Ear to Asia
Ear to Asia is a podcast series produced by Asia Institute. In 2018 the series is hosted by Vice Chancellor's Fellow Ali Moore. Ali is a well-known broadcast journalist and presenter.
From Japan to Turkey, from China to Indonesia, and to many places in between, Ear to Asia talks with our researchers who focus on Asia - in all its diversity of peoples, societies and histories. If you'd like to feast your ears on in-depth conversations about the world’s most populous and dynamic region, we encourage you to subscribe to Ear to Asia.
You can find all episodes and subscribe on whooshkaa, Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher, or other podcast apps.
Episode 39: China's long march to a utopian society
While Chinese notions of an ideal society can be traced back more than two millennia to Confucius, it’s the Chinese Communist Party that claims it’s taking China on the path to a utopia. China historians Dr Craig Smith and Dr Matt Galway discuss the rhetoric and reality behind the CCP’s quest for the perfect society. Presented by Ali Moore.
Further reading
Episode 38: Can Japan stop its rapid population decline?
Japan's population is shrinking at the alarming 1000 people per day, with ominous implications for the nation’s economy and society. Can solutions be found in more family-friendly corporate culture, attracting migrants or even robotics? Migration and diversity expert Assoc. Professor Nana Oishi unpacks Japan’s depopulation phenomenon on Ear to Asia.
Further reading
Episode 37: Indonesia's foreign policy priorities and predicaments
Caught between China's geopolitical ambitions and the United States' questionable commitment to the region, can Indonesia stick to its long held position of not forming alliances with major powers? Political scientists and Indonesia watchers Dr Dave McRae and Dr Evi Fitriani unpack Indonesia’s foreign policy, and explore the options and challenges ahead.
Further reading
Episode 36: Homelands harnessing the power of their diasporas
Diasporas, once viewed by their homelands as merely remittance cash cows, are increasingly being seen by labor-exporting governments as a broader resource for domestic development programs and capacity building. Political economist Professor Andrew Rosser and demographer Assoc. Professor Yan Tan unpack the contemporary relationships between diasporas and their motherlands.
Further reading
Episode 35: Will Narendra Modi and the BJP prevail again in 2019?
Can India’s current prime minister, Narendra Modi, lead his party, the BJP, to another victory in the world’s biggest election in 2019? India watchers Professor Robin Jeffrey and Dr Pradeep Taneja discuss Modi, his record as India’s leader, and the prospects of the opposition, led by the Congress party’s Rahul Gandhi.
Further reading
Episode 34: Grappling with identity in Taiwan
How do the people of Taiwan identify themselves and their society? Most have ancestry that can be traced to the Chinese mainland and now speak Mandarin, but does a uniquely layered history set them apart? Asia-Pacific historian Dr Lewis Mayo and political scientist Dr Sow Keat Tok, both of Asia Institute, examine the notions of ethnic and national identity on the island and discuss the implications for relations with mainland China.
Further reading
Archive of previous Ear to Asia episodes For questions and comments about Ear to Asia, please contact Asia Institute's School Manager, email Rachael BallamyArchive of previous episodes
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