Ear to Asia

Straddling the boundaries of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, the Baloch people have long endured as a distinct ethnic group whose aspirations have been overshadowed by the ambitions of larger state actors. In Balochistan, in Pakistan's west, Baloch ethno-nationalist assertions of identity have long driven protests and petitioning directed at Islamabad -- occasionally taking the form of militant insurgencies. Added to the mix are tensions arising from the Beijing-backed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with its grand infrastructure plans -- including the massive Gwadar Port expansion -- that cut through the region largely oblivious to Baloch concerns or input. To get a closer look at the Baloch people, how they're regarded and treated by Pakistani authorities, and how they're being impacted by CPEC, Ear to Asia host Sami Shah is joined by Pakistan watcher Dr. Nadeem Malik from Asia Institute, and expert on China’s Belt and Road Initiative Dr Pascal Abb of Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF). An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

Indonesia, the world's third largest democracy, has elected Prabowo Subianto to be its next president in a sweeping victory. Yet, Prabowo, who enjoyed substantial support from Indonesia's young voters, is a controversial figure with a reputation marred by human rights violations, a history of anti-democratic rhetoric, and ties to the authoritarian regime of Suharto (1967-1998). So what can Indonesia expect after Prabowo assumes his country's highest office in October? Will he pursue a stance of continuity from the Jokowi era, or will he act decisively to put his own stamp on things? And how are Indonesia's international relations likely to shift under Prabowo, a long-time military commander and defence minister under Jokowi? Seasoned Indonesia watchers Professor Tim Lindsey and Dr Ian Wilson examine Indonesia’s prospects under a Prabowo presidency. Presented by Sami Shah. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

Malaysian society stands at a crossroads as ethnic tensions simmer, fueled by fiery rhetoric and a rise in Malay nationalism. Recent elections exposed a divided democracy, with populists pushing an agenda that strains the nation's multicultural fabric. Despite the absence of actual violence, social media is amplifying hate speech that paints minorities as threats, thus widening the rift between the Malay majority and other ethnic groups. What's behind this ethno-nationalist trend in Malaysian politics, and why now? What can be done to rein in the hurtful speech and set Malaysian society and politics on a course for genuine national unity? Malaysia watchers Dina Zaman and Dr Nicholas Chan examine the complex fabric of race relations in Malaysia with host Sami Shah. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

China's Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2023, aims to reshape global governance by emphasising mutual respect between civilizations and common human values. While it ostensibly appears to embrace diversity, some analysts argue that it primarily serves China's own interests by reshaping international norms in favour of authoritarian regimes. The GCI is part of a trio of multilateral initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, seen as an effort by Beijing to expand its global influence and partnerships. But does the GCI possess genuine substance, or is it merely a public relations exercise? Would all nations be considered equal under Beijing's proposal? And how might the GCI transform our understanding of human rights? Seasoned China watchers Assoc Prof Delia Lin and Dr Sow Keat Tok join host Sami Shah to scrutinise the Global Civilization Initiative. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

Despite China's official stance that reunification with Taiwan is non-negotiable, the perspectives of mainland Chinese writers, filmmakers, and television producers who have lived on the island are often far more nuanced. How have these artists reconciled their ties to the mainland with their experiences in Taiwan? What distinguishes the works of those who fled the mainland at the end of the Chinese Civil War from those who arrived in Taiwan decades later? Historian and translator Dr. Craig Smith, and literary and film critic Dr. Phyllis Huang analyse cultural products that were forged in the crucible of political and ideological division. With host Peter Clarke.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by profactual.com.Music by audionautix.com.

With the return of the El Niño weather pattern after a three-year hiatus, several Southeast Asian nations are preparing for the resurgence of the hazardous haze caused by peatland fires in Indonesia. Indonesia’s 24 million hectares of tropical peatlands – the largest holding worldwide – support vital biodiversity and carbon storage. However, agricultural expansion and drainage for oil palm and pulpwood plantations pose severe threats to these ecosystems. These activities release vast amounts of greenhouse gases, and peat, once drained, is also highly combustible, emitting even more greenhouse gases if ignited. So how closely linked is the fate of the peatlands to global warming? And how can Indonesia balance its development needs while also protecting the environment and contributing to global climate goals? Experts on Indonesia's peatlands, Professor Daniel Murdiyarso and Dr Luba Volkova, examine the current state of Indonesia's peatlands and ongoing conservation efforts, in conversation with presenter Peter Clarke.An Asia Institute podcast.Produced and edited by profactual.com.Music by audionautix.com.

As India’s diaspora continues to expand in Western nations, what are the implications of caste identity, and the discriminatory practices that accompany it, for corporate managers? Despite being prohibited by law in India, cultural norms and social practices have allowed caste-based discrimination to persist. The over-representation of higher caste Indians in leadership positions abroad has correlated with a sharp rise in caste discrimination in Western workplaces, leading some local US jurisdictions, like the city of Seattle, to enact laws specifically banning discrimination based on caste. So what do managers and HR staff in Western workplaces need to know about caste and its impact on employees' wellbeing? How does gender intersect with caste-motivated antisocial behaviors? And how can corporate leaders best be equipped to play a role in preventing caste-based discrimination? Management and marketing researchers Professor Hari Baphuji and Dr Kanika Meshram discuss caste within the corporation with presenter Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

China’s ambitious push into the Pacific Islands through infrastructure investments and loans has raised concerns about its grand strategy and geopolitical goals for nearby middle powers such as Australia. Meanwhile, Beijing's recent security deal with Solomon Islands plus its attempt to strike a larger deal with ten other island nations has prompted Australia to reaffirm its commitment to the region. So, what's been the real trade-off for the island nations caught up in China's Pacific aspirations? And how are the U.S. and its allies such as Australia, who have long assumed some sphere of influence in the region, responding to China's push? Seasoned China watcher Associate Professor Graeme Smith joins host Peter Clarke to examine China's growing footprint in Pacific Island countries. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

Myanmar is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis dating back to the military coup of February 2021, which toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and triggered a massive popular uprising that has been met with a brutal junta-led crackdown on protesters and the civil disobedience movement. Thousands of civilians have been killed, thousands more detained and tortured, and severe restrictions have been imposed on internet access, media freedom, and civil liberties. All this on top of an existing situation in Myanmar in which millions of people were already suffering from poverty, conflict, displacement, and natural disasters. Aid efforts by international and local organisations have also been impeded by the junta, with aid workers facing increasing challenges and risks in accessing and assisting people in need. As international aid players pull back, local civil society organisations have stepped up to serve beleaguered communities. Yet, local aid actors are now calling for wholesale reforms as they find long-established operational practices and funding models are simply ineffective in today's environment. So how are aid providers navigating the ethical and practical dilemmas of humanitarian efforts in Myanmar? And what alternative models and approaches are emerging from local aid workers? Development researchers and Myanmar watchers Dr Anne Decobert and Dr Tamas Wells join Peter Clarke to examine how aid operates in the strife-torn nation.An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

With a history of conflict with large powers such as China and the United States, Vietnam now pursues a carefully calibrated foreign policy of multi-alignment and hedging to balance its strategic interests. The Southeast Asian nation has been working towards greater economic integration into global markets, yet it’s also using active diplomacy, seeking an expanded network of partners, to offset China's military and economic might. So, how well is Vietnam's approach working to safeguard or assert its own interests? And with greater participation in the global economy, how much agency does Vietnam really have to determine its own future? Southeast Asia foreign policy expert Dr Huong Le Thu scrutinises Vietnam’s foreign policy with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

Although the rising popularity of the political far-right in Western liberal democracies has shifted Australia’s security gaze away from Islamic terrorism, two decades of terrorism countermeasures has left scars on Muslim communities down under and elsewhere. So how has living under the yoke of the War on Terror influenced how Muslims see themselves and their place in Western societies? What impact has this environment of suspicion and fear had on the generation of young Muslims who came of age during this period? Researchers of Muslim societies in the West Professor Michael Humphrey and Dr Jan Ali examine the ongoing impacts of the War on Terror with presenter Peter Clarke. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

With the housing sector on the brink, high youth unemployment and slower than desired GDP growth, 2023 is shaping up to be an annus horribilis for China’s economy. Since many of its current economic woes are due to the lingering effects of its zero-COVID policy, it should come as no surprise that Western media are portraying this state of affairs as the consequence of overreach by Xi Jinping and the authoritarian Chinese Communist Party. However, the reality of the complex relationship between the CCP, commercial enterprise, and China's economic performance is far more nuanced. Asia political scientist Dr. Pradeep Taneja and China law specialist Associate Professor Colin Hawes join host Ali Moore in examining how the Party's internal dynamics and sometimes arbitrary decision-making both help and hinder China's vast business sector. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

Cambodia has for decades been aligning itself ever closer to China, with substantial economic and political consequences for the Southeast Asian nation – and with geopolitical implications for its neighborhood and beyond. China's economic influence in Cambodia has been huge, with large-scale Chinese investments and infrastructure projects fueling growth and development. Meanwhile, Cambodia's neighbors, Vietnam and Thailand, who also continue to benefit economically from ties to China, maintain a more cautious stance towards the northern giant. So why does Cambodian leader Hun Sen insist on aligning so closely with Beijing? Who are the real beneficiaries from this apparent fealty? And how does this affect ASEAN, especially member states directly impacted by China's vast territorial claims in the South China Sea? Southeast Asia historian Dr Matthew Galway joins host Ali Moore to examine how Cambodia's tight bond with China affects the region and beyond. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

India faces a daunting task in providing adequate healthcare for its 1.4 billion people. While it can boast world-class hospitals and skilled medical staff, there remain stark disparities in healthcare access and quality, particularly in rural areas. Meanwhile, as India’s public healthcare system is criticized as antiquated and inefficient, the rapid growth of private providers has left millions unable to afford care and millions more financially ruined by medical bills. So, how are India's national and state governments working to make quality healthcare affordable for the masses a reality? And how do they juggle the mix of private and public providers to ensure access across all strata of society? Healthcare policy expert Assoc Prof Azad Bali and economist Prof Raghbendra Jha join host Ali Moore to examine India's complex healthcare landscape. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's victory in Türkiye’s 2023 presidential election extends his two-decade reign by another 5 years yet raises important questions about the country's domestic politics. Despite his handling of a struggling economy and the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake, Erdoğan prevailed in a runoff election that highlighted deep political polarization. So what does Erdoğan’s staying power say about the state of democracy in Türkiye, where an entire generation has never known another national leader? And should we expect Erdoğan to continue with his populist authoritarian practices that critics say have led to a hollowing out of state institutions and entrenched illiberalism? Türkiye watchers Dr David Tittensor and Dr Tezcan Gümüşz discuss what's in store for Türkiye’s 85 million people as Erdoğan begins his third decade in power. Presented by Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

As Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr begins his second year as president of the Philippines, how is his administration impacting the lives of ordinary Filipinos? The controversial term of Marcos’ immediate predecessor Rodrigo Duterte was marked by a brutal war on drugs that led to widespread extrajudicial killings as well as attacks on activists, media and dissenting judicial figures. So how is the younger President Marcos, the son of a dictator, putting his own stamp on the country’s leadership and political landscape? And how much is the enviable economic growth of the Philippines in recent years masking a decline in the health of democracy? Seasoned Philippines watchers Dr Adele Webb and David Lozada join host Ali Moore to scrutinise the Philippines’ first year under Bongbong Marcos. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

In May 2019, Taiwan broke barriers by legalizing same-sex marriage, becoming the first in Asia to do so. While the enormous efforts of activists — coupled with the progressive mindset of Taiwanese youth — were instrumental in achieving this milestone, what is it about Taiwan that has made it the regional forerunner when it comes to the rights of sexual minorities? What lessons can other societies in Asia learn from Taiwan's experience? And how are greater contentions around national identity in Taiwan colouring the movement in its fight against remaining discrimination? Taiwan LGBTQ+ researchers and advocates, Dr Wen Liu and Adam Chen-Dedman, examine the issues and intersections with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

While China asserts its right to some 90% of the South China Sea, its claims variously overlap and conflict with those of Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines -- themselves no strangers to past maritime disputes. In fact, countries across the Indo-Pacific have had to find ways of resolving or at least learning to live with disputed maritime borders. So how have nations chosen to handle maritime border disagreements? What's worked and how much power do international maritime treaties really have? And what lessons are there for the seemingly intractable situation in the South China Sea, where tensions over China's claims pose a real threat to peace and security? Maritime security expert Assoc Prof Bec Strating joins host Ali Moore to examine maritime disputes in the Indo-Pacific. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the harboring of extremist or terrorist groups, continued high numbers of displaced Afghans, and ramped up production of opium for export are key concerns for neighboring nations. Iran, Pakistan, China, India and other countries each have their own interests to protect and opportunities to exploit just across the border. So how great a threat to regional security is Afghanistan under the Taliban? How are relations across borders being reset to accommodate or even capitalize on the power shift in Kabul? And how is the Afghan government navigating its own path in the region in an attempt to secure its own interests? South Asia political scientist Dr Zahid Ahmed joins host Ali Moore in examining how Afghanistan under Taliban rule affects the region. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com.

In Malaysia, the 3 “R”s — race, religion, and royalty — are considered politically sensitive topics, and despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech, the state has passed laws that restrict their discussion, both online and off. While these curbs have the potential to stifle critical discussion and maintain existing power structures, they’ve had little effect on subduing ultra-nationalist voices, resulting in an increase in hate speech and online harassment. What's behind the taboos on the 3 Rs? How are the laws applied? And what is the effect on the health of Malaysian democracy and society? Southeast Asia political scientist Dr James Gomez and Malaysia-based social commentator Dina Zaman explore the nuances of Malaysian political discourse with presenter Ali Moore. An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by Profactual. Music by audionautix.com.