Matter File

In this episode, we were delighted to have with us the author of the book A Kingdom in Crisis: Thailand's Struggle for Democracy in the Twenty-First Century, Andrew Marshall. The conversation covers the public reverence and deification of the Thai monarchy and a shift in attitude with the ascension of Rama X. We cover the Lesse Majeste law and look at the interaction of the monarchy with other facets of Thai society including the judiciary and ruling elite. Finally, we speak a bit about the ongoing protests in Thailand to understand public sentiment and the importance of reforming the monarchy in Thailand.

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In this incredibly topical episode, we are joined by the research director of NIICE, Nepal, Dr Pramod Jaiswal in discussing Nepal's foreign policy, primarily in regard to its large neighbours in India and China. The conversation covers the history of the disputed Kalapani and Lipulekh regions that have stirred up controversy on the Indo-Nepalese border as well as the Chinese construction in the Humla region of Nepal. We further talk about the Madheshi people, the Gorkha Regiment, Nepal's involvement in the BRI and a possible tripartite alliance between India, China and Nepal and what that would mean for the development of Nepal.

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In this episode, we spoke to Dr. Claudio Sopranzetti, anthropologist and author of the book Owners of the Map: Motorcycle Taxi Drivers, Mobility, and Politics in Bangkok. We cover Thailand's urbanisation and urban migratory patterns and what problems they bring. We also have a very interesting chat about the genealogy of social movements and the role of symbolism and students in the success of movements. We focus on the current Thai protests and the massive divide between conceptions of centre and periphery in Thailand and what the asymmetric development of Bangkok has meant to its political environment today.

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In this episode, we talk to the editor and author of "The Paraguay Reader" and "The Transition to Democracy in Paraguay" Mr. Andrew Nickson. The conversation spans several key areas around socio-economic development in Paraguay as we discuss everything from income inequality to political inertia, corruption, and local governance in Paraguay. We also cover the hydroelectric energy potential of Paraguay for industrialisation and the agricultural economy of today. The conversation provides keen insights into structural issues in the political economy of Paraguay and examines the present drivers of change. Resultantly, the conversation serves as a nuanced primer in both the political economy of and socio-economic development in Paraguay.

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In this episode, we had the pleasure of talking to Mr. Baraa Shiban. Mr. Shiban is a caseworker at the NGO Reprieve, a vocal human rights activist and the first Yemeni to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Mr. Shiban was the youth representative at Yemen's National Dialogue in 2014 and has served as an advisor to the Yemeni embassy in London. The conversation examines the obstacles to the peace building process in Yemen and looks at steps that need to be taken in order for a transition out of the crisis.

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In the first of several interviews to gain greater depth in the structure and organization of the Thai State, we talk to Dr. Paul Chambers. Dr. Chambers is the author of several manuscripts and articles on civil-military relationships and democracy in Thailand. In our conversation, we cover the relationship of the Thai monarchy and military, the attitudes of the State to the southern insurgency, and the organisation of the military under the premiership of Prayut Chan-o-cha.

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In the final episode of Thailand, we trace its economic progress from the 1950s till today. The episode examines the phases of import substitution and export promotion that helped catalyze growth in the latter half of the 20th Century. We further explore the causes and effects of the Asian crash of 1997 in Thailand as well as the current state of the Thai economy.

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This episode looks at the contemporary history of Thailand. Starting in the early 20th Century, we trace the origins of their constitutional monarchy, chronicling the constant constitutional turnover. The episode looks that Thailand's political volatility across the 20th century, assessing the role of the military, student bodies and Thai royal palace. It finally looks at the 2020 protests against their current administration as well as the Pattani movement in the south of Thailand. 

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This episode looks at the historic roots of present-day Thailand. It explores the Funan dynasty and the founding of Sukhothai. It further elaborates on the Ayutthaya kingdom and the foundation of the Chakkri dynasty. The Chakkri dynasty's founding was the creation of the modern ruling house of Thailand in the late 18th century and the episode seeks to outline the pre-20th century history of Thailand.

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In the last of three episodes on Paraguay, we discuss the geography and economy of this country in the heart of South America. The episode analyses how the Paraguayan economy, despite political instability, has managed to maintain growth and stability. It further looks at trends in agriculture and wildlife conservation in the country and the impact of the Itaipu hydroelectric power plant on the country.

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