Global Politics

Indonesia has had ongoing problems with corruption since it established democracy in 1998, and while some recent high profile cases have been exposed, it's a problem at every level of government. Dr Dirk Tomsa (Politics, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) about Indonesia's ongoing struggle to combat corruption, whether it be exposed through efforts of the KPK, or political machinations. Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

Observers worldwide are watching with trepidation as Donald Trump gains ground in the United States election. Perhaps none more carefully than China, who Trump directs many aggressive remarks towards, expressing a desire for stronger trade negotiations. Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) speaks to Matt Smith about Trump's attitude towards China, the actions he could take, and how his victory could work in China's favour. Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

Suicide is a significant public health problem. With a highly populated and urbanised environment, Hong Kong in particular has taken a proactive approach to suicide prevention, such as restricting means, improving the data record, and media engagement. Professor Paul Yip (Director for the Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention) dicsusses suicide prevention practices in Hong Kong, as well as cultural differences in attitudes between the east and the west. Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

Suicide is a significant public health problem. With a highly populated and urbanised environment, Hong Kong in particular has taken a proactive approach to suicide prevention, such as restricting means, improving the data record, and media engagement. Professor Paul Yip (Director for the Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention) dicsusses suicide prevention practices in Hong Kong, as well as cultural differences in attitudes between the east and the west. Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

The west has an uneasiness when it comes to dealing with China. Although it is their biggest trading partner, many governments are concerned about a more confident, ambitious and militarily capable China. Its activities in the South China Sea, its ambitions to develop new links to Europe across the Asian continent, and the recent crackdown on dissent and opponents appear to confirm those most worried about just what China is trying to do in the world. But how does China perceive what it is doing? What ideas shape how China acts on the global stage and what can we expect from China in the coming years? This public forum brings three of China's most influential foreign policy experts together to reflect on these important questions. Speakers: Professor Wang Jisi (President, Institute of International and Strategic Studies, Peking University) Professor Yan Xuetong (Dean, Institute of Modern International Relations, Tsinghua University) Professor Jia Qingguo (Dean, School of International Studies, Peking University) Chair: Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) Introduction: Professor Gary Smith (Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement)) Closing: Dr Chengxin Pan (International Relations, Deakin University) Presented by La Trobe Asia, Deakin University, and the Foundation for Australian Studies in China.

India is a country that can overload the senses. One of the most striking features a visitor can notice is the country's seemingly endemic problem with rubbish and pollution. Professor Robin Jeffrey (Emeritus, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) discusses the extent of India's problem with waste, the cultural attitude towards sanitation, and Modi's plan to clean up India. Follow Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

The South China Sea is a critical commercial gateway for a significant portion of the world’s merchant shipping, and much of the territory is disputed by neighbouring countries. China's recent land reclamation projects in disputed areas leave many to fear it could escalate into full-scale conflict. Dr Euan Graham (Director, International Security. Lowy Institute for International Policy) joins Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) to discuss the dispute and explain what's at stake. Follow Ian Woolford on Twitter: www.twitter.com/graham_euan Follow Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

China sees itself as a victim of imperialism and colonialism. The modern Chinese nationalism, including the one adopted and promoted by the Chinese Communist Party, is defined through this. Assoc. Professor Dibyesh Anand (Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Westminster in London) interrogates this narrative and argues that there is a fundamental disjuncture at the heart of the modern nation-state project in China. Focusing on Tibet, he argues for conceptualising and understanding China as a colonising power. Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

The recent arrest of Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Kanhaiya Kumar on the charges of sedition have shaken India, the world's biggest democracy. Dr Ian Woolford (Hindi Program, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) about the Modi government reaction and what this crisis means for freedom of speech in India. Follow Ian Woolford on Twitter: www.twitter.com/iawoolford Follow Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

Australia's Turnbull government has released a new defense white paper containing the affirmation of the purchase of 12 new submarines. There have been previous indications that these would come from Japan, but much has changed in both domestic and international politics in this time. Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) tells Matt Smith why Japan will be the provider of Australia's submarines and the ripples it could make in international diplomacy. Follow Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley Follow Matt Smith on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nightlightguy Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.