Asia Rising

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...

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, intera...

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 ...

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. Mana...

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 Austra...

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 Strati...

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 syst...

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 benefit...

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)

Record...

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 benefit...

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, 20...

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 ...

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...