Shows
Asia RisingTrump and Asia: Shaping the Future of U.S.-Asia RelationsAs President Donald Trump leads his second term, relationships between the US and Asian countries continue to evolve under his administration’s policies.
While there has been much focus on Europe's reactions to a more transactional leadership style in the US, less has been discussed about how it will affect trade negotiations, military alliances, and geopolitical tensions in Asia.
The United States, once a reliable ally to many, now represents a wild card, and how Trump views Asian nations including China, North Korea, Japan, and India, will have a measurable impact on trade, security, and di...2025-04-011h 03Asia RisingBook Launch: The Politics of Language Oppression in TibetThere are dozens of minority languages spoken in Tibet, but that number is currently collapsing under assimilatory state policies. An increasing number of families in these communities are now passing on Tibetan or Chinese, in the hope of accessing better opportunities in education and employment.
What are the systems at work that restrict and devalue minority languages in Tibet? How can global advocacy networks acknowledge the issue, and what radical changes are needed to address this crisis?
The launch of The Politics of Language Oppression in Tibet by Gerald Roche, published by Cornell University Press.2024-11-211h 03
Asia RisingEvent: Human Trafficking in Southeast AsiaLarge 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. Some are forced into sex work or marriages against their will, while others fall prey to the illicit organ trade.
How can we better understand what makes people vulnerable to human trafficking? What can governments and organisations be doing...2024-09-1952 min
Literary La TrobeOscar: A Literary Love AffairTo celebrate a new exclusive ballet in Melbourne based on the life and writings of Oscar Wilde, this event will explore the cultural influences on Wilde’s own literary output well as the ways that his work has impacted later generations of writers, artists, critics and curators.
Panel:
David Hallberg (Artistic Director, The Australian Ballet)
Christos Tsiolkas (Adjunct Research Fellow, Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University)
Dr Alexis Harley (Senior Lecturer, English and Creative Writing, La Trobe University)
Tobias Fulton (Tutor, History and Classics, La Trobe University)
...2024-09-191h 04
Asia RisingEvent: Enhancing Global and Regional Maritime OrderOceans 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 in upholding regional and maritime order?
Speakers:
- Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia)
...2024-04-121h 03Asia RisingEvent: Climate Resilence in AsiaWith 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 region in the decade to come? What efforts are being made to increase regional climate resilience? What is Australia’s role in pr...2023-11-271h 04Asia RisingEvent: School Sport for Development in IndiaThere 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 Indian society. This creates an opportunity for India to use sport as a tool to engage children and adults for increased so...2023-08-041h 02Asia RisingEvent: Fresh Perspectives on the QuadEmerging leaders from Australia, Japan, India and the United States discuss key issues facing the 'Quad', and puts forward a strong case for the Quad working together on non-traditional security issues across the Indo-Pacific region.
The next generation of Quad leaders view enhancing resilience against grey zone challenges, geoeconomics, outer spaces, critical technologies and human security as keys to unlocking the Quad’s potential. This challenges the Quad to deliver on public goods commitments to strengthen the free and open Indo-Pacific.
This is the launch of the 8th issue of the La Trobe Asia Brief pr...2023-05-041h 01Asia RisingEvent: Australia and Southeast Asia: A Joint Agenda for Maritime SecurityWhat does it look like for Australia and Southeast Asia to develop a joint agenda for maritime security?
Join La Trobe Asia, consortium lead for the Blue Security program, to launch the first paper in a series on Maritime Security in Southeast Asia.
Blue Security is a collaboration between La Trobe Asia, Griffith Asia Institute (GAI), University of New South Wales Canberra (ADFA), University of Western Australia’s Defence and Security Institute (DSI) and the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue (AP4D).
Panel:
- Melissa Conley Tyler (Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Development, De...2023-05-031h 03Asia RisingEvent: What Indonesia’s Criminal Code Means for Human RightsIndonesia has passed a new criminal code, amongst which are a raft of controversial new morality laws and speech restrictions, including banning sex outside of marriage, insulting the president, and expressing any view that runs counter to state ideology.
There are important implications for democratic freedoms in Indonesia, and human rights concerns on the implications of for women, religious minorities, and gender diverse groups.
What does the new criminal code imply for human rights in Indonesia? How has the Indonesian public responded to the new criminal code? What could it mean in the lead-up to...2023-02-0857 minAsia RisingWebinar: Fresh Perspectives on the Indo-PacificThis launch of Issue 6 of the La Trobe Asia Brief brings together emerging leaders to discuss critical issues facing the Indo-Pacific. Written by students and young professionals from a diverse range of areas, this event will explore gender and conflict resolution in the Indo-Pacific, Australian foreign policy and South Korea’s maritime strategy. As the balance of power shifts in the Indo-Pacific, future leaders are looking at strategic challenges from a fresh perspective. To understand the future of the Indo-Pacific, it is vital we listen to future leaders.
This La Trobe Asia Brief is in conjunction with th...2022-03-291h 02
La Trobe University Thrive Health & Wellbeing PodcastEpisode 7: Maximising optimal sleeping habits {Sleep - Dr Haresh Suppiah}In the seventh episode of this series, we chat to Dr Haresh Suppiah, a Research Fellow in Sport and Exercise Science at La Trobe University, on the topic of sleep and how our sleeping habits can affect our daily performance and functionality.Now we’ve had a number of people and La Trobe researchers and academics who have come on to this pod covering a variety of topics, whether that be injury prevention, nutrition, getting motivated to exercise and the like., but the one thing in common they have all spoken about is the importance of sleep, pa...2021-12-0321 minLa Trobe University Thrive Health & Wellbeing PodcastEpisode 6: Returning to sport after a long lay off {Injury Prevention - Dr Ebonie Rio}As Australia gradually moves towards a degree of normality in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a return to competitive sport and active recreation is right on our doorstep. But for so many of us on the eastern seaboard who are coming out of multiple months in lockdown, this has presented a unique challenge for those gearing up for a return to the field or gym in the coming months.So in the sixth episode of this series, we chat to Dr Ebonie Rio, a senior researcher at the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre...2021-11-0920 minAsia RisingWebinar: Asian Monarchies in the Modern AgeWhile the twentieth century saw the collapse of monarchies across Europe, recent events are a reminder that hereditary monarchies still matter in Asia. In some countries like Malaysia and Bhutan the institution is thriving, but they can struggle for relevancy given the pro-democracy movement in Thailand and fast-modernising landscape of Japan.
In an era of autocratic populism, does constitutional monarchy provide some safeguards against the megalomania of political leaders? Are they just feudal relics and ceremonial figureheads which should be abolished, or does the division between ceremonial and actual power act as a brake on authoritarian politicians?2021-10-1359 minLa Trobe University Thrive Health & Wellbeing PodcastEpisode 5: Coaching and supporting female athletes {Sport & Exercise Science - Dr Anthea Clarke}In the fifth episode of this series, we chat to Dr Anthea Clarke, who is a lecturer within La Trobe University’s Sport & Exercise Science discipline.Anthea’s appearance on the Thrive Health & Wellbeing Podcast is timely given her involvement in the upcoming Supporting the Female Athlete short course being hosted by La Trobe’s Sport & Exercise Science discipline throughout the month of October.Throughout this episode, Anthea takes us through some of the key considerations coaches need to keep in mind when it comes to facilitating a positive sporting environment for female athletes, as well a...2021-09-2821 min
La Trobe University Thrive Health & Wellbeing PodcastEpisode 4: Impact of exercise during COVID-19 and reducing pain while cycling {La Trobe Rural Health School with Dr. Jayden Hunter & Dr. Rodrigo Bini}In the fourth episode of this series, we’re turning our attention to Australia’s largest health education provider, the La Trobe University Rural Health School.To learn more about it, we chatted to two lecturers from the Rural Health School’s Allied Health division in Dr. Rodrigo Bini and Dr. Jayden Hunter, who are both based at La Trobe’s Bendigo Campus and specialise in exercise physiology.Throughout this pod, Rodrigo and Jayden take us through some of the fantastic research being conducted at the La Trobe Rural Health School and some of the opportun...2021-08-0422 minLa Trobe University Thrive Health & Wellbeing PodcastEpisode 3: Finding the motivation to exercise in Winter {Health & Fitness with Georgia Couvalias}Well, we are now into the depths of winter here in Australia and the frosty mornings are well and truly upon us. Not exactly conducive conditions for wanting to get up and get active that’s for sure!So to help us find that bit of motivation to get moving this winter, we spoke to Georgia Couvalias, the Health & Fitness Coordinator for La Trobe Sport, for Episode 3 of the Thrive Health & Wellbeing Podcast.As you will hear throughout this episode, Georgia has an extensive background in exercise science and human movement but has a great wa...2021-06-2423 minLa Trobe University Thrive Health & Wellbeing PodcastEpisode 2: Mindfulness in May {Mindfulness with Dr. Eric Morris}This month at La Trobe University is Mindfulness in May; an initiative run by the La Trobe Health & Wellbeing team to promote the quality of mindfulness.Across all of La Trobe’s Campuses this month, the La Trobe Health & Wellbeing Team will be providing staff and students with a variety of resources and workshops dedicated to cultivating mindfulness.This month, we chatted to Dr. Eric Morris - Senior Lecturer and the Psychology Clinic Director in the School of Psychology & Public Health at La Trobe University.Eric is an expert in the topic of mi...2021-05-1321 minAsia RisingWebinar: Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking in AsiaHuman trafficking is an urgent human security issue in Asia. The abuse and exploitation associated with human trafficking have been documented across a range of sectors, including the sex industry, domestic work, construction, agriculture, and fisheries. Key drivers of human trafficking across the region include poverty and the desire for a better life. Increasingly widening economic disparities in Asia and the impact of climate change have become a focus of attention for organisations attempting to address peoples' vulnerability to human trafficking.
Trafficking for labour exploitation outside the sex industry is now recognised as an equally significant concern...2021-04-211h 05La Trobe University Thrive Health & Wellbeing PodcastEpisode 1: Maintaining healthy eating habits within a busy lifestyle {Nutrition with Sarah Jenner}To kick off the La Trobe University Thrive Health & Wellbeing Podcast series, we chatted to Advanced Sports Dietician, Sarah Jenner, who is a lecturer at La Trobe University in the Nutrition and Dietetics discipline.For the last four years, Sarah has worked as the Sports Dietician for the Carlton Football Club, and particularly enjoys teaching footy players how to cook and students about how athletic performance can be optimised with food.Sarah has recently completed her PhD project, which provides insight into factors that influence Australian Football athletes’ food choice and highlights the importance of in...2021-04-1224 min
La Trobe University Thrive Health & Wellbeing PodcastLa Trobe University Thrive Health & Wellbeing Podcast - TrailerWelcome to the La Trobe University Thrive Health & Wellbeing Podcast! This podcast is a collaborative project between La Trobe Sport and the La Trobe Health and Wellbeing team. Over the next few months, we will have the pleasure of talking to a wide range of experts from a variety of La Trobe departments, faculties and disciplines that helped La Trobe rank number two in the entire world for our contribution to health and wellbeing (2020 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings). We will cover an array of topics including nutrition, mindfulness, exercise and sleep – all essential elements for...2021-04-1201 minAsia RisingWebinar: Fighting Fake News in a Time of COVID-19The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how the spread of fake news and misinformation online – even if shared without malicious intent – can weaken global public health efforts, contribute to social unrest and lead to real-life harms or even death.
In the Asia Pacific, Singapore and Indonesia are among the early adopters of fake news laws to crack down on the pernicious problem of online misinformation and disinformation. These laws aim to address COVID-19 misinformation and the real-world violence and hate speech aimed at minority and religious groups, but internet and human rights experts fear the laws are also open...2021-03-171h 30Asia RisingWebinar: India's Heritage: Preserving the Past While Embracing the FutureIndia has a long and unique history with a rich cultural heritage, but in the modern race for progress it can be difficult to conserve the past. The country boasts 38 recognised UNESCO world heritage sites with many more under consideration, ranging from natural wonders like the Himalayan National Park, to the cultural treasures such as the Agra Fort, the Taj Mahal, and the Historic City of Ahmedabad. These sites are treated with respect and pride by India, but many intersect with conflicting demands of tourism, religion, and everyday living.
How can India preserve its heritage while pursuing...2020-10-301h 01Asia RisingWebinar: Education and the Politics of Identity in East AsiaDespite their diverse histories and cultures, common tensions characterize debates about identity and nationhood across the Asia-Pacific. Homogenous visions of identity and nationhood sit uneasily alongside notions of citizenship that embrace cultural and ethnic diversity. In many societies, rising inequality feeds fear and resentment of immigrants, and legacies or memories of empire and colonialism have also fuelled resentment of foreign interference or ‘hegemony’. In stories of nationhood, what is forgotten or avoided is just as important as what is remembered.
What role, then, does education play in shaping ideas of identity and nationhood across the contemporary Asia-Pacific? To w...2020-09-101h 04Asia RisingWebinar: Pandemics and Public Health Systems in AsiaThe covid-19 pandemic sweeping across Asia and the world has highlighted the strengths and limitations in the delivery of public health services within different states. While some states like Vietnam and South Korea are praised for their successful responses to the global crisis, the public health systems in other countries have seemingly struggled to manage surges in cases.
A well-developed and effective public health system is one that meets the needs of communities through the achievement of primary health care objectives. This requires recognising and accounting for the complex relationships between the delivery of health services and...2020-09-041h 01Asia RisingWebinar: South China Sea and Maritime Rule-Based OrderOver the past decade the hotly disputed South China Sea has become increasingly used as example of the rising strategic competition between the People’s Republic of China and the United States.
Overlapping territory claims and maritime jurisdiction, strategic control over maritime domain, and differences in legal interpretations of freedom of navigation combine in a broader contest that affects multiple countries in Southeast Asia as they defend their maritime entitlements. Even regional non-claimant states such as Australia, Japan, India and South Korea claim stakes in the South China Sea, reflecting concerns about the shifting regional order and Ch...2020-06-161h 05Asia RisingWebinar: Women and Australian International AffairsThis La Trobe Asia event launches the newly released Australian Journal of International Affairs special issue “Critical Analyses in Australian Foreign, Defence and Strategic Policy”, a collection of essays by early- to mid-career Australian women researchers that arose as a response to ongoing issues around women’s visibility and representation in Australian International Affairs.
Session One:vWomen in Australian International Affairs
What challenges face women's equitable participation in the discipline & vocation of International Relations, & what strategies and responses might help redress gender imbalances in the field?
This keynote panel will discuss the findings of the...2020-06-031h 57Asia RisingWebinar: How Asia Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the PandemicWhile much of the world is still in the grips of a tumultuous pandemic, areas of Asia are in recovery and planning for the year ahead, albeit at a cautious pace. China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Australia are executing roadmaps for economic recovery, and there are signs that some countries will benefit at the expense of distracted western democracies.
How does the next year look for the region? Will Asia emerge from the pandemic region stronger, and have a bolder China to contend with?
In this La Trobe Asia webinar we will be joined...2020-05-1959 minAsia RisingWebinar: Uyghurs for SaleSince 2017, more than a million Uyghurs and members of other Turkic Muslim minorities have disappeared into a vast network of ‘re-education camps’ in the far west region of Xinjiang, China, in what some experts call a systematic, government-led program of cultural genocide.
The ‘re-education' appears to be entering a new phase, as government officials now claim that all ‘trainees’ have ‘graduated’. There is mounting evidence that many Uyghurs are now being forced to work in factories that are in the supply chains of at least 83 well-known global brands in the technology, clothing and automotive sectors, including Apple, BMW, Gap, Huaw...2020-04-151h 02Asia RisingEvent: Managing the Himalaya (live in Sikkim)The mountains of the Himalaya are instantly recognisable, and they play a critical role in Asia’s climate, hydrology, ecology, and geopolitics. Despite their regional and global importance, they face multiple, severe, and intersecting threats that do not receive the attention they deserve.
Speakers:
Dr Alexander E. Davis (New Generation Network Research Fellow, Politics, La Trobe University)
Dr Ruth Gamble (David Myers Research Fellow, La Trobe University)
Dr Gerald Roche (Research Fellow, Politics, Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University)
Dr. K.R. Rama Mohan (Associate Professor, Head of Anthropology, Sikkim University)
Pema Do...2019-12-051h 18Asia RisingEvent: Maintaining Stability in a Volatile Region: a Japanese PerspectiveJapan’s national security is rapidly changing. Asia is shifting from an era of prosperity and peace to one of contestation and rivalry between powerful leaders. North Korea has grown emboldened and appears no closer to denuclearisation than when Kim Jong Un embraced dialogue with US President, Donald Trump, in 2017. Xi Jinping’s China is more confident, assertive and nationalistic than ever, and there is fresh uncertainty about Japan’s security partner, the United States.
In this challenging security environment, Japan has signalled a desire to change its foreign and defence policy to secure greater regional and global...2019-11-1559 minAsia RisingEvent: Melting Opportunities: Climate Change and Conflict in the HimalayaThe snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas are instantly recognisable, but the critical role these mountains play in Asia’s climate, hydrology, ecology and geopolitics is mostly underplayed.
Despite this importance, or perhaps because of them, there are a number of threats to the environment, many of which intersect, and the Himalayas will need careful management and thoughtful intervention if they are to survive both as a natural environment and a resource.
In this event, a panel of experts discuss the problems with managing the Himalayas and potential solutions.
Speakers:
- Dr Alexander Da...2019-10-2550 minAsia RisingEvent: An Audience with a North Korean Defector
The decision to defect from North Korea is not undertaken lightly, but for those in prominent positions it can be particularly fraught. The fates of Kim’s half-brother, Kim Jong Nam, and uncle, Jang Song Thaek underline the risks of disloyalty to the regime.
In this special in-conversation event Thae Yong Ho, a prominent North Korean defector and former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom, shares rare insights based on his experience and knowledge of the Kim regime.
Speakers:
Thae Yong Ho (North Korean Defector, former Deputy Ambassador to the Un...2019-09-0559 minAsia RisingEvent: The Indo-Pacific and Australia’s East-West Perspectives
Australia is one of the few countries whose shores lap both the Indian and Pacific oceans, and the old adage of “where you stand depends upon where you sit” rings true.
From Western Australia, the “Indo” component of the Indo-Pacific has clear geographical clarity. Western Australians look north and west to rising India and rising Indonesia. From the east coast of Australia, developments in the Pacific, including in the nearby Pacific Islands, necessarily capture strategic attention.
Geography plays an important role in driving different international and strategic outlooks in Australia. With an expansive coastlin...2019-08-2932 minAsia RisingEvent: Pakistan's Terrorism Problem
For the past twenty years Pakistan has wrestled with terrorism. More than 60,000 Pakistanis have been killed as a result of terrorist attacks. Terrorism has caused tension with Pakistan’s neighbouring countries, with Iran, India and Afghanistan accusing Pakistan of complicity in attacks on their soil. It has also complicated Pakistan's relations with the United States, especially after the discovery that Osama bin Laden had been hiding in the country for years after 9/11.
Successive governments, including the present one led by Imran Khan, have struggled to curb terrorist activity by a series of groups, despite international pr...2019-08-2757 min
Global PoliticsAustralia-China Relations: Finding the Elusive BalanceThe relationship with China is of critical importance to Australia. It is also increasingly complex, being influenced by economics, domestic factors and strategic forces.
Yet it is a relationship with underlying tension. China and Australia sometimes find themselves on different sides of the table in some bilateral issues, and disagreements over foreign investment in Australia, influence, and the interests of allied countries might prevent further successful co-operation or interaction.
This panel discusses the key challenges and opportunities confronting the bilateral relationship of China and Australia.
Panellists:
Professor Nick Bisley (Head of the...2019-08-011h 22Asia RisingEvent: Australia-China Relations: Finding the Elusive Balance
The relationship with China is of critical importance to Australia. It is also increasingly complex, being influenced by economics, domestic factors and strategic forces.
Yet it is a relationship with underlying tension. China and Australia sometimes find themselves on different sides of the table in some bilateral issues, and disagreements over foreign investment in Australia, influence, and the interests of allied countries might prevent further successful co-operation or interaction.
This panel discusses the key challenges and opportunities confronting the bilateral relationship of China and Australia.
Panellists:
Professor Nick Bisley (Head...2019-08-011h 22Global PoliticsUnmaking the Himalaya: Geopolitics, Environment, CitizenshipIn recent years, the Indian and Chinese states have become increasingly assertive in the Himalaya. Driven in part by their mutual enmity and border disputes, both states have undertaken massive infrastructure developments, enabling vast new extractive projects, and a rush of troops and tourists from the plains to the mountains.
These political tensions have dangerous ecological consequences. All Himalayan states are building large dams to facilitate development. The Himalayan ice pack moderates monsoonal rains in Asia and feeds most of the region’s large rivers. This system provides 40 per cent of the world’s population with water. To m...2019-07-121h 03Asia RisingEvent: Unmaking the Himalaya: Geopolitics, Environment, Citizenship
In recent years, the Indian and Chinese states have become increasingly assertive in the Himalaya. Driven in part by their mutual enmity and border disputes, both states have undertaken massive infrastructure developments, enabling vast new extractive projects, and a rush of troops and tourists from the plains to the mountains.
These political tensions have dangerous ecological consequences. All Himalayan states are building large dams to facilitate development. The Himalayan ice pack moderates monsoonal rains in Asia and feeds most of the region’s large rivers. This system provides 40 per cent of the world’s population with...2019-07-121h 03Global PoliticsA Testing Friendship (Australia-China Relations #1)For the most part, China has seen Australia as an especially agreeable and non-troubling partner, as a predictable American security ally but with a friendly twist. This is changing, and the pressure is intensifying for Australia to rebuild its standings with Beijing.
Find out more about the La Trobe Asia Brief on Australia-China relations.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/announcements/2019/australia-china-relations
Guest:
Rowan Callick (Journalist, author, advisory board member of La Trobe Asia)
Follow La Trobe Asia on Twitter: www.twitter.com/latrobeasia
Recorded 30 May, 2019.2019-07-0119 minAsia Rising#126: A Testing Friendship (Australia-China Relations #1)
For the most part, China has seen Australia as an especially agreeable and non-troubling partner, as a predictable American security ally but with a friendly twist. This is changing, and the pressure is intensifying for Australia to rebuild its standings with Beijing.
Find out more about the La Trobe Asia Brief on Australia-China relations.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/announcements/2019/australia-china-relations
Guest:
Rowan Callick (Journalist, author, advisory board member of La Trobe Asia)
Follow La Trobe Asia on Twitter: www.twitter.com/latrobeasia
Recorded 30 May, 2019.2019-07-0119 minAsia RisingEvent: The State of Indonesia: A Post-Election Panel
On 17 April, Indonesians headed to the polls in one of the largest democratic elections in the world.
President Joko Widodo seems assured of a second term, with a quick count announcing a win by around 9-10 percentage points.
In this panel discussion, three Indonesia experts will analyse the outcome of the elections, examine what went right and what went wrong for the presidential candidates and political parties, and look at the road ahead for the elected president and Indonesia itself.
Panelists:
Professor Vedi Hadiz (Director and Professor of Asian Studies...2019-05-0243 minAsia RisingEvent: Australia and China in the Pacific
In recent months there has been intense speculation in the media and in policy forums about China’s involvement in the Pacific. In turn, this has raised questions about the Australia’s historical and continuing role in the region, as well as evolving issues around sovereignty and neo-colonialism.
Is the sovereignty of Pacific nations under threat? Or is China really providing aid only in order to help those nations attain sustainable development? Should Australia be doing more to support Pacific nations and, if so, what form should this take?
Speakers:
The Hon. John...2018-09-2400 minGlobal PoliticsAustralia and China in the PacificIn recent months there has been intense speculation in the media and in policy forums about China’s involvement in the Pacific. In turn, this has raised questions about the Australia’s historical and continuing role in the region, as well as evolving issues around sovereignty and neo-colonialism.
Is the sovereignty of Pacific nations under threat? Or is China really providing aid only in order to help those nations attain sustainable development? Should Australia be doing more to support Pacific nations and, if so, what form should this take?
Speakers:
The Hon. John Brumby (Form...2018-09-2447 minAsia RisingEvent: Cooperation in Contested Asia (policy brief launch)
East Asia’s security environment is changing rapidly. China’s power and confidence is rising, the US is increasingly introspective and uncertainty abounds about its power and purpose. India and Russia also clamour for influence. Regional powers are entering a period of growing rivalry and animosity, nationalism is an increasingly pervasive force, and prompted by a pervasive sense of strategic uncertainty, military spending is ramping up in many countries.
As a new equilibrium has yet to be established in the security order, how can middle ranking countries like Japan and Australia manage their interests? The two...2018-09-1200 minAsia RisingEvent: Australian Foreign Policy in a Contested Indo-Pacific Region
The future of the Indo-Pacific region is being buffeted by an array of complex forces including the return of great power rivalry, rising illiberalism, and growing nationalism.
SPEAKERS:
The Hon Julie Bishop MP (Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party)
Professor Nick Bisley (Head, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University)
Tony Walker (Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University)
Dr Rebecca Strating (Lecturer in International Relations, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University)
In partnership with La Trobe University’s Ideas and Soci...2018-04-2600 minGlobal PoliticsAustralian Foreign Policy in a Contested Indo-Pacific RegionThe future of the Indo-Pacific region is being buffeted by an array of complex forces including the return of great power rivalry, rising illiberalism, and growing nationalism.
SPEAKERS:
The Hon Julie Bishop MP (Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party)
Professor Nick Bisley (Head, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University)
Tony Walker (Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University)
Dr Rebecca Strating (Lecturer in International Relations, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University)
In partnership with La Trobe University’s Ideas and Society Program.
2018-04-261h 13Asia RisingEvent: Reading Duterte's Reign
President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte has been called many names: The Trump of the East, a dictator-in-waiting, the bastard child of Philippines’ democracy.
Beyond these colourful labels, however, are critical social transformations occurring in the Philippine society that accompany Duterte’s rise to presidency.
SPEAKERS:
Dr Nicole Curato (ARC Discovery Early Career Research Fellow, Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance, University of Canberra).
Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University)
This event was the book launch of a new book edited by Nicole Cura...2017-11-3000 minAsia RisingEvent: China-Australia Relations: Affluence, Influence and Soft Power
China and Australia have relationship anchored by strong trade bonds, and there is a respectful prime-ministerial level dialogue between the two countries.
Yet it is a relationship with underlying tension. China and Australia sometimes find themselves on different sides of the table in some bilateral issues, and disagreements over foreign investment in Australia, influence, and the interests of allied countries might prevent further successful co-operation or interaction.
This panel will discuss the key challenges and opportunities confronting the bilateral relationship of China and Australia.
SPEAKERS:
Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La...2017-11-2800 minGlobal PoliticsLecture: China-Australia Relations: Affluence, Influence and Soft PowerChina and Australia have relationship anchored by strong trade bonds, and there is a respectful prime-ministerial level dialogue between the two countries.
Yet it is a relationship with underlying tension. China and Australia sometimes find themselves on different sides of the table in some bilateral issues, and disagreements over foreign investment in Australia, influence, and the interests of allied countries might prevent further successful co-operation or interaction.
This panel will discuss the key challenges and opportunities confronting the bilateral relationship of China and Australia.
SPEAKERS:
Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University)
2017-11-282h 11Asia RisingEvent: Duterte's Ambition: A Challenging Future for the Philippines
The Philippines’ maverick president, Rodrigo Duterte, has had a turbulent first year in office.
His crime fighting agenda, popular with the middle class during the election, has delivered a bloody and devastating war on drugs with crowded prisons and thousands killed in the streets. Internal conflict with Islamic State-backed groups has led to martial law on the island of Mindanao and threats of civil war.
With five years left in his term of presidency, what can the Philippines and the world expect from Duterte?
In this discussion two experts give their as...2017-09-0600 minGlobal PoliticsDuterte's Ambition: A Challenging Future for the PhilippinesThe Philippines’ maverick president, Rodrigo Duterte, has had a turbulent first year in office.
His crime fighting agenda, popular with the middle class during the election, has delivered a bloody and devastating war on drugs with crowded prisons and thousands killed in the streets. Internal conflict with Islamic State-backed groups has led to martial law on the island of Mindanao and threats of civil war.
With five years left in his term of presidency, what can the Philippines and the world expect from Duterte?
In this discussion two experts give their assessment of ho...2017-08-0639 minGlobal PoliticsCan India Reach its Potential?India is a country with a challenging future. It’s the home of 1.3 billion people and it will be the world’s most populated country within the next decade. It has high levels of unemployment, and widespread problems with inequality, pollution and sanitation. But with a youthful population and an increasingly educated workforce it’s a challenge it could meet.
In this public forum three experts give their views on different aspects of India's development.
- Professor Ian Hall (Government and International Relations, Griffith University)
- Dr Yamini Narayanan (Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Gl...2016-09-021h 22Global PoliticsTrump vs Clinton vs The WorldDemocrats and Republicans have officially elected their Presidential nominees, and the contest between Trump and Clinton has begun in earnest.
In this lecture Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) and Dr Kumuda Simpson-Gray (International Relations, La Trobe University) discuss the foreign policies of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and the challenges both candidates will face as the race for the White House heats up.
Chaired by Dr Benjamin Habib (International Relations, La Trobe University).2016-08-0528 minGlobal PoliticsThe Philippines' FutureThe Philippines has a new president: Rodrigo Duterte, a brash, outspoken politician who won by a huge margin. Many have compared the combative politician to U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump for his populism and antagonistic approach to a wide range of issues.
Within the quotable, expletive laden interviews he gives, Duterte shows a clear determination to shake up the system. Whether it’s encouraging violence and vigilantism against drug dealers, cutting red-tape for businesses or advocating for constitutional reform, he’s made it clear he means to change the Philippines.
Behind the outrageous claims and...2016-07-1550 minGlobal PoliticsIndonesia at the CrossroadsBy 2030 Indonesia’s population will be the world's fourth largest, with 295 million people, and by some estimates it will be the world’s fourth largest economy by 2040. The skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls of Jakarta belie that city’s huge disparities, where a fifth of its people still live without power.
In 2014 Joko Widodo won the Indonesian election on the popular vote, giving hope of fair and impartial leadership to an emerging democracy still beset with endemic corruption. He has since struggled to live up to these expectations, and his approval rating has predictably suffered.
So whe...2016-07-0751 minGlobal PoliticsIndonesia's Anti-Corruption FightIndonesia has had ongoing problems with corruption since it established democracy in 1998, and while some recent high profile cases have been exposed, it's a problem at every level of government.
Dr Dirk Tomsa (Politics, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) about Indonesia's ongoing struggle to combat corruption, whether it be exposed through efforts of the KPK, or political machinations.
Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2016-05-2417 minAsia Rising#41 Indonesia's Anti-Corruption FightIndonesia has had ongoing problems with corruption since it established democracy in 1998, and while some recent high profile cases have been exposed, it's a problem at every level of government.
Dr Dirk Tomsa (Politics, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) about Indonesia's ongoing struggle to combat corruption, whether it be exposed through efforts of the KPK, or political machinations.
Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2016-05-2400 minGlobal PoliticsLittle Comfort for Comfort WomenDuring World War II (and the wider Pacific War) women from many Asian countries were kept in 'comfort stations' for the use of Japanese soldiers.
While Japan has now given ¥1 billion in compensation there is little acknowledgement of the issue, and it has caused tension in particular with neighbouring South Korea.
Dr Nicola Henry (Social Inquiry, La Trobe University) speaks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) discuss the issue of comfort women, whether the recognition offered is sufficient, and the extent of the political issues.
Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all r...2016-04-2617 minAsia Rising#39 Little Comfort for Comfort WomenDuring World War II (and the wider Pacific War) women from many Asian countries were kept in 'comfort stations' for the use of Japanese soldiers.
While Japan has now given ¥1 billion in compensation there is little acknowledgement of the issue, and it has caused tension in particular with neighbouring South Korea.
Dr Nicola Henry (Social Inquiry, La Trobe University) speaks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) discuss the issue of comfort women, whether the recognition offered is sufficient, and the extent of the political issues.
Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all r...2016-04-2600 minGlobal PoliticsIndia and WasteIndia is a country that can overload the senses. One of the most striking features a visitor can notice is the country's seemingly endemic problem with rubbish and pollution.
Professor Robin Jeffrey (Emeritus, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) about the extent of India's problem with waste, the cultural attitude towards sanitation, and Modi's plan to clean up India.
Follow Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley
Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2016-03-3000 minAsia Rising#37 India and WasteIndia is a country that can overload the senses. One of the most striking features a visitor can notice is the country's seemingly endemic problem with rubbish and pollution.
Professor Robin Jeffrey (Emeritus, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) about the extent of India's problem with waste, the cultural attitude towards sanitation, and Modi's plan to clean up India.
Follow Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley
Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2016-03-3000 minGlobal PoliticsIndia's Sedition ControversyThe recent arrest of Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Kanhaiya Kumar on the charges of sedition have shaken India, the world's biggest democracy.
Dr Ian Woolford (Hindi Program, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) about the Modi government reaction and what this crisis means for freedom of speech in India.
Follow Ian Woolford on Twitter: www.twitter.com/iawoolford
Follow Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley
Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2016-03-0116 minAsia Rising#35 India's Sedition ControversyThe recent arrest of Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Kanhaiya Kumar on the charges of sedition have shaken India, the world's biggest democracy.
Dr Ian Woolford (Hindi Program, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) about the Modi government reaction and what this crisis means for freedom of speech in India.
Follow Ian Woolford on Twitter: www.twitter.com/iawoolford
Follow Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley
Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2016-03-0100 minGlobal PoliticsUnited States Perception of Asia (live)America has an interesting relationship with many Asian countries - on the surface there is polite co-operation and trade, but always with a wary attitude.
Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) and Dr Kumuda Simpson (International Relations, La Trobe University) speaks to Matt Smith about United States and their interaction with Asian states.
Recorded in front of a live audience on 11th November, 2015.
Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley
Kumuda Simpson on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kumudasimpson
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact...2015-12-2234 minAsia Rising#29 United States Perception of Asia (live)America has an interesting relationship with many Asian countries - on the surface there is polite co-operation and trade, but always with a wary attitude.
Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) and Dr Kumuda Simpson (International Relations, La Trobe University) speaks to Matt Smith about United States and their interaction with Asian states.
Recorded in front of a live audience on 11th November, 2015.
Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley
Kumuda Simpson on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kumudasimpson
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact...2015-12-2200 minGlobal PoliticsTimor-Leste's Troubled WatersNow an independent democracy, Timor-Leste is struggling to renegotiate treaties and agreements with neighbouring countries, particularly water territories with Australia which could give them better access to dwindling oil fields.
Dr Bec Strating (Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) on Timor-Leste's motives and challenges in the Timor Gap.
Bec Strating on Twitter: www.twitter.com/becstrating
Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-12-0718 minAsia Rising#28 Timor-Leste's Troubled WatersNow an independent democracy, Timor-Leste is struggling to renegotiate treaties and agreements with neighbouring countries, particularly water territories with Australia which could give them better access to dwindling oil fields.
Dr Bec Strating (Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) on Timor-Leste's motives and challenges in the Timor Gap.
Bec Strating on Twitter: www.twitter.com/becstrating
Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-12-0700 minGlobal PoliticsAustralia-India RelationsThe relationship between Australia and India will face challenges in the future, the extent to which these continue and the ongoing need to work hard, on both sides, to improve links not just between Canberra and Delhi but between our societies more broadly.
John McCarthy AO FAIIA (Former Australian ambassador and High Commissioner to India (2004-2009), Professor Ian Hall (Griffith Business School, Griffith University) and Dr Meg Gurry (Honorary Research Associate of La Trobe Asia at La Trobe University) discuss the need for greater people-to-people links and also the limits to just what it is that government...2015-10-051h 26Asia Rising#23 North Korea's Emerging Middle ClassNorth Korea has an image of dire poverty and famine, but thanks to trade with Russia and China the economy is a dynamic space and fast developing.
Dr Benjamin Habib (Politics and International Relations, La Trobe University) speaks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe University) about the impact of North Korea's development and the emergence of the 'donju', the middle class.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-09-2900 minGlobal PoliticsNorth Korea's Emerging Middle ClassNorth Korea has an image of dire poverty and famine, but thanks to trade with Russia and China the economy is a dynamic space and fast developing.
Dr Benjamin Habib (Politics and International Relations, La Trobe University) speaks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe University) about the impact of North Korea's development and the emergence of the 'donju', the middle class.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-09-2918 minGlobal PoliticsChina's Parade: A Celebration or a Warning?China marked the 70th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II with a massive military parade which was as much a celebration as it was a show of force to the rest of the world.
Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) and Dr James Leibold (Senior lecturer, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University) examine the parade and the message that Xi Jinping was trying to send, both domestically and internationally.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-09-1521 minAsia Rising#22 China's Parade: A Celebration or a Warning?China marked the 70th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II with a massive military parade which was as much a celebration as it was a show of force to the rest of the world.
Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) and Dr James Leibold (Senior lecturer, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University) examine the parade and the message that Xi Jinping was trying to send, both domestically and internationally.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-09-1500 minGlobal PoliticsTwo Koreas: A South Korean PerspectiveJo Hong-ju (Republic of Korea's Consul-General to Victoria) presents a South Korean perspective of inter-korean politics, and the fundemental divide between north and south.
A “Contemporary Politics in Northeast Asia” lecture from the La Trobe University Department of Politics and Philosophy and La Trobe Asia.
Introduced by Dr Benjamin Habib, (Lecturer in international relations, La Trobe University).
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-08-2532 minAsia Rising#18 Political Turmoil in East TimorEast Timor is a country struggling with internal conflict, and a young democracy still struggling to assert itself after years of political turmoil.
Dr Jasmine-Kim Westendorf (Lecturer in International Relations, La Trobe University) speaks to Professor Nick Bisley (Director of La Trobe Asia) about the dominant forces at work in East Timor and the news the rest of the world never hears.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-07-2100 minGlobal PoliticsPolitical Turmoil in East TimorEast Timor is a country struggling with internal conflict, and a young democracy still struggling to assert itself after years of political turmoil.
Dr Jasmine-Kim Westendorf (Lecturer in International Relations, La Trobe University) speaks to Professor Nick Bisley (Director of La Trobe Asia) about the dominant forces at work in East Timor and the news the rest of the world never hears.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-07-2117 minAsia Rising#15 Stand-off in the South China SeasA number of high profile incidents have highlighted the contested territory of the South China Seas, most provocatively China's significant land reclamation and construction activties.
In this episode of Asia Rising, Linda Jakobson (Founding Director of China Matters) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) about China's controversial activities in the east and south china seas.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-06-0900 minGlobal PoliticsStand-off in the South China SeasA number of high profile incidents have highlighted the contested territory of the South China Seas, most provocatively China's significant land reclamation and construction activties.
In this episode of Asia Rising, Linda Jakobson (Founding Director of China Matters) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) about China's controversial activities in the east and south china seas.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-06-0918 minAsia Rising#14 One Year of Modi GovernmentAfter the first year of government Narendra Modi has been presented with a number of challenges, both from within his own party and on a national and international stage.
In this episode of Asia Rising, Dr Ian Hall (School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) about Modi's first year as Prime Minister of India.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-05-2500 minGlobal PoliticsOne Year of Modi GovernmentAfter the first year of government Narendra Modi has been presented with a number of challenges, both from within his own party and on a national and international stage.
In this episode of Asia Rising, Dr Ian Hall (School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) about Modi's first year as Prime Minister of India.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-05-2519 minAsia Rising#13 Nepal's Democracy and Earthquake RecoveryAfter years of civil unrest, will Nepal's struggling democracy survive the recent earthquake?
In this episode of Asia Rising, Dr Jasmine-Kim Westendorf (International Relations, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) about Nepal's long road to democracy and future challenges.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-05-1218 minAsia RisingNepal's Democracy and Earthquake RecoveryAfter years of civil unrest, will Nepal's struggling democracy survive the recent earthquake?
In this episode of Asia Rising, Dr Jasmine-Kim Westendorf (International Relations, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) about Nepal's long road to democracy and future challenges.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-05-1218 minGlobal PoliticsNepal's Democracy and Earthquake RecoveryAfter years of civil unrest, will Nepal's struggling democracy survive the recent earthquake?
In this episode of Asia Rising, Dr Jasmine-Kim Westendorf (International Relations, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) about Nepal's long road to democracy and future challenges.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-05-1218 minGlobal PoliticsJokowi's First Six MonthsWhen Joko Widido won the 2014 Indonesian election with a significant popular mandate there was high expectations of the change he would bring to the office.
In this episode of Asia Rising, Dr David McCrae Asia Institute, University of Melbourne) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) about the effectiveness and difficulties facing Widodo's government.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-04-2912 minGlobal PoliticsIndonesia's Hard Line With ExecutionsThe imminent execution of two Australians by Indonesia due to drug related offenses has put a strain on relationships between the two countries, and presents challenges for the leadership of both Joko Widodo and Tony Abbott.
In this episode of Asia Rising, Dr David McCrae Asia Institute, University of Melbourne) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) about the diplomatic tensions of capital punishment.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-04-1617 minGlobal PoliticsChina Bans the VeilRegional authorities outlawed Islamic veils from all public spaces in the regional capital of China’s Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.
Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) speaks to Dr James Leibold (Senior Lecturer, Chinese Politics and Asian Studies, La Trobe University) about the provocation and likelihood of this ban succeeding.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-03-0216 minAsia RisingChina Bans the VeilRegional authorities outlawed Islamic veils from all public spaces in the regional capital of China’s Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.
Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) speaks to Dr James Leibold (Senior Lecturer, Chinese Politics and Asian Studies, La Trobe University) about the provocation and likelihood of this ban succeeding.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-03-0216 minAsia Rising#10 China Bans the VeilRegional authorities outlawed Islamic veils from all public spaces in the regional capital of China’s Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.
Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) speaks to Dr James Leibold (Senior Lecturer, Chinese Politics and Asian Studies, La Trobe University) about the provocation and likelihood of this ban succeeding.
Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2015-03-0200 minGlobal PoliticsThe Popular Protests in Hong KongHong Kong is currently experiencing protests caused by public disagreements over changes to how the Chief Executive of Hong Kong will be selected.
In this episode of Asia Rising, Professor Nick Bisley (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) speaks to Dr James Leibold (Senior Lecturer, Chinese Politics and Asian Studies, La Trobe University) look at the development of the popular protests in Hong Kong and how they might play out.2014-10-0618 minGlobal PoliticsJokowi’s IndonesiaOn 22 July Joko Widodo was formally announced as the winner of Indonesia’s closely fought presidential election. Although Indonesia has enjoyed democratic rule since 1998, this is the first time one elected leader has been replaced by another. A fine result in a difficult year for democracy in Asia. The new president is clearly well liked, but he has considerable challenges to tackle.
Dr Dirk Tomsa Dr Dirk Tomsa (Politics and International Relations at La Trobe University) and Dr David McRae, (Asia Institute, University of Melbourne) present this lecture on how and why Jokowi won, what kind of pr...2014-08-261h 12Global PoliticsJapan's Emerging Place in AsiaJapan has taken a more energised approach on the global stage in recent years, particularly under the leadership of the current Prime Minister, Shinzō Abe.
Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director of La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) and Dr David Envall (Department of International Relations, Australian National University) look at Japan's emerging place in Asia, and the relationship it has with foreign powers.
A La Trobe Asia podcast.
Copyright 2014 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2014-08-0119 minGlobal PoliticsThe Thailand Coup of 2014On the 22nd May 2014 the Royal Thai Armed forces led by General Prayuth Chan-ocha launched a coup against the democratically elected government government, dissolved the senate and stabled a Junta to govern the nation.
Since that time there's been a clampdown on freedom of speech and expression, there's a curfew in place, and while a return to democracy is promised there's uncertainty as to when this will happen.
Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director of La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) discusses the Thai political system, and the challenges of restoring democracy.
A La...2014-07-0814 minGlobal PoliticsWhy is Brazil Important?Alongside China and India, Brazil is an emerged economic giant. It is also custodian of a large part of the environmentally sensitive Amazon Basin. Home to an extraordinary hybrid culture that unites Indigenous, European and African influences, Brazil is world-renowned for its dynamic music, dance and food.
Soon, Brazil will play host to the World Cup and then Rio will be home to the Olympics in 2016. These two sporting events are historically significant but they also highlight the social issues that plague Brazil, including poverty, crime and inadequate social services.
Dr Ralph Newmark (Director, Institute...2014-06-1049 minGlobal PoliticsWhat Does North Korea Want?North Korea is one of the region's most enigmatic states. It is one of the poorest states in Asia, yet is well on its way to developing a nuclear weapon. It has long sought isolation from the outside world, yet it is opening up more special economic zones. And its cult of personality around the Kim family dynasty seems at times almost a self-parody.
The transition of power to the third generation of the Kim family was completed with the public purging of Jang Son-thaek in December 2013. Six months on, with signs that North Korea is likely...2014-06-0250 minGlobal PoliticsModi Wins the Indian ElectionNarendra Modi won a landslide victory with the BJP in the 2014 Indian election. In this La Trobe Asia podcast, Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director of La Trobe Asia) and Dr Ian Woolford (Head of Hindi and South Asian Studies, La Trobe University) present a wrap-up of Indian politics focussing on:
- The outcome of the election and the position of the previously ruling Congress Party
- The kind of government and direction that India can expect under Modi
- The role of social media in the election
- What international relationships the global community...2014-05-2317 minGlobal PoliticsMaking Peace in South AsiaIn contemporary South Asia, conflict is an all too frequent feature of life. As in other parts of Asia, increasingly these are intra-state conflicts which present distinctive challenges for policy-makers and citizenry.
Perhaps the greatest of these is how to transform a situation of protracted conflict into a lasting and sustainable peace. There have been many efforts to negotiate settlements but these often fail either to bring about a cessation of violence or to create the foundations of a stable peace. Why do these negotiated settlements regularly fail? Is the problem in their design or their implementation...2014-04-021h 08Global PoliticsNorth Korea's Human Rights IssuesProfessor Nick Bisley (Executive Director of La Trobe Asia) and Dr Benjamin Habib (Politics and International Relations, La Trobe University) present an update on North Korea, covering three recent events:
- The usefulness and relevance of the United Nations report of the commission of inquiry on human rights in North Korea, authored by Michael Kirby.
- The UNSC Panel of Experts report on North Korean sanction-busting regime.
- North Korea’s recent weapon developments and missile testing.
A La Trobe Asia podcast.
Copyright 2014 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact fo...2014-03-2019 minGlobal PoliticsWhen 1.5 Billion People Go to the PollsIn 2014 Asia's two biggest democracies, India and Indonesia, go to the polls to elect new governments.
Both countries look destined for major political change, with potentially far-reaching consequences for domestic and international politics. In India, the leader of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, has emerged as a front runner in the polls, but the nature of the coalition he would need to form to take power is impossible to predict. In Indonesia, Jakarta governor Joko Widodo is the most popular politician, but his party is yet to endorse him as a presidential candidate and it is possible that the...2014-03-061h 01
PharmacologyCollaboration Key to Cancer FightDr Christopher Bradley (Pharmacy, La Trobe University) highlights the positive outcomes that are being achieved in the fight to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer due to a collaborative approach being adopted by specialists from different scientific and medical fields.
The 2013 Worner lecture, held on 11th September at the Bendigo Campus of La Trobe University.
Copyright 2013 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Contact for permissions.2013-09-3000 minGlobal PoliticsRevolution in the Middle EastProfessor Nick Bisley (International Relations, La Trobe University), Dr Luca Anceschi (International Relations, La Trobe University), and Dr Christopher Friese (American Politics, La Trobe University) on 2011 revolutions in the Middle East, and the time of change.
Copyright 2011 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.2011-04-1246 min