Asia Rising

Over the past two decades, China and India have undergone one of the most dramatic expansions of engineering education in human history. In 2020 alone, India awarded 1.5 million science and engineering degrees, and China awarded 2 million. In China, engineering now makes up a third of all university degrees, and this rate far outpaces the United States. China and India are producing engineers at an unprecedented scale, with significant implications for governance, social mobility, gender equity, and the labour market. What does it mean for a society when efficiency and measurable outcomes become the dominant lens through which its most educated citizens — and its leaders — see the world? Do you need an “engineered” society to replicate China’s economic growth? And how might India’s path differ? A webinar from La Trobe Asia and the Asian Smart Cities Research and Innovation Network (ASCRIN) at La Trobe University. Speakers: Dr Trissia Wijaya (McKenzie Research Fellow, Asia Institute, University of Melbourne) Abhiram Haridas (PhD Candidate, ASCRIN and IIT (Kanpur) Akkapeddi Rama Krishna Satya Srinivas (Graduate researcher, ASCRIN and IIT (Kanpur)) Dr Ruth Gamble (Director, La Trobe Asia)(Chair) Recorded on 28th April, 2026.

Tibet's story is one of the most profound of the modern era — a civilisation forced into exile, carrying its language, philosophy, and sacred texts across the Himalayas in an act of collective survival. Preserving that heritage, while also engaging the modern world, has become one of the defining challenges for Tibetans in diaspora. Few people embody that challenge more personally than Geshe Lhakdor. Born in Tibet in 1956, he fled to India as a child, went on to spend sixteen years as the personal English translator and religious assistant to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and has since become the Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala — one of the most important repositories of Tibetan knowledge in the world. Guest: Geshe Lhakdor Recorded 23rd March, 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.

Xi Jinping has secured a historic third term as general secretary with unmatched political authority. This has given China a new drive to retain its position as a global superpower, and a desire to restore what Xi believes is China’s natural position of leadership in the world. As China attempts to reassert itself after harsh covid-19 lock-downs, what is driving Chinese foreign policy under current President Xi. What is his vision for China in the world? And what are the implications of President Xi’s agenda for other states in the region? An event to celebrate Professor Suisheng Zhao's new book :The Dragon Roars Back - Transformational Leaders and Dynamics of Chinese Foreign Policy", published by Stanford University. Panel Professor Suisheng Zhao (Director, Center for China-US Cooperation, University of Denver) Dr Yangbin Chen (Coordinator, Chinese Studies Program, La Trobe University) Dr Dan Hu (Research Fellow, Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies, University of Melbourne) Associate Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia)(Chair) Recorded on 3rd Februrary 2023.

Singapore is a small country, highly reliant on commerce and trade, and with strong ties to China. This relationship can be at odds with other practices, for example: Its small military has an active conscription system. All citizens need to serve at least two years in the military, and their training bases are in Taiwan. Guest: Associate Professor Ian Chong (Political Science, National University of Singapore) Recorded 25th November 2022.

In 2022 The Philippines elected a new president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and with him came a pivot in international views, particularly towards China and the United States. The previous administration led by Rodrigo Duterte had embraced China and the development opportunities it had to offer, and while Marcos Jr might continue this, it might be with slightly less enthusiasm. Guest: Professor Aries Arugay (Political Science, University of the Philippines) Recorded 23rd November 2022.

When Rodrigo Duterte was elected to the office of president in 2016 one of his main election promises was to clean up the drug trade. And he was quite open about how he was going to do it. The language he used was provocative and ruthless – those involved in the drug trade would be dealt with, using as much force as necessary. For those working in the Filipino media and covering these events it can be a challenge to get accurate information – people are reluctant to talk, and the government wants to keep the full extent of the drug war away from the public. Guest: Rambo Talabong (Multimedia Journalist, The Rapper) Recorded 23rd November 2022.

As tensions in the Indo-Pacific increase and new security issues emerge, Australia, the United States, India and Japan have come together with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue to support the Indo-Pacific. The event will explored the key issues and challenges of the Quad, and the role of each state in emerging security issues Indo-Pacific. This event was a part of the QUADMIN Emerging Leaders Dialogue, bringing together emerging leaders from Australia, the United States, India and Japan. QUADMIN is supported by the U.S. Embassy Canberra. Panel: Stuti Bhatnagar (Research Fellow, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University) Kate Clayton, (Research Officer La Trobe Asia) Tom Corben (Research Fellow, Foreign Policy and Defence Program, United States Studies Centre) Eleanor Shiori Hughes (Defense Analyst, The Asia Group) Associate Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia)(Chair) Recorded 16 November 2022

India is a country rich in food variety and tastes, but access to food has changed, bringing options of western foods of differing nutritional value. With changes in diet comes a change to health, and wider implications on the health system of the country. Guests: Dr Sabrina Gupta (Department of public health, La Trobe University) Dr Jency Thomas (Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University) Dr Rahul Krishna Puvvada (PhD graduate, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University) Recorded 10th November 2022.

Mr John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia (1996 - 2007) on Asia, his legacy, and Australia's place in the region. His new book, A Sense of Balance, is published by HarperCollins Australia. Recorded 19 October 2022.

The United Nations has declared 2022 the start of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, aiming to raise awareness of the ongoing global loss of Indigenous languages. Ongoing attacks on human rights defenders and restrictions on civil society are critically challenging the effectiveness of these efforts. Read Indigenous Language Rights and the Politics of Fear in Asia - Issue 7 of The La Trobe Asia Brief. Dr Gerald Roche (Senior Research Fellow in Politics at La Trobe University, La Trobe Asia fellow). Recorded 29 September 2022.

Approximately 7,000 languages are signed or spoken in the world today, more than half of them by Indigenous people. These languages are critical to services like education and healthcare, and their neglect threatens the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people. Language is literally a matter of life and death. The United Nations has declared 2022 the start of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, highlighting the need for governments and societies to amplify the voices and knowledge of Indigenous peoples globally, and involve them directly in the process. However, in Asia’s largest and most linguistically diverse countries, human rights defenders and civil society are under attack, creating a climate of fear that poses serious challenges to successfully implementing the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. This event launched the new issue of the La Trobe Asia Brief: Indigenous Language Rights and the Politics of Fear in Asia, authored by Gerald Roche, Madoka Hammine and Tuting Hernandez. Panel: Dr Gerald Roche (Senior Research Fellow, Politics, La Trobe University) Professor Jakelin Troy (Director, Indigenous Research, University of Sydney) Dr Dolly Kikon (Senior Lecturer, Development Studies, University of Melbourne) Professor James Leibold (Politics, La Trobe University) (Chair) Recorded on 4 October 2022.

With China mostly closed to international journalists accurate reporting is a challenging prospect, putting those engaged in it in danger from the Chinese government and their supporters. Guest: Vicky Xu (Journalist and Author, lead researcher of Uyghurs for Sale) Recorded 17 August 2022.