Asia Rising

What does "Indigeneity" mean in Asia? For many in these communities, an Indigenous identity can represent a way to strengthen community identities, encourage language and cultural flourishing, highlight their ancestral relationships to land and water, and push back against large states’ attempts to minoritise them. What are the benefits and challenges of using the term in Asia? What does the grassroots enthusiasm for the term “Indigenous” and top-down restraints on its use mean for our understanding of Indigeneity more broadly? And how could recognising Asian Indigenous groups shape diplomacy and aid programs? Speakers: Professor Sheryl Lightfoot (Political Science and First Nations and Indigenous Studies, University of British Colombia) Dr Tashi Dekyid Monet (School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia) Dr Urmee Chakma (Lecturer, Humanities and Pedagogy Education, La Trobe University) James Blackwell (Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, Australian National University) Dr Ruth Gamble (Senior Lecturer, History, La Trobe University) (chair) Recorded on 30th October, 2024.

After more than 70 years of Chinese rule, much has changed in Tibet, and one notable decline is that of language diversity. There are currently around sixty minority languages spoken in Tibet, in some cases by just a few thousand people, but that number is collapsing under assimilatory state policies. Book: The Politics of Language Oppression in Tibet by Gerald Roche, published by Cornell University Press. Guest: Assoc. Professor Gerald Roche (Politics, La Trobe University) Recorded on 17th October, 2024.

The Ganges River, a lifeline for millions and one of the most significant and sacred rivers in the world, faces a multitude of seemingly intractable environmental challenges. One of the most innovative ways of both researching and shifting attitudes on the Ganges is through Citizen Science, bringing scientists and communities together to learn more about the world around them. Guests: Dr Prem Kurup (Science Education, La Trobe University) Anjali Yadav (PhD Candidate, La Trobe University and IIT Kanpur) Host: Assoc. Professor Ruth Gamble (Deputy Director, La Trobe Asia) Recorded on 17th October, 2024.

For centuries the western world has enjoyed an outsized global influence, but is that time coming to an end? In demographic, economic, military and cultural terms, we are hurtling into a far more diverse global future. Guest: Dr Samir Putri (Former UK diplomat, visiting lecturer at the Department of War Studies at the Kings College London) Samir's book: Westlessness: The Great Global Rebalancing Recorded 10th September, 2024.

Large numbers of people in Southeast Asia seek opportunities to improve their lives either within or outside their home country. While there are many positive benefits, the risk of exploitation is high. Many find themselves deceived or coerced into situations where they are abused and forced to live and work in poor conditions with little or no pay. 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 to better support victims and confront the causes? What roles can researchers play in helping answer these questions? Speakers: - Assoc. Professor Lisa Denney (Acting Director, Centre for Human Security and Social Change, La Trobe University) - Assoc. Professor Sallie Yea (Tracey Banivanua-Mar Fellow, La Trobe University) - Dr Elisabeth Jackson (Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Human Security and Social Change, La Trobe University) - Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia) (Chair) A La Trobe Asia and Centre for Human Security and Social Change event.

The West has always had an outsized influence in the world, but what if this trend is changing? The post cold-war era U.S. and European countries, which represent the foundational pillars of the Western system, have seen their power diminish. Shifts in demographics, economics, military, and cultural terms are indicating a more diverse global future. Wealth is moving from the West to the East, and nations such as India and Indonesia are set to reach new heights of growth and confidence. Is the West prepared for a more diverse global future? The Melbourne launch of Westlessness: The Great Global Rebalancing by Samir Puri. Speakers: Dr Samir Puri (Visiting Lecturer, Department of War Studies, Kings College London) Professor Nick Bisley (Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University) Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia)(Chair) Recorded 9th September, 2024

In recent years Australia has drawn closer to many of its Asia-Pacific neighbours, but when push comes to shove, it continues to look well beyond the oceans and regions that surround it to the distant horizons of Europe and North America for its ultimate security guarantee'. But is there another way Australia should understand its strategic challenges and find lasting security? Girt by Sea: Re-Imagining Australia's Security by Rebecca Strating and Joanne Wallis is published by La Trobe University Press. Guest: Professor Rebecca Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia) Recorded on 15th August 2024.

The catastrophic attacks of 9/11 led to successful US-led military effort to overthrow the Taliban regime and dismantle al-Qaeda’s terrorism training camps in Afghanistan. Britain took the lead in creating the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to stabilise the country and support the new government. Why did the ISAF mission fail, and what are the wider lessons from the Afghanistan war for security in the Asia-Pacific. Guest: Professor Theo Farrell (Vice-Chancellor, La Trobe University) Author of Unwinnable: Britain’s War in Afghanistan published by Penguin Books. Recorded 22nd July, 2024.

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 Australia? Speakers: Emeritus Professor Hugh White AO (Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University) Professor Peter Dean (Foreign Policy and Defence, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney) Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia) (Chair) Professor Theo Farrell (Vice Chancellor, La Trobe University) Recorded on 16th July, 2024.

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 Magee (Former Australian Representative to Taiwan) Recorded on 19th June, 2024.

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 June, 2024.

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 for the quality of democracy and human rights across the globe. What can we learn from these elections in Asia? What can we expect from these countries and the leadership styles they represent? Is democracy healthy in Asia? Speakers: Kevin Magee AO (Former Australian Representative to Taiwan) Dr Priya Chacko (Associate Professor of International Politics, University of Adelaide) Professor Vedi Hadiz (Director and Professor of Asian Studies at the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne) Dr Ruth Gamble (Senior Lecturer in History and Deputy Director of La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) - Chair Recorded 19th June, 2024.

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.

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 Elisabeth Jackson (Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Human Security and Social Change, La Trobe University). Recorded on 13th May, 2024.

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 (the Timor, Arafura and Coral Seas and the Torres Strait), the Western Pacific, the South China Sea, the South Pacific, the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean. In so doing, they reimagine how Australia should understand its strategic challenges and find lasting security. Speakers: - Bec Strating (Professor of International Relations, La Trobe University, Director of La Trobe Asia) - Joanne Wallis (Professor of International Security, University of Adelaide) - Ali Moore (ABC Radio 774) Held on 15th May, 2024 at Readings Bookshop, Carlton.

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.

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) Recorded 28th March, 2024.

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 in upholding regional and maritime order? Speakers: - Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia) - Professor Alessio Patalano (Department of War Studies, Kings College London) - Professor Kyoko Hatakeyama (Graduate School of International Studies and Regional Development, University of Niigata Prefecture) - Professor Nick Bisley (Chair) (Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University) - With an introduction from La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell. The launch of Issue 10 of the La Trobe Asia Brief. Event recorded on 11th April, 2024. This public panel will present research from a collaborative project between La Trobe Asia, Kyushu University and King’s College London. It has received grant funding from the Australia-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office.

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

Indonesia has had a national election, and the likely next president is Prabowo Subianto, a leader with a checkered past. Prabowo served as Jokowi’s defense minister and gained his backing for this election, even naming Jokowi’s son as his VP running mate. Given his background, there are many who are carefully watching the decisions he will make in foreign affairs. Guest: Dr Lina Alexandra (Head of International Relations at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) based in Jakarta). Recorded 6th March, 2024.

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 was introduced by convenor Professor Bec Strating, Director of La Trobe Asia. Held on 4th March, 2024.

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 and cooperation. Speakers: • Dr Chiew-Ping Hoo (Senior Fellow, East Asian International Relations Caucus) • Dr Ruji Auethavornpipat (Lecturer, La Trobe University) • Jennifer Parker (Expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University) • Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia) • Melissa Conley Tyler (chair) (Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D)) Held on 6 March, 2024.

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 January, 2024.

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. Guest: Chun Han Wong of (Journalist, Wall Street Journal and author of Party of One: The Rise of Xi Jinping and China's Superpower Future) Recorded on 1st December, 2023.

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.

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.

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 region in the decade to come? What efforts are being made to increase regional climate resilience? What is Australia’s role in preserving its own regional environment and assisting its neighbours? Panel: - Ambika Vishwanath (Co-Founder & Director, Kubernein Initiative) - Professor Lauren Rickards (Director, La Trobe Climate Change Adaptation Lab, La Trobe University) - Dr Ruth Gamble (Senior Lecturer & DECRA Fellow, Department of Archaeology and History, La Trobe University) - Associate Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia) (Chair) Held on 25 November, 2023.

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.

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.

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 support? The Melbourne launch of Divided Isles: Solomon Islands and the China Switch by Edward Cavanough. Published by La Trobe University Press. Panel: Edward Cavanough (CEO, The McKell Institute) Dr Dan Hu (Research Fellow, Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies, University of Melbourne) Assoc Prof Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia)

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.

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.

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 Indian society. This creates an opportunity for India to use sport as a tool to engage children and adults for increased social participation, livelihoods, development and community connections. A La Trobe Asia / Australia India Institute Event Panel: Dr Biju Philip (La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University) The Hon. Lisa Singh (CEO, Australia India Institute) Mr David Hussey (Head of Male Cricket, Cricket Victoria) Dr Greg Dingle (La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University) Chair: Associate Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia) Recorded on 28 July, 2023.

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.

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 event will unpack Australian nationhood and grapple with Australia’s identity in Asia. Panel: Hon Tim Watts MP (Member for Gellibrand and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs) Alice Pung OAM (Author) Dr Sabrina Gupta (Lecturer, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University) Associate Professor Bec Strating (Director - La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) Held on 14th July, 2023.

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

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 the muted response of most Asian counties abstaining from voting. Guest: Associate Professor Nobuhiro Aizawa (School of Social and Cultural Studies at Kyushu University). Recorded on 18th April, 2023.

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 governments to substantial increases in defence spending, including by advancing the previous government’s plan for nuclear powered submarines. How has the Albanese government positioned Australia’s foreign and defence policy in its first year of power? How is this approach similar and/or different from the previous government? Have relationships with states across Asia and the Pacific improved or deteriorated? And how do we know? Panel: Professor Peter Dean (Director, Foreign Policy and Defence, United States Studies Centre) Yun Jiang (AIIA China Matters Fellow) Kevin Magee (Former Ambassador and Policy Fellow, Australian National University) Associate Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia)(Chair) Recorded on 30 May 2023.

Japan is forbidden by their constitution to use force as a means of settling international disputes, or maintaining military forces with the potential of war. Japan relies heavily on the concept of defence, and how they define it has repercussions for the strategic safety of Japan and its international alliances. Guest: Professor Alessio Patalano (Department of War Studies , Kings College London) Recorded on 20 April 2023 in Japan on a trip funded by a grant from the Australia-Japan Foundation.

Japan has always had a tense relationship with China, but now due to both their geographic proximity and their close alliance with western countries, this tension is taking on new dimensions. Guest: Professor Chisako Masuo (Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University) Recorded 18 April, 2023.

Japan and Russia are geographically close, but have always had an uneasy relationship. Territorial disputes, strained diplomacy, and an unsigned war era peace treaty has amounted to strained bilateral ties, with little sign of easing. Guest: Professor James Brown (Politics, Temple University). Recorded 20 April, 2023.

Emerging 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 produced from the La Trobe Asia Emerging Leaders Program, funded and supported by the United States Embassy in Canberra. Panel: Patrick Saunders (Humanitarian Services, AMES Australia) Abhishek Sharma (Pacific Forum and University of Delhi) Eleanor Shiori Hughes (Non-resident Fellow, EconVue) Afeeya Akhand (Research Intern, Australian Strategic Policy Institute) Kate Clayton (Research Officer, La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) (Chair) Recorded 3 May 2023.

What 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, Defence & Diplomacy Dialogue) - Aristyo Rizka Darmawan (Lecturer, Universitas Indonesia) - Associate Professor Charmaine Misalucha-Willoughby (De La Salle University) - Associate Professor Bec Strating (Director - La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) Recorded on April 26, 2023.

The message conveyed by global media can be a powerful one, useful in influencing public perception and shaping politics, local media and information environments. Controlling the media narrative, usually through influence or your own state-run outlets, is of great interest to China. The superpower is actively seeking to insert itself into many other countries’ elections, social media, media, and overall politics. Guest: Joshua Kurlantzick (Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia Council on Foreign Relations and author of Beijing's Global Media Offensive: China's Uneven Campaign To Influence Asia and the World) Recorded on February 16, 2023.

A recent UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report found global sea levels have been rising at an accelerated rate. For the small island nations of the Asia Pacific this is sobering news, but even for larger nations, lets take Indonesia, there are significant consequences. As an archipelagic state with more than 17,000 islands stretching over 80,000 kilometres of coastline, it should be alarmed by the implications. One issue is that your water territory, your exclusive economic zone (or EEZ) is measured as a distance from your coastline. And if your coastline changes, be it through rising sea levels or land reclamations, that has implications for you, your resources and your neighbours. Guest: Assistant Professor Tara Davenport (Deputy Director, Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law, National University of Singapore). Recorded on 28th November, 2022.

There are around 170 Indigenous languages spoken in the Philippines, as well as speakers of English, Spanish and several Chinese languages. Most people are multilingual, with more than 90 percent of the population speaking one or more language. Guest: Professor Tuting Hernandez (Department of Linguistics, University of the Philippines) Recorded on 22 November 2022.

Australia’s relationships in and with Asia and the Pacific is a perennial feature of debates about its foreign and defence policy and how it projects its sense of identity on the world stage. In recent years Australia’s interaction with major powers have become much more complex. As Australia reconceptualises future directions in dealing with allies and neighbours, and its position in Asia and the Pacific more broadly, what lessons does history offer? What forces have influenced Australia’s role on the world stage both historically and today? What is the future direction of Australia’s foreign relations? How should we reposition what we know about Australia’s international relations and its Asia engagement for an increasingly contested future? This event is the Melbourne launch of the book Australia on the World Stage (edited by Benjamin T Jones, Bridget Brooklyn and Bec Strating). Panel: Wesa Chau (Founder and CEO, Cultural Intelligence) Dr Benjamin T Jones (History, Central Queensland University) Dr Michael O’Keefe (Politics, La Trobe University) Dr Nicholas Ferns (History, Monash University) Associate Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia)(Chair) Recorded on 21 March, 2023

What pressures will the Russian invasion of Ukraine put on Asia? How will China recover post-covid? Will the Quad and AUKUS change power dynamics in the region? To celebrate the 200th episode of Asia Rising, a special recording to discuss the news, views and general happenings of Asian states and societies in 2023. Guests: Professor Nick Bisley (Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University) Assoc. Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia) Recorded on 13 February, 2023.

The Gardens by the Bay are an iconic feature of Singapore, where they dominate every tourist photograph with their towering tree-like structures. Now celebrating their tenth year, they're an emblem of the success of the greening of the city. Guest: Felix Loh (Chief Executive Officer, Gardens by the Bay) Recorded on 28 November 2022.

Indonesia 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 the 2024 general election? A La Trobe Asia event in collaboration with Human Rights Watch. Panel: Andreas Harsono (Human Rights Watch, Indonesia) Associate Professor Dirk Tomsa (Politics, La Trobe University) Dr Dina Afrianty (La Trobe Law School, La Trobe University) Associate Professor Bec Strating (La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University)(chair) Recorded on 7 February, 2023.