For centuries the western world has enjoyed an outsized global influence, but is that time coming to an end? In demographic, economic, military and cultural terms, we are hurtling into a far more diverse global future.Guest:Dr Samir Putri (Former UK diplomat, visiting lecturer at the Department of War Studies at the Kings College London)Samir's boo…

For centuries the western world has enjoyed an outsized global influence, but is that time coming to an end? In demographic, economic, military and cultural terms, we are hurtling into a far more diverse global future. Guest: Dr Samir Putri (Former UK diplomat, visiting lecturer at the Department of War Studies at the Kings College London) Samir's …

Large numbers of people in Southeast Asia seek opportunities to improve their lives either within or outside their home country. While there are many positive benefits, the risk of exploitation is high. Many find themselves deceived or coerced into situations where they are abused and forced to live and work in poor conditions with little or no pay…

Large numbers of people in Southeast Asia seek opportunities to improve their lives either within or outside their home country. While there are many positive benefits, the risk of exploitation is high. Many find themselves deceived or coerced into situations where they are abused and forced to live and work in poor conditions with little or no pay…

The West has always had an outsized influence in the world, but what if this trend is changing? The post cold-war era U.S. and European countries, which represent the foundational pillars of the Western system, have seen their power diminish. Shifts in demographics, economics, military, and cultural terms are indicating a more diverse global future…

In recent years Australia has drawn closer to many of its Asia-Pacific neighbours, but when push comes to shove, it continues to look well beyond the oceans and regions that surround it to the distant horizons of Europe and North America for its ultimate security guarantee'. But is there another way Australia should understand its strategic challen…

In recent years Australia has drawn closer to many of its Asia-Pacific neighbours, but when push comes to shove, it continues to look well beyond the oceans and regions that surround it to the distant horizons of Europe and North America for its ultimate security guarantee'. But is there another way Australia should understand its strategic challen…

The catastrophic attacks of 9/11 led to successful US-led military effort to overthrow the Taliban regime and dismantle al-Qaeda’s terrorism training camps in Afghanistan. Britain took the lead in creating the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to stabilise the country and support the new government. Why did the ISAF mission fail, and w…

The catastrophic attacks of 9/11 led to successful US-led military effort to overthrow the Taliban regime and dismantle al-Qaeda’s terrorism training camps in Afghanistan. Britain took the lead in creating the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to stabilise the country and support the new government. Why did the ISAF mission fail, and w…

On September 15 2021 Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the agreement of both the US and the UK to supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. Following its election in 2022 the government of Anthony Albanese made clear that that AUKUS was supported by Labor. Is there now any significant difference between the defence policies of the Coa…

Taiwan recently saw a peaceful transition of power with the inauguration of President Lai Ching-Te, who was elected to office in January. President Lai’s election continues the pro-democracy stance of Taiwan, and in his inaugural speech he called on neighbouring China to cease its acts of intimidation and to “choose dialogue over confrontation.” Ch…

Taiwan recently saw a peaceful transition of power with the inauguration of President Lai Ching-Te, who was elected to office in January. President Lai’s election continues the pro-democracy stance of Taiwan, and in his inaugural speech he called on neighbouring China to cease its acts of intimidation and to “choose dialogue over confrontation.” Ch…

The world’s largest display of democracy has just taken place, with close to a billion people eligible to vote in an election across 44 days. Narendra Modi has been sworn in for a rare third term as India’s Prime Minister, after emerging victorious in a tough election with a slim majority. His party, the BJP, had hoped for a landslide victory, but …

The world’s largest display of democracy has just taken place, with close to a billion people eligible to vote in an election across 44 days. Narendra Modi has been sworn in for a rare third term as India’s Prime Minister, after emerging victorious in a tough election with a slim majority.His party, the BJP, had hoped for a landslide victory, but n…

More than a billion people across Asia have voted so far in 2024, in elections in India, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan and more, but outside of the main results the electoral processes and implications for democracy rarely attracted international headlines. While voting is a key expression of democratic participation, during elections democratic i…

More than a billion people across Asia have voted so far in 2024, in elections in India, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan and more, but outside of the main results the electoral processes and implications for democracy rarely attracted international headlines.While voting is a key expression of democratic participation, during elections democratic id…

There’s a theory that’s discussed in many circles of international relations: have we reached peak China? In a post-pandemic age in which it is struggling with development, confronted with an aging population, and a slowing economy, is China on the decline? Guest: Professor Evan Medeiros (Penner Family Chair in Asian Studies, Georgetown University)…

There’s a theory that’s discussed in many circles of international relations: have we reached peak China? In a post-pandemic age in which it is struggling with development, confronted with an aging population, and a slowing economy, is China on the decline?Guest: Professor Evan Medeiros (Penner Family Chair in Asian Studies, Georgetown University)R…

Slavery remains a problem in many countries across Asia, and the understanding of what makes a person vulnerable to this kind of exploitation continues to evolve. When it comes to disability, the links are less understood, and more research is needed to understand the barriers survivors with disabilities face when accessing remedies, justice and su…

Slavery remains a problem in many countries across Asia, and the understanding of what makes a person vulnerable to this kind of exploitation continues to evolve. When it comes to disability, the links are less understood, and more research is needed to understand the barriers survivors with disabilities face when accessing remedies, justice and su…

Australia has drawn closer to many of its Asia-Pacific neighbours in recent years, but 'when push comes to shove, it continues to look well beyond the oceans and regions that surround it to the distant horizons of Europe and North America for its ultimate security guarantee'. In Girt by Sea, international-relations experts Rebecca Strating and Joan…

Australia has drawn closer to many of its Asia-Pacific neighbours in recent years, but 'when push comes to shove, it continues to look well beyond the oceans and regions that surround it to the distant horizons of Europe and North America for its ultimate security guarantee'.In Girt by Sea, international-relations experts Rebecca Strating and Joann…

In 2004 Indonesia enacted the Anti-Domestic Violence Law in what has been widely acknowledged as a progressive move, and a major achievement for the women’s rights groups who advocated for it. Despite the law being in effect for 20 years, domestic violence in Indonesia remains a persistent issue. Guest: Dr Balawyn Jones (Lecturer and Bendigo Law Co…

In 2004 Indonesia enacted the Anti-Domestic Violence Law in what has been widely acknowledged as a progressive move, and a major achievement for the women’s rights groups who advocated for it.Despite the law being in effect for 20 years, domestic violence in Indonesia remains a persistent issue.Guest: Dr Balawyn Jones (Lecturer and Bendigo Law Conv…

In 2021 a new alliance between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom was announced. Dubbed the AUKUS agreement, the centrepiece of the plan was for the United States to build Australia new nuclear submarines, to replace its aging fleet. Now almost three years later, the plan has evolved, and with it, inevitably has the budget expectat…

In 2021 a new alliance between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom was announced. Dubbed the AUKUS agreement, the centrepiece of the plan was for the United States to build Australia new nuclear submarines, to replace its aging fleet. Now almost three years later, the plan has evolved, and with it, inevitably has the budget expectat…

Oceans are an important resource for every country and are essential for travel and trade, but there are several critical issues facing maritime order in Asia. A lack of a shared vision, differing interpretations of maritime order, and cooperation over security issues all create friction for use of shared waterways across Asia, which makes fair and…

Oceans are an important resource for every country and are essential for travel and trade, but there are several critical issues facing maritime order in Asia. A lack of a shared vision, differing interpretations of maritime order, and cooperation over security issues all create friction for use of shared waterways across Asia, which makes fair and…

North Korea is an isolated and secretive country, long restricted by sanctions, and getting an accurate picture of its economy can be a challenge. So what can we know about its economic condition? Guest: Dr Chiew Ping Hoo (Senior Fellow, East Asia and International Relations (EAIR) Caucus, Malaysia) Recorded 6th March, 2024.…

North Korea is an isolated and secretive country, long restricted by sanctions, and getting an accurate picture of its economy can be a challenge. So what can we know about its economic condition? Guest: Dr Chiew Ping Hoo (Senior Fellow, East Asia and International Relations (EAIR) Caucus, Malaysia)Recorded 6th March, 2024.…

Indonesia has had a national election, and the likely next president is Prabowo Subianto, a leader with a checkered past. Prabowo served as Jokowi’s defense minister and gained his backing for this election, even naming Jokowi’s son as his VP running mate. Given his background, there are many who are carefully watching the decisions he will make in…

La Trobe Asia is proud to partner with the Australian Government to deliver the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit: Maritime Cooperation Forum. The Forum will address the Blue Economy and maritime cooperation, as well as perspectives on regional maritime challenges and opportunities. This special keynote address is delivered by Senator the Hon Pen…

Indonesia has had a national election, and the likely next president is Prabowo Subianto, a leader with a checkered past. Prabowo served as Jokowi’s defense minister and gained his backing for this election, even naming Jokowi’s son as his VP running mate.Given his background, there are many who are carefully watching the decisions he will make in …

La Trobe Asia is proud to partner with the Australian Government to deliver the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit: Maritime Cooperation Forum. The Forum will address the Blue Economy and maritime cooperation, as well as perspectives on regional maritime challenges and opportunities.This special keynote address is delivered by Senator the Hon Penn…

The maritime region is becoming increasingly contested, particularly in Southeast Asia. From tensions rising in the South China Sea, grey zone issues, challenges to international law, and environmental issues such as sea level rise and overfishing, maritime security is important for Indo-Pacific security. As Melbourne hosts the ASEAN-Australia Spec…

The maritime region is becoming increasingly contested, particularly in Southeast Asia. From tensions rising in the South China Sea, grey zone issues, challenges to international law, and environmental issues such as sea level rise and overfishing, maritime security is important for Indo-Pacific security.As Melbourne hosts the ASEAN-Australia Speci…

Taiwan has held a presidential election, and the Democratic Progressive Party has won a third term, with current vice-president Lai Chinge-Te succeeding Tsai Ing-Wen later this year. And while his victory is seen as one of continuing democratic values on the island, Lai will need to rely on his political opponents to govern, and that’s without ment…

Taiwan has held a presidential election, and the Democratic Progressive Party has won a third term, with current vice-president Lai Chinge-Te succeeding Tsai Ing-Wen later this year. And while his victory is seen as one of continuing democratic values on the island, Lai will need to rely on his political opponents to govern, and that’s without ment…

In the decade since Xi Jinping became China's top leader, he has centralised decision-making powers, encouraged a cult of personality around himself, and moved toward indefinite rule by scrapping presidential term limits--stirring fears of a return to a Mao-style dictatorship. Today the influence of China and Xi Jinping are felt around the world, c…

In the decade since Xi Jinping became China's top leader, he has centralised decision-making powers, encouraged a cult of personality around himself, and moved toward indefinite rule by scrapping presidential term limits--stirring fears of a return to a Mao-style dictatorship.Today the influence of China and Xi Jinping are felt around the world, ch…

The United Nations has long been seen as an organisation of international cooperation, and every country tries to use it to legitimise their actions and views on a global stage. Perhaps none is more successful than this and influential than China. Guest: Assoc. Professor Courtney Fung (Security Studies & Criminology, Macquarie University and Schola…

The United Nations has long been seen as an organisation of international cooperation, and every country tries to use it to legitimise their actions and views on a global stage. Perhaps none is more successful than this and influential than China.Guest: Assoc. Professor Courtney Fung (Security Studies & Criminology, Macquarie University and Scholar…

India has a population of 1.4 billion to support, and there is one basic commodity that every one of those citizens needs: water. But with only 4% of the world’s fresh water resources and demands of industry and agriculture to contend with, it is fair to assume that clean, usable water is going to be in high demand. Guest: Ambika Vishwanath (Co-fou…

India has a population of 1.4 billion to support, and there is one basic commodity that every one of those citizens needs: water. But with only 4% of the world’s fresh water resources and demands of industry and agriculture to contend with, it is fair to assume that clean, usable water is going to be in high demand.Guest: Ambika Vishwanath (Co-foun…

With its densely populated cities, low-lying islands, and melting glaciers, Asia is a region vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Extreme heat, weather disasters and the rising sea level could lead to mass flooding, landslides and drought, impacting millions. While governments across developing Asia have made ambitious climate pledges, there…

With its densely populated cities, low-lying islands, and melting glaciers, Asia is a region vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Extreme heat, weather disasters and the rising sea level could lead to mass flooding, landslides and drought, impacting millions.While governments across developing Asia have made ambitious climate pledges, there …

Sarnath, in Uttar Pradesh, India, is the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and a significant stop on the Buddhist pilgrimage trail. But long since overshadowed by local Hindu sites, it remains underdeveloped. Guest: Dr Kiran Shinde (Urban Planning, La Trobe University) Recorded 8th November, 2023.…

Sarnath, in Uttar Pradesh, India, is the site of where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and a significant stop on the Buddhist pilgrimage trail. But long since overshadowed by local Hindu sites, it remains underdeveloped.Guest: Dr Kiran Shinde (Urban Planning, La Trobe University)Asia Rising