in the streets, the dismissal of a long-serving finance minister, and questions over the strength of Indonesia’s democratic institutions. At the same time, Jakarta’s growing engagement with BRICS and its delicate balancing act between China and the United States are reshaping its global outlook. So, what does Prabowo’s first year reveal about Indonesia’s political direction? How resilient is its democracy under his leadership? And what kind of regional and global power is Indonesia seeking to become? Prof Tim Lindsey from Melbourne Law School and Dr Ian Wilson from Murdoch University join host Sami Shah to assess Prabowo’s first year in office, and its implications for Indonesia’s domestic politics and foreign policy. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
For many East Asians living in Western societies, the first challenge they face is their own name — mispronounced in classrooms, simplified in workplaces, or changed altogether to fit in. Behind these small acts lie deeper questions of identity, belonging, and cultural respect. How do naming traditions shaped by centuries of history meet the bureaucracies and biases of today’s West? And what does genuine respect look like in a globalised world — merely saying a name right, or something more? Professor Ikuko Nakane and Dr Lewis Mayo, both from the Asia Institute, join host Sami Shah to examine the question of what it means to negotiate anglophone societies with an East Asian name. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Indonesia’s 17,000-plus islands boast the world’s third-largest tropical rainforest, home to endangered species and Indigenous communities, and a vital shield against climate change. Yet in 2024, the country lost 261,000 hectares of forest—its worst single-year decline since 2021. Why has deforestation surged just as earlier trends seemed to improve? Beyond palm oil, the pressures now include pulpwood plantations, nickel mining, and large-scale food-security schemes that risk draining peatlands, razing mangroves, and displacing communities. Now almost a year into President Prabowo Subianto’s new administration, will Jakarta finally take forest protection seriously—or will it be business as usual? What reforms could steer investment toward already-cleared land, curb land speculation, and protect habitats close to collapse? And how can accountability thrive when so many lawmakers hold stakes in extractive industries? Multi-award winning forest conservationist Farwiza Farhan, and seasoned Asia Institute Indonesia watcher Dr Charlotte Setijadi, join host Sami Shah to examine the forces reshaping Indonesia’s landscape. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Governments across Asia are confronting a new kind of policy challenge — one that’s moving faster than most have ever had to legislate for. The astonishing speed of generative AI development has prompted both excitement and alarm in Asia’s capitals, where the potential for economic growth and national prestige is being weighed against serious questions about risk, regulation, and long-term control. In China, we’ve seen some of the world’s earliest binding regulations on generative AI, with policymakers steering innovation to align with stated political values. Japan, by contrast, has recently pivoted toward a “light touch” governance model — part of a wider shift in Asia that favours innovation-friendly oversight, even as public concerns about misinformation, data misuse, and algorithmic bias continue to mount. In other countries like India, Malaysia and South Korea, dedicated AI bodies have been established, but concrete legislation remains elusive. So what are Asian governments actually doing — and not doing — to shape the direction of this transformative technology? And how are they managing the balancing act between economic ambition and ethical caution? Professor Jeannie Paterson from Melbourne Law School and Professor Haiqing Yu from RMIT University join host Sami Shah to explore how Asia is balancing the risks and rewards of generative AI. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Suggested readings
Expanded ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics – Generative AI https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Expanded-ASEAN-Guide-on-AI-Governance-and-Ethics-Generative-AI.pdf
China bets on open-source technologies to boost domestic innovation https://merics.org/en/report/china-bets-open-source-technologies-boost-domestic-innovation
Open source and under control: The DeepSeek paradox https://360info.org/open-source-and-under-control-the-deepseek-paradox/
Despite all the talk of trade wars and other tensions, China remains the largest source of international students worldwide. In Australia alone, there are over 125,000 China nationals attending higher education, representing 22% of all international uni students. Needless to say, these large international numbers provide a massive revenue boon for Australia's cash-strapped institutions of higher learning. But what is the experience of Chinese students here in Australia? Given their large numbers, and their origins from a country that many Australians may view with some ambivalence, how are they being received, embraced or excluded? How are the Chinese students themselves finding ways to cope, or thrive, in the Australian social and academic environment? University of Melbourne researchers Dr Qiuping Pan and Dr Eric Fu join host Sami Shah to explore the complex, often overlooked lived experiences of Chinese international students in Australia. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
While Mandarin has long been China's official language, recent policies have accelerated its dominance — often at the expense of minority languages. Despite constitutional protections, a 2020 legislative shift has cast a shadow over the future of minority language education, raising concerns among ethnic minority groups like the Zhuang in southern China and communities in Tibet. Why is China doubling down on Mandarin’s dominance despite its already firm hold? What impact do these language policies have on ethnic minority communities? And what steps are needed to preserve China’s rich linguistic diversity? Researchers of linguistic diversity Dr Lajiadou from Asia Institute and Dr Alexandra Grey from University of Technology Sydney join host Sami Shah to examine the impact of China’s language policies on the future of ethnic minority languages and the communities that speak them. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government has been busy appointing ambassadors, courting foreign investment, and participating in global forums, all with the aim of winning international recognition and standing. And it's paid off to a degree: last year China and the UAE both established formal diplomatic ties with the Taliban government, putting stability and economic opportunity ahead of ideological concerns like human rights that have inhibited similar moves by Western nations.
Meanwhile, the Afghan people continue to face a complex reality of systemic repression, particularly against women, as well as ongoing economic and security challenges.
So can engagement compel the Taliban to genuinely improve their human rights record and counter-terrorism efforts? What are the consequences of isolation versus engagement for the Afghan people, and for the international community? And how might the new Trump administration reshape US-Afghanistan relations?
Masoom Stanekzai, former chief peace negotiator of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and Dr. Niamatullah Ibrahimi, a peacebuilding expert, both from the University of Melbourne, join host Sami Shah to examine the geopolitical and humanitarian dilemmas surrounding the Taliban regime and its global relations. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
China's growing influence in Central Asia marks a strategic pivot in its bid to challenge a global order still largely led by the US. Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Beijing is positioning itself as a dominant player in a region long under Russia’s sway. With Moscow’s focus diverted by its war in Ukraine, China is leveraging the moment to deepen ties with Central Asian republics. This strategic expansion serves a dual purpose: securing its borders and bolstering its ambitions for global leadership. But with shifting alliances and overlapping interests, how will China balance its aspirations in Central Asia with its delicate relationship with Russia? What risks and rewards come with this regional push? And could success in Central Asia tip the scales in China's global rivalry with the United States? Dr. Geoff Raby, former Australian Ambassador to Beijing and author of new book Great Game On: The Contest for Central Asia and Global Supremacy, joins host Ali Moore to explore these critical questions. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
China-Taiwan relations remain tense as Beijing maintains its stance on potential military action to "retake" the island—a position rooted in the unresolved Chinese Civil War (1927-1949). This ideological conflict pitted the Nationalist Party (KMT), which advocated national self-strengthening, against the Communist Party (CCP), which promised socialist revolution and class equality. The war inflicted massive civilian casualties and transformed Chinese society, particularly affecting family structures and women's roles. Although China has since experienced dramatic economic and military growth, the war's legacy endures, with the CCP maintaining strict control over its historical narrative. Why does the legacy of the Chinese Civil War still drive geopolitical tension between the People’s Republic and Taiwan, decades after its conclusion? How has the psychological trauma of the war shaped modern Chinese society? And in what ways does this legacy influence China's approach to its role as a global superpower today? Dr Lewis Mayo from Asia institute unravels the tapestry of the Chinese Civil War with host Sami Shah. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
The Korean language, once limited to the Korean Peninsula, has experienced a dramatic surge in global popularity due to the rise of K-pop, Korean dramas, and films. Even though this has led to increased enrollment in Korean language courses by both ethnic Koreans and non-Korean learners, achieving fluency remains a significant challenge. For the Korean diaspora worldwide, maintaining their linguistic heritage poses unique difficulties because as new generations emerge, the use of Korean as the primary language at home faces the risk of fading away, challenged by the pressures of assimilation and the dominance of local languages in their adopted countries. So who’s committing to learning the Korean language and what motivates them? What constitutes success and how many will go on to reach fluency? And what factors influence Korean language retention among heritage speakers in diaspora communities? Dr Nicola Fraschini and Dr Sin Ji Jung from Asia Institute discuss the complexities around learning Korean with host Sami Shah. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
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China's maritime aggression towards the Philippines has been escalating, with the China Coast Guard now ramming Philippine naval vessels in disputed waters. This has put intense pressure on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to defend the archipelagic nation's maritime territory against a superior force. Despite efforts by the current and past administrations to address China’s incursions into the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Beijing continues to expand its territorial claims in violation of international law. The situation has also cast doubt on Manila’s relationship with Washington as the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty has failed to curb Chinese belligerence. So, how can and should the Philippines defend its maritime territory against a formidable adversary? Can the United States be relied upon to reduce tensions in the South China Sea? And what role can ASEAN and the international community play in resolving maritime disputes of this nature? Seasoned Philippines watcher Richard Heydarian from the University of the Philippines examines the Philippines’ maritime predicament with presenter Sami Shah. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
As East Asian countries like Japan, China and South Korea experience rapid population ageing due to declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy, the demographic shift in the land of the living is having a parallel impact on what happens after life. Deathcare -- which encompasses post-death services, products, policy, and governance -- is changing too. Rapid urbanisation has disrupted long-observed burial practices and post-death rituals, while smaller family sizes and a jump in one-person households has put pressure on age-old East Asian traditions that centre the handling or the honouring of the dead in the family home. And just as new business models and services are emerging to meet the living needs of greying populations in East Asia, deathcare too has had to innovate, with new technologies and digital solutions aimed at both disposal and memorialisation of the dead. Anthropologists Dr Hannah Gould from the University of Melbourne and Professor Andrew Kipnis from The Chinese University of Hong Kong join Ear to Asia host Sami Shah to explain how demography in the region is reshaping deathcare. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
The rivers of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau, a lifeline for hundreds of millions of people across Asia, are a hotbed of geopolitical tension. A history of colonialism, border disputes, and competing interests has made present-day transboundary governance exceptionally challenging, as national governments, non-state actors, international organisations, and local communities vie for influence. Heated negotiations over managing the rivers, including plans for dams and other water infrastructure, impact riparian populations, agriculture and the environment downstream. So how to make sense of the tapestry of interests to be found along rivers such as the Mekong or the Brahmaputra? How do less powerful states negotiate with more powerful ones upstream? And what strategies can policymakers and other stakeholders adopt to promote equitable and sustainable water governance in the face of climate change? Dr Ruth Gamble from La Trobe University and Zali Fung from the University of Melbourne join presenter Sami Shah to examine the complex geopolitics surrounding rivers of our planet’s third pole. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
More than a quarter century since landmark democratic reforms, Indonesia's labor movement remains surprisingly subdued. Workers continue to face low wages, poor working conditions, and laws that put employers first, as efforts to organize labor remain encumbered by a mix of nationalist and religious rhetoric, government policy, and the rise of the gig economy. So what will it take to significantly improve workers' ability to organize and fight for their rights? And what are their chances of a better deal under the leadership of the incoming president, Prabowo Subianto? Professor Vedi Hadiz, Director of Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne, joins presenter Sami Shah to examine the state of Indonesia's labor movement. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
South Korea has a reputation for very long work hours. Despite laws limiting the working week to 40 hours, overtime is rampant, fueled by a culture of "more is better." This relentless pace has resulted in overwork-related deaths and has played a part in South Korea having the world's lowest fertility rate. At the same time, the tradition of lifetime employment is fading, exacerbating job insecurity for many. So how did a work culture that puts such pressure on workers come to be? How can South Koreans find a way to a healthier work-life balance? And what needs to change in order to foster family growth while maintaining the nation's high standard of living? Human resource management researchers Assoc. Prof. Daejeong Choi from the University of Melbourne and Assoc. Prof. Sunghoon Kim of the University of Sydney Business School examine the complex dynamics underlying South Korea's work-life imbalance with presenter Sami Shah. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
While Narendra Modi was able to secure a historic third term as India's Prime Minister in recent elections, he no longer enjoys presiding over an outright parliamentary majority by his party, the BJP. Instead, Modi is now forced to rely on alliance partners, who will likely bristle at his autocratic leadership style and his party's Hindu-nationalist agenda. Yet, Modi will have to find a way to address India's serious policy challenges, which include persistent inflation, the need to find tens of millions of jobs for young Indians, continued marginalisation of ethnic and religious minorities, and an escalating climate crisis that's resulted in 50-degree temperatures in Delhi and a looming water supply issue of existential proportions. So how will Modi's brand of politics measure up to the needs of policy this time around? Dr. Pradeep Taneja from the University of Melbourne's School of Social and Political Sciences joins host Sami Shah to explore what Modi's third term could mean for India.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by profactual.com.
Music by audionautix.com.
With escalating military conflict between Myanmar's ruling junta and various ethnic armed organisations (or EAOs) in recent months, China is pursuing a delicate balancing act along their shared 2200 km border, juggling its economic interests, security concerns, and regional reputation. While Beijing has traditionally supported the junta, recent events have signalled the limits of such backing as the regime appears to weaken. In Northern Shan State, a region with a rich tapestry of ethnic groups and militias – many at odds with the central government – China has attempted to position itself as a mediator, convening peace talks and exerting pressure on various factions. Meanwhile, reverberations of the unrest have been felt across the border in China's Yunnan Province, impacting trade, border security, and prompting calls for a potential Chinese security presence in Myanmar. So what’s really at stake for China as events in Myanmar become increasingly uncertain? How much do Beijing’s aspirations in the region rely on continued support for the ruling junta? And what constructive role, if any, could Beijing play in a more peaceful future for Myanmar? Jason Tower, Myanmar country director for the United States Institute of Peace, and Dr Pascal Abb, China foreign policy analyst at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, examine the intersection of Myanmar's fate and China's interests with Ear to Asia host Sami Shah. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Further reading
Transnational Crime in Southeast Asia: A Growing Threat to Global Peace and Security
https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/05/transnational-crime-southeast-asia-growing-threat-global-peace-and-security
Road to Peace or Bone of Contention?: The Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on Conflict States
https://www.prif.org/en/publications/publication-search/publication/road-to-peace-or-bone-of-contention
Do regime differences shape developmental engagement? How China and Japan compete in post-coup Myanmar
https://blog.prif.org/2023/12/20/do-regime-differences-shape-developmental-engagement-how-china-and-japan-compete-in-post-coup-myanmar/
Myanmar’s Collapsing Military Creates a Crisis on China’s Border
https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/04/myanmars-collapsing-military-creates-crisis-chinas-border
Undersea cables underpin global communication and the digital economy, with between 95-99% of data for international banking, e-commerce, video calls, and intelligence sharing travelling via these largely hidden transoceanic routes. However, this critical multi-billion-dollar infrastructure faces increasing risks from shipping accidents, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and sabotage threats. Meanwhile, in the Indo-Pacific region US-China tech competition is leading to a fragmented cable network with contrasting standards and governance models. Great power competition is forcing Southeast Asian nations into making political choices over what should be engineering decisions. So how are nations navigating this difficult balancing act and what role should regional frameworks play? And with digital data flows rising sharply, what steps are needed to enhance the resilience and protection of undersea cables? Maritime security researchers Elina Noor from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Cynthia Mehboob from the Australian National University take a deep dive into the world of these ocean-spanning data conduits. With host Sami Shah.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by profactual.com.
Music by audionautix.com.
Almost four decades since Vietnam abandoned Marxist central planning in favour of market socialism, Vietnam is now well integrated in the global supply chain and is an important manufacturing hub for labour-intensive industries like textiles, electronics, and even automobiles. The economic expansion -- powered by foreign investment and exports -- has reshaped Vietnam's labour market, creating higher-skilled jobs but also challenges like wage stagnation and worker abuse. For all the fanfare over investment dollars from the likes of Apple, Samsung, and Intel -- as well as a host of Chinese companies -- there are signs that the welfare of workers, both in terms of pay and working conditions, is far from a top priority. Meanwhile, restrictive policies around unionisation and dissent have served to hamper labour advocacy. So how to make sense of an uneven labour landscape overseen by a Communist party with long ties to workers? What can be done to ensure Vietnam’s workers truly benefit from the country’s hard-won place in the global value chain? And what can policymakers, businesses and civil society actors do better to protect the very people who underpin Vietnam’s economic future? Vietnam labour experts Prof Angie Tran from Cal State Monterey Bay and Dr Tu Nguyen from Asia Institute examine the often fraught labour relations in Vietnam with host Sami Shah. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Further Reading
Angie Tran
Ethnic Descent and Empowerment: Economic Migration Between Vietnam and Malaysia
https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p085277
Tu Nguyen
Law and Precarity Legal Consciousness and Daily Survival in Vietnam
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/law-and-precarity/CDA947232EBCB9E5392F6674095F8E1B
For the nearly eight decades since its founding, Pakistan has struggled to find a balance between civilian democratic governance and the power wielded by its armed forces. The military has directly ruled the country for almost half of its existence through coups d’etat and martial law. Even during periods of civilian rule, its influence has loomed large, often described as a "state within a state." The result has been a democracy where no prime minister has ever completed a five-year term. So what were the historical circumstances and power dynamics that elevated the military to such a dominant position? And does such an imbalance between civilian institutions and the military mean for Pakistan's democratic development and ability to create and enforce effective public policy today? Seasoned Pakistan watchers Dr Ayesha Jehangir from University Technology Sydney and Mosharraf Zaidi from Tabadlab, an Islamabad-based think tank, join presenter Sami Shah to examine Pakistan military's outsized presence in the political life of the South Asian nation.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by profactual.com.
Music by audionautix.com.
For decades, Iran has skillfully employed a network of proxy militant groups across the broader Middle East to project power and advance its interests, while maintaining an impression of plausible deniability on the global stage. At its core lies a "forward defence" strategy: pushing away or pre-empting threats from Iranian soil. Yet while this approach prioritises security, it also carries risks. As conflict in the region has intensified in recent months with the Israel-Gaza war, we ask how much control Iran truly enjoys over these forces. How sustainable is outsourcing warfare via proxies? And what are the risks for Teheran of miscalculation, sparking a wider conflagration?
Ear to Asia host Sami Shah is joined by Prof Shahram Akbarzadeh, Research Professor of Middle East & Central Asian Politics at Deakin University, and author of the 2023 book “Middle East Politics and International Relations: Crisis Zone” from Routledge. And also by international relations expert Dr Andrew Thomas, also from Deakin University. Andrew’s new book which relates to our topic is entitled “Iran and the West: A Non-Western Approach to Foreign Policy”, published by Routledge. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Straddling the boundaries of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, the Baloch people have long endured as a distinct ethnic group whose aspirations have been overshadowed by the ambitions of larger state actors. In Balochistan, in Pakistan's west, Baloch ethno-nationalist assertions of identity have long driven protests and petitioning directed at Islamabad -- occasionally taking the form of militant insurgencies. Added to the mix are tensions arising from the Beijing-backed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with its grand infrastructure plans -- including the massive Gwadar Port expansion -- that cut through the region largely oblivious to Baloch concerns or input. To get a closer look at the Baloch people, how they're regarded and treated by Pakistani authorities, and how they're being impacted by CPEC, Ear to Asia host Sami Shah is joined by Pakistan watcher Dr. Nadeem Malik from Asia Institute, and expert on China’s Belt and Road Initiative Dr Pascal Abb of Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF).
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by profactual.com.
Music by audionautix.com.
Indonesia, the world's third largest democracy, has elected Prabowo Subianto to be its next president in a sweeping victory. Yet, Prabowo, who enjoyed substantial support from Indonesia's young voters, is a controversial figure with a reputation marred by human rights violations, a history of anti-democratic rhetoric, and ties to the authoritarian regime of Suharto (1967-1998). So what can Indonesia expect after Prabowo assumes his country's highest office in October? Will he pursue a stance of continuity from the Jokowi era, or will he act decisively to put his own stamp on things? And how are Indonesia's international relations likely to shift under Prabowo, a long-time military commander and defence minister under Jokowi? Seasoned Indonesia watchers Professor Tim Lindsey and Dr Ian Wilson examine Indonesia’s prospects under a Prabowo presidency. Presented by Sami Shah.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by profactual.com.
Music by audionautix.com.
Malaysian society stands at a crossroads as ethnic tensions simmer, fueled by fiery rhetoric and a rise in Malay nationalism. Recent elections exposed a divided democracy, with populists pushing an agenda that strains the nation's multicultural fabric. Despite the absence of actual violence, social media is amplifying hate speech that paints minorities as threats, thus widening the rift between the Malay majority and other ethnic groups. What's behind this ethno-nationalist trend in Malaysian politics, and why now? What can be done to rein in the hurtful speech and set Malaysian society and politics on a course for genuine national unity? Malaysia watchers Dina Zaman and Dr Nicholas Chan examine the complex fabric of race relations in Malaysia with host Sami Shah.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by profactual.com.
Music by audionautix.com.
China's Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2023, aims to reshape global governance by emphasising mutual respect between civilizations and common human values. While it ostensibly appears to embrace diversity, some analysts argue that it primarily serves China's own interests by reshaping international norms in favour of authoritarian regimes. The GCI is part of a trio of multilateral initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, seen as an effort by Beijing to expand its global influence and partnerships. But does the GCI possess genuine substance, or is it merely a public relations exercise? Would all nations be considered equal under Beijing's proposal? And how might the GCI transform our understanding of human rights? Seasoned China watchers Assoc Prof Delia Lin and Dr Sow Keat Tok join host Sami Shah to scrutinise the Global Civilization Initiative.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by profactual.com.
Music by audionautix.com.
Despite China's official stance that reunification with Taiwan is non-negotiable, the perspectives of mainland Chinese writers, filmmakers, and television producers who have lived on the island are often far more nuanced. How have these artists reconciled their ties to the mainland with their experiences in Taiwan? What distinguishes the works of those who fled the mainland at the end of the Chinese Civil War from those who arrived in Taiwan decades later? Historian and translator Dr. Craig Smith, and literary and film critic Dr. Phyllis Huang analyse cultural products that were forged in the crucible of political and ideological division. With host Peter Clarke.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by profactual.com.
Music by audionautix.com.
With the return of the El Niño weather pattern after a three-year hiatus, several Southeast Asian nations are preparing for the resurgence of the hazardous haze caused by peatland fires in Indonesia. Indonesia’s 24 million hectares of tropical peatlands – the largest holding worldwide – support vital biodiversity and carbon storage. However, agricultural expansion and drainage for oil palm and pulpwood plantations pose severe threats to these ecosystems. These activities release vast amounts of greenhouse gases, and peat, once drained, is also highly combustible, emitting even more greenhouse gases if ignited. So how closely linked is the fate of the peatlands to global warming? And how can Indonesia balance its development needs while also protecting the environment and contributing to global climate goals? Experts on Indonesia's peatlands, Professor Daniel Murdiyarso and Dr Luba Volkova, examine the current state of Indonesia's peatlands and ongoing conservation efforts, in conversation with presenter Peter Clarke.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by profactual.com.
Music by audionautix.com.
As India’s diaspora continues to expand in Western nations, what are the implications of caste identity, and the discriminatory practices that accompany it, for corporate managers? Despite being prohibited by law in India, cultural norms and social practices have allowed caste-based discrimination to persist. The over-representation of higher caste Indians in leadership positions abroad has correlated with a sharp rise in caste discrimination in Western workplaces, leading some local US jurisdictions, like the city of Seattle, to enact laws specifically banning discrimination based on caste. So what do managers and HR staff in Western workplaces need to know about caste and its impact on employees' wellbeing? How does gender intersect with caste-motivated antisocial behaviors? And how can corporate leaders best be equipped to play a role in preventing caste-based discrimination? Management and marketing researchers Professor Hari Baphuji and Dr Kanika Meshram discuss caste within the corporation with presenter Peter Clarke.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by profactual.com.
Music by audionautix.com.
China’s ambitious push into the Pacific Islands through infrastructure investments and loans has raised concerns about its grand strategy and geopolitical goals for nearby middle powers such as Australia. Meanwhile, Beijing's recent security deal with Solomon Islands plus its attempt to strike a larger deal with ten other island nations has prompted Australia to reaffirm its commitment to the region. So, what's been the real trade-off for the island nations caught up in China's Pacific aspirations? And how are the U.S. and its allies such as Australia, who have long assumed some sphere of influence in the region, responding to China's push? Seasoned China watcher Associate Professor Graeme Smith joins host Peter Clarke to examine China's growing footprint in Pacific Island countries. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Myanmar is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis dating back to the military coup of February 2021, which toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and triggered a massive popular uprising that has been met with a brutal junta-led crackdown on protesters and the civil disobedience movement. Thousands of civilians have been killed, thousands more detained and tortured, and severe restrictions have been imposed on internet access, media freedom, and civil liberties. All this on top of an existing situation in Myanmar in which millions of people were already suffering from poverty, conflict, displacement, and natural disasters. Aid efforts by international and local organisations have also been impeded by the junta, with aid workers facing increasing challenges and risks in accessing and assisting people in need. As international aid players pull back, local civil society organisations have stepped up to serve beleaguered communities. Yet, local aid actors are now calling for wholesale reforms as they find long-established operational practices and funding models are simply ineffective in today's environment. So how are aid providers navigating the ethical and practical dilemmas of humanitarian efforts in Myanmar? And what alternative models and approaches are emerging from local aid workers? Development researchers and Myanmar watchers Dr Anne Decobert and Dr Tamas Wells join Peter Clarke to examine how aid operates in the strife-torn nation.An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
With a history of conflict with large powers such as China and the United States, Vietnam now pursues a carefully calibrated foreign policy of multi-alignment and hedging to balance its strategic interests. The Southeast Asian nation has been working towards greater economic integration into global markets, yet it’s also using active diplomacy, seeking an expanded network of partners, to offset China's military and economic might. So, how well is Vietnam's approach working to safeguard or assert its own interests? And with greater participation in the global economy, how much agency does Vietnam really have to determine its own future? Southeast Asia foreign policy expert Dr Huong Le Thu scrutinises Vietnam’s foreign policy with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Although the rising popularity of the political far-right in Western liberal democracies has shifted Australia’s security gaze away from Islamic terrorism, two decades of terrorism countermeasures has left scars on Muslim communities down under and elsewhere. So how has living under the yoke of the War on Terror influenced how Muslims see themselves and their place in Western societies? What impact has this environment of suspicion and fear had on the generation of young Muslims who came of age during this period? Researchers of Muslim societies in the West Professor Michael Humphrey and Dr Jan Ali examine the ongoing impacts of the War on Terror with presenter Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
With the housing sector on the brink, high youth unemployment and slower than desired GDP growth, 2023 is shaping up to be an annus horribilis for China’s economy. Since many of its current economic woes are due to the lingering effects of its zero-COVID policy, it should come as no surprise that Western media are portraying this state of affairs as the consequence of overreach by Xi Jinping and the authoritarian Chinese Communist Party. However, the reality of the complex relationship between the CCP, commercial enterprise, and China's economic performance is far more nuanced. Asia political scientist Dr. Pradeep Taneja and China law specialist Associate Professor Colin Hawes join host Ali Moore in examining how the Party's internal dynamics and sometimes arbitrary decision-making both help and hinder China's vast business sector. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Cambodia has for decades been aligning itself ever closer to China, with substantial economic and political consequences for the Southeast Asian nation – and with geopolitical implications for its neighborhood and beyond. China's economic influence in Cambodia has been huge, with large-scale Chinese investments and infrastructure projects fueling growth and development. Meanwhile, Cambodia's neighbors, Vietnam and Thailand, who also continue to benefit economically from ties to China, maintain a more cautious stance towards the northern giant. So why does Cambodian leader Hun Sen insist on aligning so closely with Beijing? Who are the real beneficiaries from this apparent fealty? And how does this affect ASEAN, especially member states directly impacted by China's vast territorial claims in the South China Sea? Southeast Asia historian Dr Matthew Galway joins host Ali Moore to examine how Cambodia's tight bond with China affects the region and beyond. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
India faces a daunting task in providing adequate healthcare for its 1.4 billion people. While it can boast world-class hospitals and skilled medical staff, there remain stark disparities in healthcare access and quality, particularly in rural areas. Meanwhile, as India’s public healthcare system is criticized as antiquated and inefficient, the rapid growth of private providers has left millions unable to afford care and millions more financially ruined by medical bills. So, how are India's national and state governments working to make quality healthcare affordable for the masses a reality? And how do they juggle the mix of private and public providers to ensure access across all strata of society? Healthcare policy expert Assoc Prof Azad Bali and economist Prof Raghbendra Jha join host Ali Moore to examine India's complex healthcare landscape. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's victory in Türkiye’s 2023 presidential election extends his two-decade reign by another 5 years yet raises important questions about the country's domestic politics. Despite his handling of a struggling economy and the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake, Erdoğan prevailed in a runoff election that highlighted deep political polarization. So what does Erdoğan’s staying power say about the state of democracy in Türkiye, where an entire generation has never known another national leader? And should we expect Erdoğan to continue with his populist authoritarian practices that critics say have led to a hollowing out of state institutions and entrenched illiberalism? Türkiye watchers Dr David Tittensor and Dr Tezcan Gümüşz discuss what's in store for Türkiye’s 85 million people as Erdoğan begins his third decade in power. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
As Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr begins his second year as president of the Philippines, how is his administration impacting the lives of ordinary Filipinos? The controversial term of Marcos’ immediate predecessor Rodrigo Duterte was marked by a brutal war on drugs that led to widespread extrajudicial killings as well as attacks on activists, media and dissenting judicial figures. So how is the younger President Marcos, the son of a dictator, putting his own stamp on the country’s leadership and political landscape? And how much is the enviable economic growth of the Philippines in recent years masking a decline in the health of democracy? Seasoned Philippines watchers Dr Adele Webb and David Lozada join host Ali Moore to scrutinise the Philippines’ first year under Bongbong Marcos. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
In May 2019, Taiwan broke barriers by legalizing same-sex marriage, becoming the first in Asia to do so. While the enormous efforts of activists — coupled with the progressive mindset of Taiwanese youth — were instrumental in achieving this milestone, what is it about Taiwan that has made it the regional forerunner when it comes to the rights of sexual minorities? What lessons can other societies in Asia learn from Taiwan's experience? And how are greater contentions around national identity in Taiwan colouring the movement in its fight against remaining discrimination? Taiwan LGBTQ+ researchers and advocates, Dr Wen Liu and Adam Chen-Dedman, examine the issues and intersections with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
While China asserts its right to some 90% of the South China Sea, its claims variously overlap and conflict with those of Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines -- themselves no strangers to past maritime disputes. In fact, countries across the Indo-Pacific have had to find ways of resolving or at least learning to live with disputed maritime borders. So how have nations chosen to handle maritime border disagreements? What's worked and how much power do international maritime treaties really have? And what lessons are there for the seemingly intractable situation in the South China Sea, where tensions over China's claims pose a real threat to peace and security? Maritime security expert Assoc Prof Bec Strating joins host Ali Moore to examine maritime disputes in the Indo-Pacific. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the harboring of extremist or terrorist groups, continued high numbers of displaced Afghans, and ramped up production of opium for export are key concerns for neighboring nations. Iran, Pakistan, China, India and other countries each have their own interests to protect and opportunities to exploit just across the border. So how great a threat to regional security is Afghanistan under the Taliban? How are relations across borders being reset to accommodate or even capitalize on the power shift in Kabul? And how is the Afghan government navigating its own path in the region in an attempt to secure its own interests? South Asia political scientist Dr Zahid Ahmed joins host Ali Moore in examining how Afghanistan under Taliban rule affects the region. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
In Malaysia, the 3 “R”s — race, religion, and royalty — are considered politically sensitive topics, and despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech, the state has passed laws that restrict their discussion, both online and off. While these curbs have the potential to stifle critical discussion and maintain existing power structures, they’ve had little effect on subduing ultra-nationalist voices, resulting in an increase in hate speech and online harassment. What's behind the taboos on the 3 Rs? How are the laws applied? And what is the effect on the health of Malaysian democracy and society? Southeast Asia political scientist Dr James Gomez and Malaysia-based social commentator Dina Zaman explore the nuances of Malaysian political discourse with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual. Music by audionautix.com.
There's no question that Australia is tightly bound to Asia. Indonesia is a close neighbor, China is its most important trading partner, and India and Japan are its strategic partners. While prioritizing Asia-focused education would thus seem essential for Australia, recent trends indicate a decline in Asian language and studies programs in Australian universities, risking leaving the country ill-prepared to navigate its future in the region. What are the causes of this flagging interest in studying Asia, and how can it be rekindled? Indonesia law expert Professor Melissa Crouch and Indonesia political scientist Professor Edward Aspinall shed light on the state of Asian studies and its importance to Australia. Presented by Ali Moore.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by profactual.com.
Music by audionautix.com.
China's government has made significant policy shifts in recent months, including lifting the zero-covid policy, loosening credit regulations for real estate development, and a less strident tone in international relations. These changes suggest a sense of reversal or climbdown, despite the absence of official admissions of any policy failing. Is all this recalibration just part of a push to juice a flagging economy? Has recent overt public discontent over a number of issues had an impact on the thinking of the authoritarian state? And what, if any, is the reputational and political cost to Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party? Dr Chris Buckley, chief China correspondent for The New York Times, examines China’s lively policy dynamics with presenter Ali Moore.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual.
Music by audionautix.com.
In Taiwan, the victory in Taipei's 2022 mayoral election of Chiang Wan-an, the Kuomintang (KMT) candidate and purported great grandson of former strongman Chiang Kai Shek, has sparked debate about the future of the island's relationship with China. While the KMT has adopted a more conciliatory stance towards the Chinese Communist Party, its one-time arch adversary, Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) advocates for a separate Taiwanese identity. If the election outcome points to a strengthening KMT eventually winning national government and taking a softer line towards Beijing, would it really improve cross-straits relations? Is simply maintaining the One China policy indefinitely a viable long-term strategy? What is the best outcome that the Taiwanese people can realistically hope for? China historian Dr Craig Smith and Taiwan watcher Dr Lennon Chang join host Ali Moore to examine Taiwan’s often fraught relationship with the People’s Republic of China.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual
Music by audionautix.com.
The Yangtze, Asia's longest river, flows through China's wealthiest region, the lower delta, which includes the metropolis of Shanghai. Sadly, the unique traditional cultures and epic folk songs of this region have all but succumbed to the relentless march of modernization and cultural homogenisation. What are the stories behind the region’s longform folk songs, and how are they passed down? How do today's people in the region regard this cultural legacy, and what's being done to save the songs of Shanghai's hinterland? Sinologist Prof. Anne McLaren, who has researched the region over decades, joins presenter Ali Moore to explore the lower Yangtze’s unique cultural heritage.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual.
Music by audionautix.com.
In 2020, Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong after months of mass protests, resulting in the prosecution and conviction of many activists and journalists. China introduced the law despite their 1997 agreement with the outgoing British colonial administration to allow the territory its own system of governance for 50 years. Nearly three years later, how has this controversial law affected Hong Kong’s spirit and aspirations? And can the city keep its edge as Asia’s leading financial centre? Hong Kong watchers Assoc Prof Ester Leung and Dr Kevin Carrico examine the impact of the law and Hong Kong’s evolving ethos. Presented by Ali Moore.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual.
Music by audionautix.com.
Although Indonesia's presidential elections take place in February 2024, it's already game on for the lineup of presidential hopefuls, and the nation's political machine is already in high gear. So who are the big names throwing their hats into the ring this time around? What will each bring to the table? And what messages will resonate with the diverse electorate? Indonesia watchers Professor Tim Lindsey and Dr Ian Wilson join presenter Ali Moore to dissect the race to the presidential palace. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Muslims in Indonesia are increasingly seeking to align their consumption with their religious beliefs. The push comes from a growing urban middle class who have greater access to global products and services. At the same time, Indonesia’s halal product assurance law, which came into effect in 2019, is being phased in across a wide range of goods and services. In a world awash with consumerism, what does halal certification mean for Muslims? And how do these economic choices play into the political landscape? Indonesia watchers Professor Julian Millie and Dr Inaya Rakhmani examine the trajectory of Indonesia’s halal consumerism with presenter Ali Moore.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual.
Music by audionautix.com.
In August 2021, the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan after a 20-year hiatus and promptly replaced the nation’s legal system with their own austere version of Islamic law or Sharia. While the impact of the new government on women and girls has been well documented outside the country, the Taliban's interpretation of Sharia is making itself felt across Afghan society as the country is in the grip of possibly its worst ever humanitarian crisis. What is the theological basis of the Taliban's version of Sharia? What's the Taliban vision for Afghanistan? And how will it turn that vision into reality? Researchers of Islamic law in South Asia Associate Professor Matthew Nelson and Haroun Rahimi join presenter Ali Moore to examine the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual
Music by audionautix.com
Sri Lanka recently found itself caught in a diplomatic tussle between China and India over the planned visit of Chinese naval vessel the Yuan Wang 5, to the port of Hambantota. India opposed the visit because it considers the vessel a spy ship, while China maintains that it’s just a research vessel. And that saga is but one example of how Sri Lanka must walk the line between Asia's two largest powers. How can Sri Lanka maintain a sense of balance in its bilateral relationships with the two Asian giants? And will there come a time when Colombo will have to choose a side? Geopolitical analysts Dr Pradeep Taneja and Dr Chulanee Attanayake join presenter Ali Moore to examine the state of India-China power dynamics and what this means for Sri Lanka.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual.
Music by audionautix.com.
After the Taliban wrested power from Afghanistan’s democratically-elected government in August 2021, almost overnight, life for millions of Afghans changed radically and possibly irrevocably. Notably, the rights of women and girls to be educated and to participate in the workforce were stripped away. But the nation was also plunged into a terrible humanitarian crisis with more than a million severely malnourished children, massive unemployment, and runaway inflation. So what caused the sharp decline in living conditions? What can aid agencies like the United Nations Development Programme do to improve the lot of ordinary Afghans? And what will it take to stave off the collapse of Afghanistan? Abdallah Al Dardari, the UNDP’s resident representative in Afghanistan gives us the view from Kabul. Presented by Peter Clarke.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual.
Music by audionautix.com.
Since the 1950s but peaking in the 1980s, an estimated 200,000 South Korean babies and children have been adopted into mainly white families in western nations, leaving a trail of fractured identities. Why did the South Korean government allow so many of its children to be sent permanently abroad? What have been the fates of the adoptees, some now well into middle age? And how are some adoptees working to reconnect themselves to the land and culture of their birth? South Korea social scientists Assoc Prof Eleana Kim and Dr Ryan Gustaffson examine the legacy of the transnational adoption program with host Peter Clarke.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual.
Music by audionautix.com.
Taiwan and Korea were colonised by Imperial Japan for much of the first half of the 20th century, and liberated only after Japan surrendered to allied forces in 1945. While North and South Korea continue to share a deep resentment towards Japan, Taiwan exhibits a more positive attitude towards their former coloniser. Why is there such a stark difference in attitude towards Japan, and what present-day political ends do the differing narratives serve? Korea historian Prof Kyung Moon Hwang and Asia historian Dr Lewis Mayo examine the ongoing legacy of Japanese colonization. Presented by Jane Hutcheon.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual.
Music by audionautix.com.
While non-violence and detachment may be central to Buddhist teachings, there are growing accounts of human rights abuses – often along ethnic lines – in Buddhist-majority countries like Myanmar and Sri Lanka, often carried out in the name of Buddhism. So how does Buddhism intersect with political power? And how has Buddhism itself been changed by the demands and constraints of the modern nation-state? Southeast Asia historian Assoc Prof Patrick Jory and Asia cultural and environmental historian Dr Ruth Gamble join host Jane Hutcheon to examine the junction of Buddhism, social life and politics in majority Theravada Buddhist countries.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual
Music by audionautix.com.
China’s meteoric economic rise over the last 40+ years has been accompanied by hundreds of millions of people leaving the countryside to seek opportunities in the nation's metropolises. Housing this immense influx has been and continues to be a challenge for authorities. So how is China meeting the challenges of providing a roof over the heads of 1.4 billion people? What’s the impact of the headline financial troubles plaguing the real estate development industry? Experts in China social policy and governance Professor Bingqin Li and Dr Lei Yu join host Ali Moore to examine China’s housing sector. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual. Music by audionautix.com.
The recent change of government in Australia and a less strident tone in messaging from the Chinese leadership are being taken by some as a promising turn for fractured bilateral ties. But as Australia remains caught in the great power rivalry between the United States and China, what kind of relationship can we realistically expect between Canberra and Beijing going forward? How should Australia mend fences with its greatest trading partner? And how might China itself contribute to improving bilateral relations? China watchers Dr Sow Keat Tok and Yun Jiang join presenter Jane Hutcheon to examine the road ahead for Australia.
An Asia Institute podcast.
Produced and edited by Profactual.
Music by audionautix.com.
Protesters returned to the streets of Bangkok in late 2021 – after a hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions – with anger over curbs to civil and political rights as well as calls for reform of the Thai monarchy. In response, Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government has sought to quell the pro-democracy protests by restricting and monitoring internet use, and by ramping up enforcement of lèse-majesté laws. Analyst of Thai politics Dr. James Gomez joins presenter Jane Hutcheon to decipher the complex political landscape of the predominantly Buddhist nation. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual. Music by audionautix.com.
Malaysia has witnessed a succession of prime ministers and political alliances over the past four years in what some observers say is the most serious era of political instability since independence in 1957. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s grand old party, UMNO, dealt an unprecedented defeat in 2018 following a global corruption scandal and mass protests, is now back in power – dashing the expectations of religious and ethnic minorities. What will it take for the political turmoil to end in Malaysia, once a catchword for successful multi-ethnic economic development? Long time Malaysia watchers Professor James Chin and Dr Nadzri Noor shine a light on contemporary Malaysian politics. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual. Music by audionautix.com.
India has now on four occasions abstained from voting in the United Nations to censure Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. New Delhi’s muted response to Moscow’s military offensive may seem mystifying given India’s own experience of armed incursions by China, as well as its membership in the US-led Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (“the Quad”). So what binds India and Russia? How does India reckon with a world order largely created by western powers? And for how much longer can India sit on the US-Russia fence? Veteran India watchers Prof Ian Hall and Dr Pradeep Taneja examine India’s options with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual. Music by audionautix.com.
Having built a Shariah-compliant global finance industry now worth US$3 trillion, Islamic legal experts are now grappling with the question of whether cryptocurrencies are permissible for the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims. Just how are religious laws from the 7th century adapted to meet the present-day needs and economic aspirations of believers? How do Islamic jurists decide what is halal, and what happens when there’s disagreement? And how will cryptocurrencies and other emerging technologies fit into the future of Islamic finance? Dr Ryan Calder, who researches the social impacts of Shariah law, and Hassan Jivraj, Islamic finance journalist, probe these issues with presenter Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual.Music by audionautix.com.
Pachinko, the New York Times best-selling novel and now major TV series, shines a light on the history and plight of the Zainichi – ethnic Koreans long resident in Japan – and their struggle to make lives for themselves despite persistent discrimination and ethnic stereotyping. Zainichi researchers Drs Jon Glade, Cindi Textor and David Roh join presenter Ali Moore to explore the value of popular culture products such as Pachinko in illuminating the tangled strands of identity and ethnicity among diaspora communities, and examine what it means to be a perpetual outsider. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
For Japan, China is both its largest trading partner and its greatest strategic threat. And while Tokyo has garnered admiration for how it walks the line between its ally Washington and Beijing, it’s now set to draw up a new defence strategy with China likely top of mind. So what has the Xi Jinping era meant for bilateral ties? And how much of the shared history between China and Japan remains a factor today? Richard McGregor, veteran journalist on East Asia and Lowy Institute senior fellow, joins presenter Ali Moore to ask what China and Japan really want from one another.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
The South Korean mega-hit Squid Game is but one example of an ever growing pool of Asian video content riding the boom in streaming services to a global audience. And while translations are key to bridging the language divide, what are the factors that make for a good translation? Will fan-based translation and artificial intelligence make trained human translators redundant? Translation studies expert Assoc Prof Ester Leung and linguist Dr Sunyoung Oh discuss the art and business of translating Asian film and television with host Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
China’s Communist Party is known to prize loyalty and conformity among its more than 90 million members. If good policies are forged through deliberation and debate, how does the CCP handle the weighing of opinions, counter-proposals and objections while ensuring ideological purity? And how does a party member of good will conscientiously object? Dr Chris Buckley, chief China correspondent for The New York Times, examines decision-making and dissent in the Party with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
As Australia’s relationship with China continues to sour, it should come as no surprise that Canberra is bolstering security ties with New Delhi. Additionally, the two governments are working hard to forge a comprehensive trade agreement. But is a mutual suspicion of Beijing a sound basis for closer ties? What are the real issues that bind -- and separate -- India and Australia? And who will be the winners and losers of any bilateral free-trade deal? Australia-India Institute CEO the Hon. Lisa Singh and political scientist Dr Pradeep Taneja scrutinise the evolving Australia-India relationship with presenter Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting SpecialistsMusic by audionautix.com.
As US president, Donald Trump rewrote the rule book for dealing with China, breaking norms enshrined in bilateral relations since the days of Richard Nixon. Yet even Trump’s harshest critics have since warmed to his assertive, unconventional approach to Beijing, and there’s now recognition that there is no return to the China policy of old. But was this radical reshaping really down to Trump, or was it somehow inevitable given China's inexorable rise as an economic and military power? Professor of American Politics Timothy Lynch examines Trump’s China legacy with presenter Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
Despite being well into his final term as Indonesia’s president, Joko Widodo continues his coalition building, and retains the backing of political and business elites. And, while critics point to poor pandemic management and eroding democracy under his watch, Jokowi remains very popular with ordinary Indonesians. So why is Jokowi still actively amassing political capital, and how does his actual agenda compare to the social and political reform he's promised voters? Indonesia watchers Prof Tim Lindsey and Dr Ian Wilson examine Indonesia’s current political landscape with host Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
For many, outgoing Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte will be remembered for his call for the extra-judicial killings of alleged drug dealers. He's also gone after his critics in the media, the judiciary, and the legislature. But despite his apparent excesses, Duterte remains popular with ordinary Filipinos. What's been the basis for his enduring popularity? And what are the long term consequences of his attacks on the nation’s democratic institutions? Philippines historian Dr Lisandro Claudio discusses the legacy of Duterte with presenter Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
In Japan, the norms of human connection and physical intimacy are evolving, with arranged marriages on the wane, and defacto relationships and same-sex unions no longer rare. As the nature of unions changes, so is the practice of parting, with increases in late-life and women-initiated divorces. What’s driving these societal changes in Japan? How are Japan’s legislators responding? Gender studies specialist Assoc Prof Claire Maree and cultural anthropologist Assoc Prof Allison Alexy join presenter Ali Moore to discuss the transformation of the Japanese family unit. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
What's at stake and who are the stakeholders in steering health policy in Indonesia? While the right to health for all Indonesians has been embraced by progressive, populist and technocratic political forces in recent years, oligarchic elites with ties to business and the military are now reemerging to thwart further improvements in healthcare for ordinary people. Political economist Prof Andrew Rosser and public policy specialist Dr Luky Djani join presenter Peter Clarke to examine the politics of healthcare in Indonesia. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
While relations between China and Australia have been on a protracted downward spiral, with on-the-ground issues continuing to hamper bilateral ties, how much of the impasse is down to a mutually poor grasp of the opposite number? China legal veteran Dr Andrew Godwin and China political scientist Assoc Prof Delia Lin make the case that an appreciation of how concepts of law and justice differ between Australia and China may help get relations onto a better footing. With presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
India has been slipping down the league tables of democratic health recently, with concerns over persistent crackdowns on dissent by the Hindu nationalist-led government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Just how robust is the nation’s democracy? How does India reconcile its membership in coalitions of democracies, such as the Quad, with criticism at home over the erosion of religious and media freedoms? And why should the world care about rising illiberalism in India? Political scientist Dr Pradeep Taneja, and Suhasini Haidar, national and diplomatic affairs editor of The Hindu, join Peter Clarke to examine what’s at risk in a more majoritarian India. Twitter handles:Pradeep Taneja: @PradeepKTanejaSuhasini Haidar: @suhasinihAn Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
In Japan, slender bodies are prized and body size is regarded as a personal responsibility. Meanwhile, Japan’s government views the trend of increasing average body weight as a public health problem. In this social milieu, how do those with non-conforming body sizes feel about themselves? How is Japan’s conception of body image changing? Gender studies researcher Assoc Professor Claire Maree and cultural anthropologist Dr Cindi SturtzSreetharan examine the relationships between body size, body image and culture with presenter Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
China’s natural environment has paid a high price for the nation’s economic success. And despite the Chinese government’s aversion to collective action, there are NGOs working hard to save the environment. So how do NGOs operate in this milieu? How much of Beijing’s recent concern for the environment is owed to the actions of civil society? Human geographer Professor Mark Wang and political scientist Associate Professor Fengshi Wu examine the state of environmental politics in China with presenter Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
India’s caste system remains alive and thriving, both in India and in its global diaspora. Seven decades after the passing of laws to fight discrimination, caste continues to dictate who Indians can marry, their prospects for education and jobs, and even where they may live. Caste’s pernicious effects also extend to businesses, from Mumbai to Silicon Valley, holding sway over both individual careers and corporate performance. Prof Hari Bapuji and Dr Dolly Kikon join presenter Ali Moore to discuss the growing reach of caste in a globalised world. An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
For Australia, proficiency in the languages of its major Asian trading partners can yield important insights into what makes those societies and economies tick. But does Australia possess the linguistic skills for deep engagement with the region? And what will it take to get more Australians to take up Asian languages? Prof Melissa Crouch and Dr Lewis Mayo join presenter Ali Moore to examine the opportunities and challenges in learning the languages of Asia. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
China and Russia are now arguably closer than they've ever been, with rapidly growing military and economic cooperation. Will the strength of these ties herald the end of U.S. hegemony in the Western Pacific? And do the two authoritarian giants share a vision by which they can reshape the world? International relations experts Professor Elizabeth Wishnick and Dr Alexander Korolev take a deep dive into Sino-Russian solidarity with presenter Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
Australia is finding itself increasingly torn between its largest trading partner, China, and its long-time ally, the United States. So, what is the value vs the cost of Australia’s alliance with the US? And what will it take to repair relations with China? International strategy expert Professor Michael Wesley examines this geopolitical triangle with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
Colonialism has often left diverse and mutually hostile ethnic groups trapped inside a common national border. In Asia, countries like Myanmar and Sri Lanka have played out their unresolved ethnic divisions in prolonged civil unrest and bloodshed. How can ethnically splintered nations find a way forward? Can federalism be utilised to ease conflict and promote stability? Asia governance experts Prof Baogang He and Dr Michael Breen dive into the details with presenter Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
Afghanistan’s Taliban is poised to take the reins in Kabul with the looming withdrawal of US troops. Although dependent on Pakistan in the past, the Taliban are now more geopolitically savvy. So what influence would Islamabad have in a new Taliban-led Afghanistan? And what can the world expect from a Taliban 2.0 government? South Asia observers Assoc Prof Matthew Nelson and Dr Zahid Ahmed join Ali Moore to discuss Afghanistan’s possible futures. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
While traitors are despised in most societies, the preferred term in China, hànjiān, is not only highly charged but also takes on ethno-centric dimensions. So how has the Chinese concept of the traitor been put to political use by China’s post-dynastic governments? And what is regarded as treasonous behaviour in contemporary China? Dr Craig Smith and Dr Matthew Galway dive into the details with presenter Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
India is the world’s largest donor of COVID-19 vaccines despite having the world’s second highest caseload of coronavirus. What are India’s motivations for this bold move? Will India have enough vaccines for its 1.3+ billion people, and what does India’s apparent generosity say about the vaccine nationalism of the west? Political scientist Dr Pradeep Taneja and health policy researcher Dr Azad Bali join presenter Ali Moore to examine India’s vaccine diplomacy. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists Music by audionautix.com.
How do people at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ and Asian ethnicity fare when migrating to Australia, why do they choose to make their lives here, and what challenges do they face as they seek genuine inclusion? Associate Prof Claire Maree and Dr Jay Song, both of Asia Institute, examine their lived experiences and life challenges. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
While the majority of the 650,000+ China-born people living in Australia are here permanently, most choose to forgo Australian citizenship. So how do members of Australia’s mainland Chinese community view themselves, and how are they viewed by others -- particularly now that the relationship between Canberra and Beijing is at an ebb? Asia Institute researchers Dr Sow Keat Tok and Dr Qiuping Pan examine the lived experiences of this group with presenter Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
Although Mandarin is the national language of China, it remains incomprehensible to 20% of the population. Beijing is now pushing the use of Mandarin hard among ethnic minorities, but while fluency in the common tongue brings economic benefits, what is the cost to the native languages and identities of those affected? Dr Lewis Mayo and Dr Gerald Roche discuss the state of play for languages in China. Presented by Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
China has been punishing Australia via trade sanctions and social media for actions taken by Australia’s government that Beijing regards as part of a US-led strategy to contain its rise. How is Australia to balance its loyalty to its longtime ally, the United States, with the demands of its biggest economic partner, the ascendant China? Former Australian ambassador to China, Dr Geoff Raby, examines how Australia can navigate the uncharted waters of a changing global order. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
While Indonesia’s new, so-called Job Creation Law was sold to the public as essential to boosting employment by reducing red tape, it has sparked continued outrage among workers, trade unionists, environmentalists and religious organisations. What are the concerns over how this omnibus law was passed, and who are the real winners and losers? Indonesia observers Prof Tim Lindsey and Dr Ian Wilson scrutinize this hallmark legislation with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
Many citizens of Hong Kong fear the recently imposed National Security Law is only the latest move by Beijing to wind back civil liberties promised to last till 2047. But what does China’s growing impatience mean for Hong Kongers? How will these changes affect business in the bustling metropolis? China watchers Dr Sow Keat Tok and Dr Kevin Carrico discuss the impact of this far reaching law with presenter Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
The constitutions of both Pakistan and Malaysia enshrine Islam as the state religion while also protecting individuals’ rights to freedom of worship. So how do their seemingly parallel legal systems of common law and Sharia jurisprudence operate when it comes to matters of Muslim identity? Dr Matthew Nelson from Asia Institute and Dr Dian Shah from the National University of Singapore Law School examine the question of who decides who is -- and who must be -- a Muslim. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
India and China have been at odds over their common border for over a century, and this year’s deadly military skirmishes are further dashing hopes of a resolution. So why are there such high stakes over barren terrain high in the Himalayas? What would it take to dissolve the intransigence on both sides? Political scientist Dr Pradeep Taneja and security analyst Assoc Prof Jingdong Yuan examine the high-altitude acrimony with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
Turkey is increasingly intervening militarily in the territories of several of its Middle East neighbours, while relations with other regional players are souring. This is in stark contrast to their “zero problems with neighbouring countries” strategy of only a decade ago. Turkish affairs analysts Dr Tezcan Gümüş and Iain MacGillivray discuss Turkey’s motives in its new foreign policy direction, and examine the economic and political costs of interventionism. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
For Vietnamese hunting economic opportunities abroad, it turns out Russia is a popular choice. Entering on short stay visas and overstaying sometimes for decades, they typically find work in urban market complexes, and in some cases resort to illegal activities to make ends meet. So what draws the Vietnamese to Russia? What are their day-to-day lives like? And given their insecure immigration status, what are their prospects in the long term? International development expert Dr Lan Anh Hoang shares their stories and her insights. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
In Asia as elsewhere, whom statues commemorate and whom they overlook comes down to power and politics. And while the early post-colonial period was the heyday of statue building in the newly minted countries of Asia, the practice is alive and well today with ever larger and more expensive statues being erected. Asia historians Dr Ruth Gamble and Dr Lewis Mayo join host Ali Moore to ponder the complex relationship between State and statue. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Despite its roots in China, Mao Zedong’s theories of class struggle and violent revolution spread around the globe in the second half of the twentieth century, igniting armed uprisings in its wake. Asia historian Dr Matthew Galway and Latin American cultural studies researcher Dr Carlos Amador examine the appeal and impact of Maoism outside of China. With host Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com. Since recording this interview, Dr Galway has moved to the Australian National University.
In Indonesia, pollution from plastics is reaching crisis levels, with the fabled beaches of Bali now strewn with discarded plastics, while on Java the army is called out to unclog rivers from “icebergs” of plastic. How did Indonesia get into this predicament, and who will clean up the mess? Indonesian rock star and environmental activist Gede Robi, and development expert Ewa Wojkowska, shed light on Indonesia’s plastic scourge and discuss possible solutions with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Songs by Navicula. Theme music by audionautix.com.
Despite an initial flirt with pandemic denialism, Turkey may well be able to take some pride in its handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Yet, coronavirus continues to impose a huge cost on a nation already grappling with faltering economic growth, deepening existing political and social divides. With us to examine the myriad impacts of Covid-19 on Turkey are Monash University politics and international relations expert Dr William Gourlay and Asia Institute Turkish politics researcher Dr Tezcan Gümüş. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
Special guest former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd joins host Ali Moore to discuss a post COVID-19 world marked by an increasingly assertive China and anaemic US leadership. Will growing Sino-American tensions result in a new cold war? And what’s the future for the global institutions responsible for maintaining world order? Kevin Rudd is President of the Asia Society Policy Institute and a China watcher of more than four decades. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
As the Indonesian government’s coronavirus response has shifted from deep denial to broad action, some of its key directives are meeting with public resistance. So what is the pandemic telling us about political leadership, and about existing fault lines in Indonesian society? Long time Indonesia watchers Prof Tim Lindsey and Dr Ian Wilson join host Ali Moore to examine the impact of covid-19 on the world’s fourth most populous nation.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo is forging ahead with his grand plans to replace Jakarta with a new capital on the island of Borneo, but beyond the upbeat political rhetoric, many questions remain. How open and transparent has the design process been? Have the needs of the local people been considered? Who will be the real winners in this immensely costly project? Dr Amanda Achmadi and Dr Wawan Mas'udi join presenter Ali Moore to discuss this seemingly herculean undertaking. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
India has been making the headlines with the world’s biggest nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Epidemiology aside, what is the pandemic revealing about the social, political and economic fault lines already existing in India? Health policy specialist Dr Azad Bali and political scientist Dr Pradeep Taneja join host Ali Moore to examine the impact of the coronavirus crisis on India.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.You can find the Melbourne Asia Review at https://melbourneasiareview.edu.au/
Although the Kurds form a very sizable minority in Turkey, there is little tolerance for those who stray from the dominant Turkish nationalist narrative. So how have the Kurdish people navigated Turkey’s political environment in the hopes of achieving their aspirations? Kurdish affairs researcher Dr William Gourlay from Monash University and Asia Institute’s Turkish politics researcher Dr Tezcan Gümüş join host Ali Moore to examine the plight of the Kurds in Turkey. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
Ambitious construction programs for infrastructure and housing in Asia and elsewhere are leading to skyrocketing use of concrete, of which sand is a key ingredient. Mining of sand, a surprisingly high-stakes enterprise, comes with considerable human and environmental costs. Development researchers Associate Professor Melissa Marschke and Dr Vanessa Lamb join host Peter Clarke to pick the winners and losers in the often murky business of sand extraction in Asia.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
Is the playing field truly level in Singapore, which touts itself as the ultimate meritocracy? Or are the ethnic Chinese making up the majority privileged over the other sizeable ethnic groups? Seasoned Asia watchers Assoc Prof Michael Barr and Dr Lewis Mayo join host Ali Moore to examine the politics of race in Singapore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com
Violence against women is at epidemic proportions in the Asia Pacific. The region’s governments, if they are to find ways of preventing domestic violence and support its victims, need reliable data, but getting the numbers is a difficult undertaking. Public health researchers Dr Henriette Jansen and Dr Kristin Diemer join host Ali Moore to discuss the quest to understand the dimensions of violence against women, and programs aimed at bringing about lasting change.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com
As several leading universities scrub freedom of thought from their charters and formalise allegiance to Chinese Communist Party doctrine, we ask just how far academia in China will bend to politics in the era of Xi Jinping? Seasoned China watchers Dr Delia Lin and Dr Sow Keat Tok join host Ali Moore to examine the new authoritarian tilt on China’s campuses. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
Australia’s relationship with Indonesia is complex, often fluid but sometimes fraught. How do these two nations regard each other, and how can Australia strengthen its ties with its populous neighbour? Veteran Indonesia watcher Prof Richard Robison takes us into the web of contemporary Australia-Indonesia relations. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
Although Japan doesn't prohibit same-sex relations, its laws do little to protect the rights of the LGBT community. With Tokyo maniacally preparing to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, how is Japan set to meets its obligations to the International Olympic Committee to ensure a Games free of discrimination against LGBT athletes and event visitors? Japan queer studies experts Prof Akiko Shimizu and Dr Claire Maree join host Ali Moore to discuss. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
Improving the lot of Indonesia's rural women is no easy task. Yet the recently passed Village Law provides a unique opportunity for civil society organizations, government and village leadership to give women a stronger voice in decision making. Indonesia researchers Dr Rachael Diprose and Dr Amalinda Savirani examine the challenges faced by rural women and the programs being developed to help overcome them. Presented by Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
While China's trade war with the US and its treatment of domestic discontents make the news headlines, its economic and military resurgence has truly spooked the West. But do China's ambitions to regain its pre-19th century glory constitute a threat? What’s driving that fear in the US and Australia? Seasoned China watchers Dr Sow Keat Tok and Dr Pradeep Taneja (Twitter: @PradeepKTaneja) examine the nature of this unease with host Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
Followers of the Gülen movement, some 10 million strong and active in 160 countries, remain to this day the target of relentless persecution by the Turkish government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was once founder Fethullah Gulen’s political and ideological partner. Turkish affairs watchers Dr David Tittensor and Dr Tezcan Gümüş unpick a complex rise-and-fall story with both deep religious roots and brutal contemporary political realities. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
China has been cracking down hard on Uyghur and other Muslim groups in its far northwestern region of Xinjiang. But what’s the real history of the Uyghur people? How do they view themselves culturally and politically alongside the dominant Han Chinese nation? China watchers Dr David Brophy and Dr Lewis Mayo join host Ali Moore to discuss the long and evolving relations between the Uyghurs and Chinese authorities. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
How do international aid agencies operate on the ground in Myanmar, with its its complex, unstable and sometimes hostile political and social environment? Anthropologist Dr Anne Décobert and civil society expert Dr Tamas Wells join host Ali Moore to examine the aims and realities of foreign humanitarian efforts in a poor but resource-rich country beset by ethnic conflict. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Thae Yong-ho, North Korea’s highest ranking defector, joins us in the studio to share his unique insights into North Korean society and how it’s been shaped by the Kim family. He also sheds light on North Korea’s nuclear program, Pyongyang’s relations with the US and China, and what a more “positive” future for the Korean peninsula might look like. Presented by Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
In Indonesia, as in many other developing economies, the resources sector makes millionaires or billionaires of the few, and often leaves the many to eke out a subsistence. In a country highly dependent on exports of petroleum, palm oil, timber and tin, what are the local dynamics at play in the global game of resource extraction? Political economist Dr Rachael Diprose, and transnational governance expert Dr Kate Macdonald join host Ali Moore to discuss. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
In the Asia-Pacific region, it’s estimated that one in every six people is living with a debilitating physical or cognitive impairment, and that figure is set to grow. So what is the lived experience of people with disabilities and the people who support them in these challenging environments? Population health researchers Dr. Cathy Vaughn and Alex Devine, and social entrepreneur and polio survivor Huy Nguyen, discuss the plight of people with disabilities in Asia. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
In Indonesia, what’s the relationship between growing dominance of social media, greater commitment to neoliberal economic policies, and increasing religious conservatism? Indonesia media analyst Dr. Inaya Rakhmani discusses how Facebook and other social media are being harnessed for political gain in a system awash with fake news. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
Sufism, the mystical tradition of Islam, may bring to mind the poetry of Rumi or Turkey’s whirling dervishes, but what are its practices and beliefs? Who are its detractors in the greater Muslim world, and why do some in the West see it as a panacea for political Islam? Dr Muhammad Kamal and Dr Shirin Yasar examine the origins of and contemporary attitudes to Sufism. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast Produced by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists Music by audionautix.com
To many observers, Xi Jinping’s leadership appears to be a throwback to the Mao Zedong era. But is it fair to compare Xi’s methods with Mao’s? Or is Xi’s iron-fisted rule just what China needs? China researchers Prof Tim Cheek and Dr Delia Lin examine Xi Jin Ping’s method and motives. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcastProduced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting SpecialistsMusic by audionautix.com
The complexity and hybrid nature of language in Indonesia means the Indonesian language still vies with other tongues—and even with itself—in the choices people make about how they express themselves. Sociolinguists Assoc. Prof. Novi Djenar and Dr. Michael Ewing examine how the national language is faring in the hyper-polyglot archipelago. Presented by Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute Podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists. Music by audionautix.com.
Ethnic Koreans have made up a substantial part of Japan’s urban populations for generations. And while many get on with their lives among the Japanese, their unique status continues to present challenges to how they fit in and how they see themselves. Sociologist Assoc. Prof. Nana Oishi and historian Dr. Jonathan Glade examine the fates and fortunes of Zainichi Koreans. Presented by Peter Clarke.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting Specialists.Music by audionautix.com.
China's household registration—or hukou—system identifies citizens by their urban or rural origins and follows them wherever they may live or work, determining their lifelong access to healthcare, education and other services. Yet in an economically transformed China, hukou is increasingly seen as reinforcing inequality, unfairly cleaving society in two. So what is China doing about it? China sociologist Professor Martin Whyte and Asia historian Lewis Mayo join Ali Moore to pick apart the complexities and contradictions of the hukou system. An Asia Institute Podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.
Fresh after winning his second term as Indonesia’s president, Joko Widodo faces stagnant economic growth, high youth unemployment, greater financial dependence on China, and a still powerful oligarchy. What reforms will Jokowi pursue, and what will be his political legacy? Indonesia watchers Professor Vedi Hadiz and Dr. Ariane Utomo join presenter Ali Moore to discuss Jokowi 2.0.An Asia Institute PodcastProduced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting SpecialistsMusic by audionautix.com
While both China and Japan run museums dedicated to the horrors of WWII, how well are the facts allowed to speak for themselves? And how are memories of war used to shape domestic and foreign-relations agendas of today? East Asia political scientists Dr Sow Keat Tok and Dr Delia Lin join presenter Ali Moore to discuss their impressions from field research of war museums in China and Japan.An Asia Institute podcastProduced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting SpecialistsMusic by audionautix.com
Southeast Asia historian Dr Matthew Galway discusses Cambodia’s politics, culture and history through the lens of Hun Sen, the nation’s strongman prime minister since 1985. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcastProduced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting SpecialistsMusic by audionautix.com
How does Pakistan fit into Xi Jinping’s geopolitical ambitions for China? And how do the deepening military and economic ties between China and Pakistan impact on that other vital player in the region: India? Political scientists Dr Pradeep Taneja and Dr Zahid Ahmed discuss the intertwined fates of these three nations with presenter Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcastProduced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting SpecialistsMusic by audionautix.com
Social anthropologist Prof. Kaori Okano talks to presenter Ali Moore about the life transitions of a group of Japanese women whom she has interviewed regularly over the past 30 years. Sociolinguist Dr. Ikuko Nakane joins the discussion to examine how their spoken language has reflected their life changes.An Asia Institute podcastProduced and edited by Profactual - the Podcasting SpecialistsMusic by audionautix.com.
China's citizens are now demanding more from the nation’s healthcare system, with its tangle of institutions, insurance plans and bureaucratic rules. So how do ordinary Chinese seek medical help? And how does rising marketization fit with the socialist aims of the Chinese Communist Party? Asia historian Dr Lewis Mayo and medical sociologist Dr Jane Brophy peel back the layers of healthcare in China. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com
While Chinese notions of an ideal society can be traced back more than two millennia to Confucius, it’s the Chinese Communist Party that claims it’s taking China on the path to a utopia. China historians Dr Craig Smith and Dr Matt Galway discuss the rhetoric and reality behind the CCP’s quest for the perfect society. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcastProduced by profactual.comMusic by audionautix.com
Japan's population is shrinking at the alarming 1000 people per day, with ominous implications for the nation’s economy and society. Can solutions be found in more family-friendly corporate culture, attracting migrants or even robotics? Migration and diversity expert Assoc Prof Nana Oishi unpacks Japan’s depopulation phenomenon on Ear to Asia. Presented by Peter Clarke.An Asia Institute podcastProduced by profactual.comMusic by audionautix.com
Caught between China’s geopolitical ambitions and the United States’ questionable commitment to the region, can Indonesia stick to its long held position of not forming alliances with major powers? Political scientists and Indonesia watchers Dr Dave McRae and Dr Evi Fitriani unpack Indonesia’s foreign policy, and explore the options and challenges ahead. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast Produced by profactual.comMusic by audionautix.com
Diasporas, once viewed by their homelands as merely remittance cash cows, are increasingly being seen by labor-exporting governments as a broader resource for domestic development programs and capacity building. Political economist Prof Andrew Rosser and demographer Assoc Prof Yan Tan unpack the contemporary relationships between diasporas and their motherlands. Presented by Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com
Can India’s current prime minister, Narendra Modi, lead his party, the BJP, to another victory in the world’s biggest election in 2019? India watchers Professor Robin Jeffrey and Dr Pradeep Taneja discuss Modi, his record as India’s leader, and the prospects of the opposition, led by the Congress party’s Rahul Gandhi. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com
How do the people of Taiwan identify themselves and their society? Most have ancestry that can be traced to the Chinese mainland and now speak Mandarin, but does a uniquely layered history set them apart? Asia-Pacific historian Dr Lewis Mayo and political scientist Dr Sow Keat Tok, both of Asia Institute, examine the notions of ethnic and national identity on the island and discuss the implications for relations with mainland China. Presented by Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcastProduced by profactual.comMusic by audionautix.com
Confucianism is experiencing a revival in China, with President Xi Jinping now publicly endorsing Confucius’ millennia-old principles of personal morality, social order and justice. So what’s behind the fresh embrace of a philosophy once shunned by Mao Zedong? China watchers Dr Delia Lin and Dr Craig Smith join Ali Moore to delve in to the past, present and future of Confucianism in China. An Asia Institute podcast Produced by profactual.comMusic by audionautix.com
The Indian Ocean, long assumed by India to be its own "backyard", is now host to growing economic and military inroads by China. Asia watchers and political analysts Prof. Derek McDougall and Dr. Pradeep Taneja discuss China’s possible designs in the region and the geopolitical risk its mounting presence there may bring. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcastProduced by profactual.comMusic by audionautix.comImage from US Navy via Wikimedia Commons
While poverty in Indonesia has declined significantly in the 20 years since the fall of Suharto, the gap between the rich and poor has only got worse. Political economists Prof Andrew Rosser and Dr Rachael Diprose discuss the troubling social, health and educational consequences of this rising inequality for ordinary Indonesians. Presented by Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcastproduced by profactual.comMusic by audionautix.comImage from wikipedia.com
China’s South-North Water Transfer Project, the world’s largest-ever diversion scheme, is being rolled out to take water from the Yangtze River in the country’s south to quench the thirst of its parched and populous north. Geographers Dr Sarah Rogers and Dr Min Jiang discuss the social, environmental and governance implications of China’s most ambitious engineering megaproject to date. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcastproduced by profactual.comMusic by audionautix.com
China’s social credit system is being rolled out and will by 2020 track the behavior of all of its 1.4 billion citizens, doling out rewards and punishments to individuals and communities. Asia Institute China analysts Dr Fengshi Wu and Dr Delia Lin ponder whether the system will succeed in bringing unprecedented security and stability to Chinese society or condemn it to a dystopian future. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcastProduced by profactual.comMusic by audionautix.com
Given the notably mixed results of recent elections in the region, just how healthy is the practice of democracy in Southeast Asia? To distinguish the rhetoric from the political reality, we’re joined by keen Southeast Asia political observers Prof Garry Rodan, Director of the Asia Research Centre at Murdoch University, and by Dr Avery Poole, Assistant Director of the Melbourne School of Government. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast, produced by profactual.com.Music: audionautix.comImage: Encyclopedia Bebas in Wikipedia
Two decades after winning its independence from Indonesia, Timor-Leste is still grappling with delivering clean water and sanitation to its people, both in Dili and in rural areas. With first-hand accounts of the challenges as well as success stories, we’re joined by Melbourne School of Government development specialist Dr Kate Neely and public health expert Naomi Francis from the Nossal Institute for Global Health. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by profactual.comMusic: audionautix.comImage: Kate Heuisler, USAID
Is rising nationalism among citizens of China a natural result of the country’s growing power, or is it being manufactured and stoked by a Chinese Communist Party only looking out for its own interests? In this episode of Ear to Asia, Asia Institute political scientists Dr Sow Keat Tok and Dr Delia Lin consider the origins and implications of a patriotism with Chinese characteristics. Presented by Peter Clarke.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by profactual.comMusic: audionautix.com
Two decades after the fall of the authoritarian Suharto regime, is Indonesia finally taking its human rights record seriously? Historian Dr Kate McGregor and socio-legal researcher Dr Ken Setiawan gauge how well Indonesia has come to terms with its violent past, and whether commitments to reform and justice made after the strongman’s exit are being met with real action. Presented by Peter Clarke.
An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.Music: http://audionautix.comImage: Gitoyo aryo - 投稿者自身による作品 (Copyright), CC 表示 (license) -継承 (version) 4.0, http://bit.ly/2MhAq6S
China recently abolished term limits for its presidency, clearing the way for Xi Jinping to continue indefinitely — possibly for life — as boss of the People’s Republic. Asia Institute’s China watchers Dr Fengshi Wu and Dr Sow Keat Tok shed light on Xi Jinping’s possible motives and strategy, and their implications for China and the world. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here: goo.gl/FvS5kUMusic by audionautix.com
China, after decades of economic growth and a draconian policy limiting families to only one child, now faces a rapidly ageing population, together with a declining workforce and too many men. Sociologist Martin Whyte and development economist Lauren Johnston look at what this demographic trajectory will mean for China’s economy and the lives of the Chinese people. Presented by Peter Clarke.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here: goo.gl/FvS5kUMusic by audionautix.com
As Indonesia gears up for important elections in 2018 and 2019, we talk with political observers Prof Vedi Hadiz and Dr Dave McRae to untangle the many strands of the island nation’s political life and get a glimpse of how the tension between democracy and pluralism there may play out. Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here: goo.gl/FvS5kUMusic by audionautix.com
Asia researchers Dr Jun Ohashi and Dr Jay Song consider the optics of Japan’s relations with it neighbours, the Koreas and China, where decades-old memories of Japanese invasion and subjugation remain front and centre. What will it take for Japan to overcome its wartime history and regain the trust of these nations? Presented by Ali Moore.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here. And the transcript is available from https://goo.gl/69HuRzMusic by audionautix.com
Asia international relations experts Dr Sow Keat Tok and Dr Pradeep Taneja unravel the motivations and implications behind China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, a multi-trillion dollar infrastructure update to the historic Silk Road that’s set to redefine trade and geopolitics across 3 continents, 2 oceans and some 65 countries. Presented by Ali Moore.
An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here and the transcript is available here.Music by audionautix.com
Anthropologist Dr Gerald Roche outlines the surprisingly diverse language landscape of the Tibetan Plateau, and what factors — geographic, social and political — contribute to whether a language is supported or even recognised. He also explains why some languages in Tibet are becoming endangered and how new ones are starting to emerge. Presented by Clement Paligaru.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here and the transcript is available here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
On Ear to Asia, anthropologist Dr Ana Dragojlovic recounts the history of Dutch colonisation of Bali, and examines the experiences of migrants from Bali to the land of their former coloniser as they work hard to maintain their Balinese identity. Presented by Clement Paligaru.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series can be found here. And the transcript is available here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Development economist Professor Yang Yao of Peking University argues that China's "selectocracy", its system of appointing political leaders from the Chinese Communist Party and their civil service, has been the major driver of an economic miracle that’s lasted four decades and counting. Presented by Clement Paligaru.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series can be found here. And the transcript is available here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Media expert Dr Inaya Rakhmani explains the connection between neoliberal capitalism and the increasing religious conservatism of Indonesia's burgeoning Muslim middle class. Presented by Clement Paligaru.
Transcript available here. More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Philosopher Dr Muhammad Kamal talks about the writings of preeminent 16th century Muslim philosopher Mulla Sadra, who grappled with concepts of change and constancy. Mulla Sadra, who lived and worked in Persia, sought to answer questions like "Is everything changing continuously?" and "Why do we continue to recognize people and objects as if there were unchanging identities attached to them?". Presented by Clement Paligaru.
Transcript available here. More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Human migration expert Dr Jiyoung Song talks about North Korean citizens who choose to exit their homeland, putting themselves and family members they leave behind at risk. She discusses their arduous journeys across China and Southeast Asia to reach South Korea or countries in the West, how they fare in their new homes, and how their reasons for fleeing have changed over time. Presented by Clement Paligaru.
Transcript available here. More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Veteran China watcher Prof Martin K. Whyte explains why Chinese citizens remain unfazed by the enormous income and wealth disparity created by market-oriented economic reforms that in less than 40 years have made China the world's second largest economy. He also outlines the sorts of social injustices that pose even greater threats to the stability of Chinese society. Presented by Clement Paligaru.
Transcript available here. More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
On this episode of Ear to Asia, celebrity chef, author and lawyer Adam Liaw gets behind the microphone to discuss his work, philosophy of life, his love affair with Japan, and how living at the intersection of cultures and nations have shaped him. We recorded this interview with Adam when he was visiting the University of Melbourne to celebrate a century of Japanese language education in Australia.
Transcript available here. More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Professor John Minford is a celebrated specialist in translating Chinese literature into English. On this episode of Ear to Asia, John talks about the practice of translation and how to train others in the art. He shares with us the challenges and triumphs of rendering classic Chinese texts for contemporary Western readers. John Minford is primarily known for his translations of Chinese classics such as The Dream of the Red Chamber, and The Art of War -- as well as their reading companion guides. In November 2016, he was awarded the inaugural Medal for Excellence in Translation by the Australian Academy of Humanities, for his translation of I Ching.
Transcript available here. More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
In 2015, a lone terrorist from an affiliate of Daesh or Islamic State (often referred to as ISIS) bombed a mosque in Kuwait City where the majority of where the majority of worshippers were from the Shia sect. While the overt motive for this act of terrorism was payback for Kuwait's opposition to Daesh, the attack introduced sectarian violence to a country where the Sunni majority and the rather large Shia minority co-existed in relative harmony. In the wake of the mosque bombing incident, the Kuwaiti government passed several anti-terrorism laws. But some observers like Human Rights Watch claim the laws are designed to suppress political dissent. So how effective are these laws at reducing the risk of terrorist attacks in Kuwait? Are such laws the way to maintaining social harmony in a multicultural, or at least, a bi-sectarian population? Dr Kylie Baxter, a specialist in middle-east and Islamic politics from Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne, answers the above and other questions about the fallout from the Arab Spring.
Transcript available here. More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Despite having more than 3 million teachers, manageable class sizes, and spending on education that amounts to a whopping 20% of national and local budgets, Indonesia continues to seriously lag behind in educational outcomes on a range of international measures. Political economist Professor Andrew Rosser discusses the factors that prevent Indonesia from bringing its children up to par in the education stakes and concludes that significant shifts in Indonesia's politics and society are needed.
Transcript available here. More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Chinese literature expert Anne McLaren joins Ear to Asia host Clement Paligaru to discuss her research into the folk ecology of the lower Yangtze delta, including the folksongs of this fascinating region. And she explains how these vanishing oral traditions shed light into how people of a bygone era lived.
Transcript available here. More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Political scientist Dr Sow Keat Tok discusses China's unique view of territorial sovereignty, its creative approaches to sovereignty issues in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the South China Sea, and how it can come into conflict with conventional models of sovereignty originating in the West. Presented by Sen Lam.
Transcript available here. More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Economist and demographer Professor Binod Khadria joins Ear to Asia host Sen Lam to discuss the huge global movement of skilled and unskilled Indian workers in its surprising diversity, the conditions they work under in destination countries and their persistent ties to Mother India.
Transcript available here. More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Queer studies researcher Dr Claire Maree joins Ear to Asia host Sen Lam to discuss the plight of people in same-sex relationships in Japan. Despite Japan having a reputation for tolerance of sexual minorities, rigid legal and social barriers are leading same-sex couples to seek creative workarounds to obtain a degree of recognition and rights.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Dr Ken Setiawan, Indonesian civil rights specialist, explains how a new generation of Indonesians are using digital and social media platforms to keep the memory of the genocide of 1965-1966 alive as successive government administrations stall on uncovering the truth. Presented by Sen Lam.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Linguistics expert Dr Ikuko Nakane joins Ear to Asia host Sen Lam to discuss language and interpretation in criminal trials in Japan, and in particular how defendants who aren't native speakers of Japanese may be aided or disadvantaged by the language divide.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Veteran researcher of Indonesian politics Prof Vedi Hadiz examines the phenomenon of contemporary Islamic populism in Indonesia, Turkey and Egypt, how it fares at the ballot box and how it fits into western notions of democracy. Presented by Sen Lam.
More information about this and other episodes of this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.
Ear to Asia is a new podcast series produced by Asia Institute, the Asian research specialists, from the University of Melbourne, Australia. We take you from Japan to Turkey, from China to Indonesia, and to many places in between, talking to researchers who focus on Asia -- in all its diversity of peoples, societies and histories. Hosted by Sen Lam.
More information about this podcast series is found here.An Asia Institute podcast, produced by Profactual.com.