Ear to Asia

After the Taliban wrested power from Afghanistan’s democratically-elected government in August 2021, almost overnight, life for millions of Afghans changed radically and possibly irrevocably. Notably, the rights of women and girls to be educated and to participate in the workforce were stripped away. But the nation was also plunged into a terrible humanitarian crisis with more than a million severely malnourished children, massive unemployment, and runaway inflation. So what caused the sharp decline in living conditions? What can aid agencies like the United Nations Development Programme do to improve the lot of ordinary Afghans? And what will it take to stave off the collapse of Afghanistan? Abdallah Al Dardari, the UNDP’s resident representative in Afghanistan gives us the view from Kabul. Presented by Peter Clarke.

An Asia Institute podcast.

Produced and edited by Profactual.

Music by audionautix.com.

Since the 1950s but peaking in the 1980s, an estimated 200,000 South Korean babies and children have been adopted into mainly white families in western nations, leaving a trail of fractured identities. Why did the South Korean government allow so many of its children to be sent permanently abroad? What have been the fates of the adoptees, some now well into middle age? And how are some adoptees working to reconnect themselves to the land and culture of their birth? South Korea social scientists Assoc Prof Eleana Kim and Dr Ryan Gustaffson examine the legacy of the transnational adoption program with host Peter Clarke.

An Asia Institute podcast.

Produced and edited by Profactual.

Music by audionautix.com.

Taiwan and Korea were colonised by Imperial Japan for much of the first half of the 20th century, and liberated only after Japan surrendered to allied forces in 1945. While North and South Korea continue to share a deep resentment towards Japan, Taiwan exhibits a more positive attitude towards their former coloniser. Why is there such a stark difference in attitude towards Japan, and what present-day political ends do the differing narratives serve? Korea historian Prof Kyung Moon Hwang and Asia historian Dr Lewis Mayo examine the ongoing legacy of Japanese colonization. Presented by Jane Hutcheon.

An Asia Institute podcast.

Produced and edited by Profactual.

Music by audionautix.com.

While non-violence and detachment may be central to Buddhist teachings, there are growing accounts of human rights abuses – often along ethnic lines – in Buddhist-majority countries like Myanmar and Sri Lanka, often carried out in the name of Buddhism. So how does Buddhism intersect with political power? And how has Buddhism itself been changed by the demands and constraints of the modern nation-state? Southeast Asia historian Assoc Prof Patrick Jory and Asia cultural and environmental historian Dr Ruth Gamble join host Jane Hutcheon to examine the junction of Buddhism, social life and politics in majority Theravada Buddhist countries.

An Asia Institute podcast.

Produced and edited by Profactual

Music by audionautix.com.

China’s meteoric economic rise over the last 40+ years has been accompanied by hundreds of millions of people leaving the countryside to seek opportunities in the nation's metropolises. Housing this immense influx has been and continues to be a challenge for authorities. So how is China meeting the challenges of providing a roof over the heads of 1.4 billion people? What’s the impact of the headline financial troubles plaguing the real estate development industry? Experts in China social policy and governance Professor Bingqin Li and Dr Lei Yu join host Ali Moore to examine China’s housing sector.

An Asia Institute podcast.

Produced and edited by Profactual.

Music by audionautix.com.

The recent change of government in Australia and a less strident tone in messaging from the Chinese leadership are being taken by some as a promising turn for fractured bilateral ties. But as Australia remains caught in the great power rivalry between the United States and China, what kind of relationship can we realistically expect between Canberra and Beijing going forward? How should Australia mend fences with its greatest trading partner? And how might China itself contribute to improving bilateral relations? China watchers Dr Sow Keat Tok and Yun Jiang join presenter Jane Hutcheon to examine the road ahead for Australia.

An Asia Institute podcast.

Produced and edited by Profactual.

Music by audionautix.com.

Protesters returned to the streets of Bangkok in late 2021 – after a hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions – with anger over curbs to civil and political rights as well as calls for reform of the Thai monarchy. In response, Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government has sought to quell the pro-democracy protests by restricting and monitoring internet use, and by ramping up enforcement of lèse-majesté laws. Analyst of Thai politics Dr. James Gomez joins presenter Jane Hutcheon to decipher the complex political landscape of the predominantly Buddhist nation.

An Asia Institute podcast.

Produced and edited by Profactual.

Music by audionautix.com.

Malaysia has witnessed a succession of prime ministers and political alliances over the past four years in what some observers say is the most serious era of political instability since independence in 1957. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s grand old party, UMNO, dealt an unprecedented defeat in 2018 following a global corruption scandal and mass protests, is now back in power – dashing the expectations of religious and ethnic minorities. What will it take for the political turmoil to end in Malaysia, once a catchword for successful multi-ethnic economic development? Long time Malaysia watchers Professor James Chin and Dr Nadzri Noor shine a light on contemporary Malaysian politics. Presented by Ali Moore.

An Asia Institute podcast.

Produced and edited by Profactual.

Music by audionautix.com.

India has now on four occasions abstained from voting in the United Nations to censure Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. New Delhi’s muted response to Moscow’s military offensive may seem mystifying given India’s own experience of armed incursions by China, as well as its membership in the US-led Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (“the Quad”). So what binds India and Russia? How does India reckon with a world order largely created by western powers? And for how much longer can India sit on the US-Russia fence? Veteran India watchers Prof Ian Hall and Dr Pradeep Taneja examine India’s options with presenter Ali Moore.

An Asia Institute podcast.

Produced and edited by Profactual.

Music by audionautix.com.

Having built a Shariah-compliant global finance industry now worth US$3 trillion, Islamic legal experts are now grappling with the question of whether cryptocurrencies are permissible for the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims. Just how are religious laws from the 7th century adapted to meet the present-day needs and economic aspirations of believers? How do Islamic jurists decide what is halal, and what happens when there’s disagreement? And how will cryptocurrencies and other emerging technologies fit into the future of Islamic finance? Dr Ryan Calder, who researches the social impacts of Shariah law, and Hassan Jivraj, Islamic finance journalist, probe these issues with presenter Ali Moore.

An Asia Institute podcast.

Produced and edited by Profactual.

Music by audionautix.com.