Asia Rising La Trobe Asia
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- News
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The podcast of La Trobe Asia which takes a critical look at the key issues facing Asia's states and societies.
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#218: Prabowo, Indonesia and Foreign Policy
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. -
Event: 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit - Keynote address from Penny Wong and Enrique Manalo
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. -
Event: Contested Waters: Maritime Security in Southeast Asia
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. -
#217: What Taiwan's Election Means for the World
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. -
#216: Xi Jinping and the Future of China
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. -
#215: How China Influences the U.N.
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.