The New East Asian Studies Podcasts in the Age of AI

How do gender, power, and social structures intersect in history, culture, and academia? In this episode, we explore key ideas surrounding gender theory, intersectionality, and their impact on society. Drawing on foundational works from influential scholars and groundbreaking studies, we examine critical debates about how gender intersects with race, class, and institutional power.

We discuss how gendered hierarchies have shaped social systems, explore challenges in feminist and intersectional studies, and look at how these perspectives continue to evolve in addressing systemic inequalities. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional views and offers fresh insights into the complexity of gender and power in our modern world.

What is the New Qing History and why has it sparked heated debates between Chinese and Western scholars? Emerging in the 1990s, New Qing History challenged traditional narratives of the Qing dynasty, reframing it as a multi-ethnic, Manchu-centric empire rather than simply another "Chinese dynasty."

We unpack the origins, key arguments, and innovations of New Qing History, as well as the contrasting receptions it received in China and the West. Why do Chinese scholars criticize it as a Western attempt to undermine China’s historical unity? How has it influenced global perspectives on empire, ethnicity, and historiography? Join us as we bridge this intellectual divide and explore how history continues to shape modern debates on identity, nationalism, and scholarship.

Explore the remarkable journey of ASEAN, a shining example of international cooperation and coexistence in Southeast Asia. This episode dives into the historical foundation, transformative achievements, and future challenges of this dynamic regional organization. Discover how ASEAN’s innovative collaboration model has fostered peace, economic growth, and regional stability, offering valuable lessons for a world grappling with geopolitical rivalries.

Keywords:

ASEAN, Southeast Asia, International Cooperation, Regional Alliances, Economic Growth, ASEAN Success Story, Kishore Mahbubani Insights, Regional Peace in Southeast Asia, ASEAN Leadership and Challenges, Geopolitical Rivals in Asia, ASEAN Secretariat Strengthening, Southeast Asian Podcast

Why Vietnam? In this episode, we explore why Vietnam deserves our attention—historically, politically, economically, and environmentally. We discuss Vietnam’s overlooked diversity, from its 50+ ethnic groups to its global diaspora, and examine its pivotal role in 20th-century conflicts, including colonial struggles, civil war, and the Vietnam War. Moving into the 21st century, Vietnam emerges as an agricultural powerhouse, a rapidly growing economy, and a country at the forefront of climate change challenges. We also highlight Vietnam’s evolving cities, its colonial and intellectual history, and its strategic geopolitical location in the Asia-Pacific. Join us as we uncover the richness and complexity of Vietnam, both as a nation and as a lens to understand global transformations.

Dive deep into the complex relationship between China's history, governance, and economic strategies in this podcast series. Explore Yasheng Huang’s insights from The Rise and Fall of the East and join expert discussions on the historical roots of China's authoritarianism, the pivotal 1980s liberalization period, and the challenges of Xi Jinping's leadership. Unpack how the legacy of the imperial examination system influences modern policies and what it means for innovation, reform, and potential regime change. This podcast bridges past and present, offering invaluable perspectives for understanding China's future trajectory.

How have Asian Americans transformed the U.S. political landscape over the past half-century? In this episode, we examine the rise of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in U.S. elective office, tracing their groundbreaking political journeys. From pioneering figures to contemporary leaders, we explore their trajectories to office, the challenges they faced, and the opportunities they forged.

Drawing on themes of race, gender, and nativity, we discuss how intersectionality and womanist leadership praxis illuminate the significance of Asian American representation. How have these leaders addressed systemic barriers, dismantled "model minority" and "perpetual foreigner" stereotypes, and served diverse communities at local, state, and federal levels? Join us as we explore the stories of resilience, representation, and leadership that are reshaping American politics.

In this episode, we explore China’s remarkable transformation from a struggling Maoist economy to a global powerhouse, and the alleged end of its economic miracle. Drawing from Anne Stevenson-Yang's book Wild Ride, we recount her 25 years of firsthand experience living and working in China. The discussion covers pivotal moments such as Deng Xiaoping's reforms, the rise of the economic elite, the environmental costs of rapid development, and the role of the Communist Party in shaping—and ultimately stifling—reform. We examine the social and political implications of China's rise, including the 2008 Olympics, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resurgence of Maoist-style policies under Xi Jinping. Was China's capitalist experiment ever genuine? Join us as we navigate through this dramatic and eye-opening story.

In this episode, we explore the complex dynamics of US-China relations through the lens of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Senior advisor Dr. Yawei Liu analyzes the perspectives of retired and prominent PLA figures, ranging from hawkish calls for forceful reunification of Taiwan to moderate voices advocating peaceful resolution and domestic growth. We delve into the PLA’s role in shaping public opinion, the influence of media and nationalism, and the challenges in understanding the PLA's internal consensus. Join us to uncover how these perspectives impact policy decisions and the future of global diplomacy.

In the final panel of the Columbia University and Keio University conference, experts discuss the global ripple effects of leadership transitions in Tokyo and Washington. This conversation examines the evolving dynamics of the U.S.-China relationship, escalating tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the strategic role of Japan in navigating these shifts.

Speakers Yuichi Hosoya, Michito Tsuruoka, Stephen Biddle, and Zongyuan Zoe Liu, moderated by Merit Janow, provide critical insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the global order. From economic strategies to deterrence measures and the importance of international collaboration, this session offers a comprehensive analysis of the interconnected world stage.

In this compelling panel discussion, experts from Columbia University and Keio University analyze the geopolitical and security challenges surrounding the Taiwan Strait amid leadership transitions in Tokyo and Washington. The conversation delves into U.S.-China relations under a potential second Trump administration, Japan’s defense policies, and the complexities of balancing relationships with Taiwan, China, and the U.S.

Speakers Andrew J. Nathan, Thomas Christensen, Satoru Mori, and Ayumi Teraoka provide diverse perspectives on the impact of U.S. policy ambiguity, Japan's strategic role, and the risks of miscalculation in the region. Moderated by George Miller, this session offers valuable insights into the future of East Asian security and the evolving U.S.-Japan alliance.