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 Coalition and Labor? What exactly are the motives of the three governments involved in the AUKUS agreement--the United States, the United Kingdom and Aus...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 34 min
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.” China responded by holding a simulated blockade of Taiwan, complete with imagery boasting its ability to reign missiles down on the island. Guest: Kevin...
Jul 19, 2024•23 min
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 needed to rely on a coalition to gain power. Guest: Associate Professor Priya Chako ( International Politics, University of Adelaide) Recorded on 19th...
Jun 27, 2024•16 min
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 ideals can be challenged. Many of these elections will have repercussions not just for citizens within these countries and the Asian region, but also f...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 4 min
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) Recorded 28th May, 2024.
Jun 06, 2024•27 min
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 support. The report: Exploring the intersection between disability and trafficking in persons www.aseanact.org/resources/tip-disability/ Guest: Dr Elisa...
May 28, 2024•19 min
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 Joanne Wallis instead turn their gazes to Australia's near region, focusing on the six maritime domains central to its national interests: the north seas ...
May 17, 2024•34 min
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 Convenor, La Trobe Law School, La Trobe University). Recorded on 1st March, 2024.
Apr 26, 2024•26 min
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 expectations and the criticisms. Guest: Professor Peter Dean (Director of Foreign Policy and Defence, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney) Reco...
Apr 17, 2024•38 min
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 equitable access vital. How can Asian states and allies strengthen dialogue, interactions, and coordination to maximise the impact of their efforts i...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 4 min
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.
Mar 28, 2024•22 min
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 foreign affairs. Guest: Dr Lina Alexandra (Head of International Relations at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) based in Jaka...
Mar 15, 2024•19 min
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 Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia, and the Honourable Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines. It...
Mar 15, 2024•37 min
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 Special Summit, this event will provide insights into maritime security issues in Australia and Southeast Asia and explore opportunities for collaboration...
Mar 12, 2024•55 min
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 mentioning the China-sized problem across the Taiwan strait. Guest: Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) Recorded on 29th...
Jan 30, 2024•24 min
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, challenging Western pre-eminence in global affairs and casting its authoritarian system as a model of governance worthy of international emulation. Gue...
Jan 16, 2024•27 min
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 in residence, Asia Society Australia). Recorded on 7th December, 2023.
Dec 14, 2023•35 min
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-founder of the Kubernein Initiative) Recorded on 24 November, 2024.
Nov 30, 2023•24 min
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 remains substantial scope for expansion, and the region stands to gain many benefits from decisive action. How is climate change going to affect the ...
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr 4 min
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.
Nov 10, 2023•22 min
In 2020 China’s top legislature unanimously passed a new national security law for Hong Kong. Entered into force the same day. Vague and broad in its remit, it applies to everyone who is deemed a risk to national security, and has had wide implications to freedom and protest in Hong Kong, how the justice system works and how law can be applied. Guest: Dr Karen Lee (Senior lecturer, La Trobe Law School, La Trobe University) Recorded 5th September, 2023.
Sep 28, 2023•21 min
China’s activities in the Pacific have been the subject of increased media attention in Australia. Its vast resources exercised through trade and investment has bought both good will and influence, and a recent agreement with the Solomon Islands on policing cooperation intensified concern among Australian security watchers about its strategic ambitions in the Pacific region. But while Australia is showing concern, is China benefitting the Pacific Islands, and exposing the gaps in Australia’s sup...
Sep 27, 2023•56 min
There’s a proven link between the benefits of sport programs within schools, not just through personal development but also community cohesion. In a country as linguistically and culturally diverse as India, implementing such programs can be a challenge. Guest: Dr Biju Philip (La Trobe Business School, 2023 La Trobe Asia Fellow). Recorded 5th September 2023.
Sep 08, 2023•22 min
In the past few years India's right-wing ruling BJP party has made efforts to change curriculum and censor textbooks in an attempt to deprioritise history that doesn't amplify their narrative - in particular centuries of India's Mughal history. Host: Dr Ruth Gamble (Senior Lecturer and DECRA Fellow, Archaeology and History, La Trobe University) Guest: Divya Rama Gopalakrishnan (History, La Trobe University) Recorded 7th July, 2023.
Aug 15, 2023•23 min
There has long been an associated benefit between sport and learning, as it develops communication, social and psychological benefits. In the context of India, it could be used as an active part of the curriculum, to encourage activity-based learning initiatives and improve the quality of school education. The prospect comes with challenges – India is a populous country, multilinguistic and culturally diverse. However, India is a sport loving nation, and sport has important roles to play in Indi...
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Along the coast of Hakata Bay in Fukuoka, Japan there is a 13th century wall, built by the local Samurai as defense against a Mongol invasion. Guest: Associate Professor Andrew Hall (Asian Studies, Kyushu University) Recorded 17 April, 2023.
Jul 28, 2023•20 min
This event explores Australia’s identity in Asia, and what it means for Australia to be in the Asia-Pacific region. Ten years since the ‘Australia in the Asian Century’ Foreign Policy White Paper, we reflect on Australia’s role and national identity in Asia. What does it mean for Australia to have an Asian Identity? What is Australia’s Asia Identity? What does it mean for Australia to be in Asia? How do we harness multiculturalism in policy making? Taking a policy and cultural perspective, this ...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr
When atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, it led a few months later to the surrender of Japan, effectively ending World War 2. There were up to 150,000 casualties in the atomic blast, and the magnitude of the devastation has changed how the Japanese view war and how Hiroshima sees itself today. Guest: Associate Professor Luli van der Does (Director of the Center for Peace, Hiroshima University) Recorded on 19 April, 2023
Jul 07, 2023•21 min
In June 2022 Indonesian President Joko Widodo went first to the Ukraine, and later to Moscow, hand delivering a letter from President Zelensky to Vladimir Putin. His purpose, to quote, was to open a dialogue forum for peace, to build peace, because the war has to be stopped. Widodo’s carefully worded statement, about ending a war but not necessarily pointing fingers, is emblematic of Asia’s response to the Ukraine invasion, to the extent where a UN vote for sanctions against the Ukraine earned t...
Jun 20, 2023•25 min
A year has passed since a new Labor government took power after nine years occupying the opposition benches. Over this time, the new government has prioritised the deepening of genuine partnerships with states across Asia and the Pacific, particularly in its foreign policy narratives. At the same time, Australia has also made decisive moves in the name of national defence, by solidifying deals with old allies, developing a new strategy to confront current and future threats, and committed future...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 9 min
