Asia Rising

La Trobe Asia

4.6 (17)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

The podcast of La Trobe Asia which takes a critical look at the key issues facing Asia's states and societies.

21 HR. AGO

Book Launch: The Politics of Language Oppression in Tibet

There 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. Panel: Associate Professor Gerald Roche (Department of Politics, Media, and Philosophy, La Trobe University) Associate Professor Sonika Gupta (Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras) Dr Anna Belew (Executive Director, Endangered Languages Project, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa) Associate Professor Ruth Gamble (Deputy Director, La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University)(chair) Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University)(introduction) Recorded on 15th November, 2024

1h 4m
NOV 13

#231: What the New Trump Presidency Means for Asia

Donald Trump has won the 2024 Unites States election. So what will his return to the White House mean for the Asian region? Guest: Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia) Recorded on 11th November, 2024.

35 min
NOV 12

Indigeneity in Asia

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.

56 min
OCT 29

#230: The Politics of Language Oppression in Tibet

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.

35 min
OCT 21

#229: Citizen Science on the Ganges

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.

29 min
SEP 24

#228: The Decline of Western Influence

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.

27 min
SEP 19

Event: Human Trafficking in Southeast Asia

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.

53 min
SEP 13

West to East: The Global Rebalance

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

1h 3m

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TRAILER

Podcast miniseries: The Catch

The Catch. A podcast miniseries about modern slavery and forced labour in the offshore fishing industry in the Asia Pacific Region. Available now on all podcast platforms. Hosted by Bec Strating, produced by La Trobe Asia.

05/30/2022

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3 min

4.6

out of 5

17 Ratings

Great Podcast!

11/24/2020

JTBis

As an American I hadn’t heard of La Trobe University prior to subscribing to Matt Smith’s “Emperors of Rome” podcast series. Looking for more fresh content, I decided to check out La Trobe’s other offerings and have been really pleased with the Asia Rising podcast. Asia wasn’t on my radar as a podcast listener but this podcast got me hooked. The guests on the show are superb. It’s also a real plus to learn about contemporary Asia from a non-American perspective in order to get a more neutral take, or at least one with less posturing. Love the theme music!
Lots of good info

12/19/2019

Smell what the Brock is cookin

I'm a Yank and thus suffer from an extremely inward-facing and myopic news media, so there aren't a lot of ways for me to learn about the contemporary Asian political landscape. It's been a joy listening to Asia Rising the past few years. I've learned a ton about India under modi, water rights along the Himalayas, the aftemath of the recent Thai coup, and all sorts of other interesting topics. Matt Smith and the various other hosts do well to bring out the best of their many interesting guests. I learn something new everytime I listen, which pleases me to no end. Highly recommended.
The world through their eyes

09/13/2018

ClarkDN

Asia can be enigmatic for those in the west like myself. This podcasts brings in experts on various topics and really makes the complicated understandable. Very nice production! La Trobe is an Australian university, which gives them a unique perspective and voice.
Sponsored by China?

03/15/2019

Mikka R.

Caveat emptor: this podcast presents some balanced viewpoints and others which come straight from the PRC propaganda. Many speakers simply refuse to acknowledge China’s influence operations in Australia as a danger or their influence over ASEAN members as a concern. Maybe because their livelihoods depend on not seeing it?