Asia In-Depth

Tech and Global Power, with John Lee Mar 03, 2025

Semiconductors, EVs, AI, TSMC, BYD, DeepSeek...

In a time when trade, technology, and global power dynamics are more interconnected and in flux than ever before, we turn to an expert on all those things on this episode: John Lee, a leading voice on high-tech industries in China and the region, and on how they impact foreign relations.

John is the 2025 TOY Senior Fellow at Asia Society Switzerland, which means he'll be around frequently this year to explore key global challenges, geopolitics, and the impact of technological advances on it all.

He has also been named a Fellow at Asia Society's Center for China Analysis. The TOY Senior Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of Max and Monique Burger and the "Thinking of Yves" Family, Hong Kong.

This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

Economy Watch: Japan, China, and India Feb 10, 2025

Late last year, at our annual STATE OF ASIA conference, we hosted a conversation on the economic developments in Japan, China, and India.

After decades of stagnation, Japan’s economy is showing optimism from structural shifts like labor market reforms and wage increases that are finally starting to pay off.

In China, growth has peaked and the government is yet to succeed in convincing its population it’s okay to spend money.

All the while, India is now the fastest-growing developing economy and scrambling to shed its protectionist past in order to create a lot more much-needed jobs.

This, and much more, was discussed in three 12-minute conversations by:

Garima Mohan, Senior Fellow in the Indo-Pacific program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States
Alicia García Herrero, Chief Economist Asia Pacific at Natixis
Yumiko Murakami, General Partner at MPower Partners Fund, L.P.

More information on the conference, the speakers, plus videos and summaries, are available on our website.

This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

How We Talk About China, with Kaiser Kuo Feb 03, 2025

Kaiser Kuo, host of the long-running Sinica podcast, joins us in Zurich to discuss the evolving narrative on China, and why the West is so often 'stunned' by Chinese breakthroughs in electric vehicles, green technology, or, most recently: AI, with DeepSeek.
We explore the reasons behind the challenges of reporting on China, the importance of strategic empathy, and the shifting dynamics of global influence, particularly in relation to American exceptionalism.
Recommendations mentioned at the end of the episode:

Chartbook, by Adam Tooze

Pekingnology and The East is Read, by Zichen Wang

Interconnected, by Kevin Xu

Baiguan, by Robert Wu

Chinese Cooking Demystified

Playground, by Richard Powers

Dal recipe

India and Indonesia: Can They Pull It Off? Jan 27, 2025

India and Indonesia, the juggernaut democracies of South and Southeast Asia, both ended 2024 with new governments that hold new ambitions. How will this pan out in the year to come?
We talked about this with Dewi Fortuna Anwar, one of Indonesia’s foremost foreign policy experts; and Garima Mohan, Senior Fellow in the Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund. The conversation is moderated by James Crabtree, 2024 TOY Senior Fellow at Asia Society Switzerland, and was recorded at the third edition of our STATE OF ASIA conference, held last November in Zurich.

More information on the conference, the speakers, plus videos and summaries, are available on our website.

The State of China, with Qing Wang, Zichen Wang, and Adam Tooze Jan 13, 2025

China is undergoing unprecedented changes domestically, while also dealing with the challenges of a volatile world. Listen to Qing Wang, host of the popular Chinese-language podcast The Weirdo; Zichen Wang, Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization; and Adam Tooze, economic historian and professor at Columbia University discuss the state of China.

The discussion is moderated by Finbarr Birmingham, Europe correspondent for the South China Morning Post, and was recorded at STATE OF ASIA, the flagship conference hosted by Asia Society Switzerland last November, in Zurich.

This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

The State of the World, with Kyung-wha Kang and Adam Tooze Jan 06, 2025

We're kicking off the year with two great minds discussing the State of the World as Asia's global importance continues to grow, Europe seems somewhat lost, and the U.S. is preparing for the return of Donald Trump to the White House.
Listen to Asia Society President & CEO Kyung-wha Kang and economic historian Adam Tooze, professor at Columbia University in New York. Their conversation was recorded at STATE OF ASIA, the flagship conference hosted by Asia Society Switzerland last November, in Zurich.
This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

Age of Vice, with Deepti Kapoor Dec 09, 2024

Deepti Kapoor's Age of Vice, published in 2023, is a story of power, corruption, and complicity, set in modern India. In the early 2000s, the lives of Ajay, Neda, and Sunny – the novel's three main characters – cross in New Delhi. There is idealism, optimism even; but also crime, drugs, and violence, as Sunny Wadia follows in the footsteps of his powerful father. Age of Vice, which became a New York Times bestseller and will be adapted into a tv series, is a deeply researched portrait of a changing country, with a fast-growing economy, and ever greater inequality.

Deepti visited Zurich in October 2023 to talk about the book at Asia Society Switzerland's Big Picture event. The conversation was moderated by James Crabtree, 2024 TOY Senior Fellow at Asia Society Switzerland and himself author of The Billionaire Raj, a well-received book on crony capitalism and the rise of India's billionaire class. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia

The 2024 State of Asia Address, with Adam Tooze Nov 13, 2024

On November 6, 2024, leading global thinker Adam Tooze delivered Asia Society Switzerland's third annual State of Asia Address in front of a full house in the prestigious aula of the University of Zurich. Listen to the address in this episode of the podcast.

Tooze talked about the different impact the return of Donald Trump as U.S. President has for Europe and Asia, about Asia in a time of polycrisis, and about the importance of keeping track of what’s happening in Asia.

Tooze holds the Shelby Cullom Davis chair of History at Columbia University in New York City. In 2019, Foreign Policy Magazine named him one of the top Global Thinkers of the decade.
Chartbook, his newsletter on economics, geopolitics and history, has over 120,000 subscribers. He is a columnist for Foreign Policy, where he also hosts a weekly economics podcast, Ones & Tooze.
This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

Everybody’s Looking at India, with Garima Mohan Nov 13, 2024

China and India seem to be en route a to better, or less bad, relationship for the first time in years. Germany published its first 'Focus on India' policy paper, immediately followed by a visit of Chancellor Scholz to New Delhi. The new EU Commission has specifically named India as an important part of its strategies. Russia, just like India a founding member of BRICS and host of that forum's 2024 summit, has its own pressing reasons to maintain the historical ties with India. And then there's the Quad, in which India cooperates ever closer with the United States, Australia, and Japan.
What is India making of this momentum? Will it stick to its policy of non-alignment, or is, despite all the approaches from all sides, nonetheless a tilt to the West visible?
On this episode, we discuss all this with Garima Mohan, Senior Fellow in the Indo-Pacific program at the German Marshall Fund, where she leads the work on India and heads the India Trilateral Forum. Her research focuses on Europe-India ties, EU foreign policy in Asia, and security in the Indo-Pacific.
This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

Where Global Chinese Come To Talk: The Weirdo, with Qing Wang Oct 14, 2024

’The Weirdo’ is a podcast for people who live up to its name. It’s a very popular weekly Chinese-language show, where younger generation Chinese living both inside China and elsewhere come together to talk about topics ranging from international relations to personal relationships, from current events to the big issues of our time.
It’s, as the hosts say it, about ‘human survival in a complex and ever-changing world’.
On this episode, we speak with Qing Wang, award-winning journalist and one of the hosts of ’The Weirdo’, about not fitting in, the courage to say no, how Europe’s image has changed among people in China – and not for the better.
Qing is one of the speakers at our flagship STATE OF ASIA conference on November 7 in Zurich. Have a look at the full line-up and find information on how to get tickets on our website.
This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all.
More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

Indonesia’s New President, with Dewi Fortuna Anwar Oct 01, 2024

On October 20, 2024, Indonesia will inaugurate Prabowo Subianto as its new president. Ever since his election win back in February, world leaders have been courting Prabowo, meeting with him even before he has taken office. Prabowo seems to love presidenting around the world much more than current President Joko Widodo did during his ten years in office.

If all goes well, says Dewi Fortuna Anwar, our guest on this episode, Indonesia under Prabowo could claim a much more active role on the world stage to deal with global issues like climate change and energy security. But Prabowo is also known to be temperamental and at times unpredictable, finding particular joy in sneering at Europe.

This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

Asian Perspectives on the U.S. Election Sep 17, 2024

Asia Society Australia, in collaboration with Asia Society centers in Hong Kong, India, and Japan, hosted a panel discussion to explore how Asian countries perceive the U.S. role in Asia and what bearing the election will have on the region’s security and prosperity. Participants include Dr. Natalie Sambhi, senior policy fellow at Asia Society Australia; Hiroyuki Akita, commentator at Nikkei Inc., Japan; Debra Mao, journalist in Hong Kong; and Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former foreign secretary of India. Asia Society Australia CEO Anthony Bubalo moderates the conversation.
This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

The Impact of Leadership Changes in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Sep 03, 2024

In 2024, over half the world’s population has been voting for new leaders – or will do so very soon.
In Asia, countries from Bangladesh to Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia, end this year with other leaders than the one they started it with (though not all through general elections). So do the EU, the UK and, in January 2025, the U.S..
James Crabtree, TOY senior fellow at Asia Society Policy Institute and Asia Society Switzerland, joins us to dissect the impacts these leadership changes have on the geopolitical landscape.

This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

Why India is not the next China, with Alicia García Herrero Jun 24, 2024

As India’s economy continues to grow, can the world’s most populous country truly replicate China's success of the past decades? Should India even imitate China? Maybe not, says our guest on this episode, Alicia García Herrero, Hong Kong-based Chief Economist for Asia-Pacific at French investment bank Natixis, and Senior Fellow at European think tank Breugel.

Alicia discusses the key differences between the two countries, talks about if the world is even looking for a new China, and provides insights on what economic policies could drive India’s continued growth, especially as the country enters a second decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia

Myanmar More Than Three Years into the Coup, and Prospects for the Future Jun 17, 2024

Two human rights experts and members of the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, Yanghee Lee and Chris Sidoti, join Asia Society Executive Vice President and Asia Society Policy Institute Senior Fellow Debra Eisenman to discuss the current state of play in Myanmar, where effective control of the country lies, and prospects and recommendations for the future.

Myanmar, a country of over 50 million people, which was under military rule for decades and has been embroiled in a more than 70-year civil war, was for nearly 10 years starting in 2011, undergoing a top-down democratic transition. This came to an abrupt and brutal halt in February 2021 with a military coup. The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar is an independent group of international experts working to support the peoples of Myanmar in their struggle for human rights, peace, democracy, justice, and accountability. The Council has just released a paper on the status of military control of the country.

Insights into the Indian Elections with Dr. Ronojoy Sen May 27, 2024

With over 970 million eligible voters, the ongoing Indian elections mark the world's largest democratic exercise. As the six-week-long election process unfolds, Farwa Aamer, director of South Asia Initiatives at the Asia Society Policy Institute, sits down with Dr. Ronojoy Sen, senior research fellow and research lead in Politics, Society, and Governance at the Institute of South Asian Studies and the South Asian Studies Program at the National University of Singapore, to discuss the key factors shaping the Indian elections, voter perceptions on the ground, and the priorities for the new government.

Permission To Come Home: Dr. Jenny Wang on Asian Americans and Mental Health May 27, 2024

May 14, 2024 — Dr. Jenny Wang, nationally recognized psychologist and author on the intersections of mental health, Asian American identity, and racial trauma, discusses strategies for both Asian and non-Asian communities to prioritize mental health, reshape limiting narratives, and progress towards personal and collective freedom and autonomy. Kanika Chadda Gupta, seasoned CNN television journalist and podcaster, moderates the conversation. (55 min., 56 sec.)

Japan’s Balancing Act, with Yuki Tatsumi May 27, 2024

As tensions simmer in its immediate environment, Japan is on high alert. In the midst of
China's "sustained aggressiveness," Japan is revising its defense and security policies.
But how does this align with its pacifist constitution, and is there still room for
engagement with China? Hear from Yuki Tatsumi, senior fellow and co-chair of the East
Asia Program, and director of the Japan Program at the Stimson Center in Washington,
DC.
Yuki sheds light on Japan's historical approach to China, the current state of their
bilateral relations, and the delicate balance between deterrence and engagement.
We also discuss the implications of Japan's changing security policies on its relationship
with other regional players, including South Korea and India and we explore the
sentiment of the Japanese public towards these shifts.
Want more insights on Japan’s foreign policy? Watch Gideon Rachman, chief foreign
affairs commentator at the Financial Times in conversation with Jesper Koll at Asia
Society Japan in this video.
This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

China and Eastern Europe, with Alicja Bachulska May 14, 2024

Views of China in Central and Eastern Europe range from Hungary, eager to be Beijing’s best friend, to the adverse Baltics. Hear Warsaw-based China analyst Alicja Bachulska on the unique experiences Beijing has with the region, and how this could contribute to a more robust European China policy.

This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

A Conversation with Asia Society President Dr. Kyung-wha Kang on Leadership and Global Governance May 01, 2024

Managing Director Rorry Daniels interviews Asia Society President and CEO, Dr. Kyung-wha Kang, on what has shaped her career, including her mentors and key successes. The conversation also covers how Dr. Kang's experience in national government and international institutions influences her perspective on global governance and the important role of civil society and non-profits, including the Asia Society.
This episode is from Asia Inside Out, a podcast series from the Asia Society Policy Institute that takes you beyond the latest headlines and provide an insider’s view on regional and global affairs. Each month we’ll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. Subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else podcasts are found. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/podcast-asia-inside-out.

Nepal’s Challenges, with Deputy Speaker Indira Ranamagar Apr 30, 2024

Indira Ranamagar is Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal since January 2023. She started her career as a primary science and maths teacher in village schools in the southeast of Nepal, and became a social worker in prisons in 1990. For well over 30 years now, she has been a prolific human rights and social worker. In 2000, she founded the NGO Prisoner’s Assistance Nepal, which looks after prisoners' welfare and works to give children whose parents are imprisoned an education and a roof over their heads.

In 2022, she was elected to Nepal’s House of Representatives on behalf of a brand-new political party, taking her social work from the streets to parliament.

In 2007, Indira was named an Asia 21 Young Leader by the global network of Asia Society, while in 2009 her NGO PA Nepal received the Asia Society Asia 21 Public Service Award. In 2017, she was the first Nepali to feature on the BBC’s list of the 100 most influential women in the world.

For more on Nepal, watch this episode of our popular series A Closer Look: a quick but deep dive into the Himalayan nation with Nepalese investor Suman Joshi, recorded in March, 2023.
This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.

The Broad Appeal of Modi’s BJP, with Nalin Mehta Apr 18, 2024

Nalin Mehta is a political scientist and journalist in Delhi, India, and author of The New BJP, a work you can only call THE book on the BJP, the largest political party in the world. Under the leadership of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has solidified its position as the uncontested center of power in the world's most populous country.
As India heads to the polls over a 6-week period beginning April 19, we talk with Nalin about how the BJP built and expanded its power base, and what Modi, who is all but certain to once again win the elections, could set as priorities upon starting his second decade as Prime Minister.
This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia

The United States, China, and the Future of the Global Order with Kishore Mahbubani and Orville Schell Apr 01, 2024

NEW YORK, March 21, 2024 — Asia Society Policy Institute, in partnership with Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania, hosts a discussion on the U.S.-China relationship and how it impacts global trends. Speakers include Kishore Mahbubani, 2023-24 Schlager visiting fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's Perry World House; and Orville Schell, Arthur Ross director of the Asia Society’s Center on U.S.-China Relations. Rorry Daniels, managing director of Asia Society Policy Institute, moderates the conversation.
Asia Inside Out brings together our team and special guests to take you beyond the latest policy headlines and provide an insider’s view on regional and global affairs. Each month we’ll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. If you want to dig into the details of how policy works, this is the podcast for you.
This podcast is produced by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a “think-and-do tank” working on the cutting edge of current policy trends by incorporating the best ideas from our experts and contributors into recommendations for policy makers to put these plans into practice.

Asia Spotlight 2024: Telling Asia's Stories, Reporting on the Region Feb 29, 2024

WASHINGTON D.C., January 25, 2024 — In this episode of Asia Inside Out, Wendy Cutler, Vice President & Managing Director of the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., leads a discussion at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Asia Spotlight 2024 conference with Nick Schifrin, Foreign Affairs and Defense Correspondent at PBS Newshour; Demetri Sevastopulo, U.S.-China Correspondent at the Financial Times; Lingling Wei, Chief China Correspondent at the Wall Street Journal; and Edward Wong, Diplomatic Correspondent at the New York Times. The journalists and analysts discuss U.S.-China relations, China’s economy, the U.S. presidential election, and North Korea.
Asia Inside Out brings together our team and special guests to take you beyond the latest policy headlines and provide an insider’s view on regional and global affairs. Each month we’ll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. If you want to dig into the details of how policy works, this is the podcast for you.
This podcast is produced by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a “think-and-do tank” working on the cutting edge of current policy trends by incorporating the best ideas from our expert

COP28: What’s New and What’s Next for Asia? Dec 26, 2023

This month, we dive into the details of COP28, the world’s annual climate policy gathering, and what it means for Asia. Host and Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) Managing Director Rorry Daniels discusses what progress was made and what remains to be done with her colleagues, Li Shuo, incoming Director of China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute and Kate Logan, Associate Director of Climate at the Asia Society Policy Institute, both of whom attended the COP in Dubai.
Asia Inside Out brings together our team and special guests to take you beyond the latest policy headlines and provide an insider’s view on regional and global affairs. Each month we’ll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. If you want to dig into the details of how policy works, this is the podcast for you.
This podcast is produced by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a “think-and-do tank” working on the cutting edge of current policy trends by incorporating the best ideas from our expert

Shombi Sharp on India's Leadership in Development, Climate, and Equity Nov 30, 2023

Ahead of COP28, host and Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) Managing Director Rorry Daniels and guest co-host, Director of South Asia Initiatives of ASPI Farwa Aamer, talk to the UN Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp, who shares his insights about the role of India on the global stage. The conversation covers a range of topics including India's perspective on G20 leadership, innovative development strategies, climate action, and inclusive policies. They also explore India’s multifaceted approach that shapes its role in global affairs.

Ambassador Kevin Rudd on U.S.-China Relations Ahead of the Biden-Xi Meeting Nov 15, 2023

NEW YORK, November 14, 2023 — Ahead of the important meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, renowned Sinologist and Australian Ambassador to the United States, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, chats with Danny Russel, Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute, about the bilateral relationship, drivers of China's policy decision-making, and what to expect from the meeting. Ambassador Rudd also speaks about the China-Australia relationship in the wake of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Beijing this month.

Jeffrey Feltman on the Crisis in Israel and Gaza 🇮🇱🇵🇸 Oct 25, 2023

In the latest episode of Asia Inside Out, host and Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) Managing Director Rorry Daniels talks to Middle East specialist and ASPI Distinguished Fellow Jeffrey Feltman about the ongoing situation in the Middle East and its implications for regional and global politics and security.
Asia Inside Out brings together our team and special guests to take you beyond the latest policy headlines and provide an insider’s view on regional and global affairs. Each month we’ll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. If you want to dig into the details of how policy works, this is the podcast for you.
This podcast is produced by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a “think-and-do tank” working on the cutting edge of current policy trends by incorporating the best ideas from our experts and contributors into recommendations for policy makers to put these plans into practice.

A Conversation on the "Blue Pacific Identity" 🌏🌊 Sep 27, 2023

Today’s geopolitical circumstance, defined by the rivalry between the United States and China, has redefined the dynamics of regional and global orders. This reality is palpable in the Pacific region, where the strategic interests of major powers and their allies intersect and undermine aspirations for a “united ocean of peace.”
In the latest episode of Asia Inside Out, host and ASPI Managing Director Rorry Daniels chats with Dame Meg Taylor, non-resident Distinguished Fellow for the Blue Pacific at ASPI, about the challenges Pacific-led regionalism faces as it grapples with this evolving external power dynamic alongside internal challenges of unity.

Asia Inside Out brings together our team and special guests to take you beyond the latest policy headlines and provide an insider’s view on regional and global affairs. Each month we’ll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. If you want to dig into the details of how policy works, this is the podcast for you.
This podcast is produced by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a “think-and-do tank” working on the cutting edge of current policy trends by incorporating the best ideas from our experts and contributors into recommendations for policy makers to put these plans into practice.

A Conversation on Hong Kong 🤝🇭🇰 Aug 22, 2023

Where do things stand in Hong Kong today, and what might the future hold?

This month, Asia Inside Out host Rorry Daniels speaks with two Hong Kong politicians and observers of US-China relations: Emily Lau and Adrian Ho.

The two Hong Kongers see the city's political culture, relationship with Beijing, and recent history—including the seismic 2019 protests—very differently. They each discuss the effects so far of the 2020 National Security Law, as well as their distinct ideas about what national security is and how Hong Kong should secure it. The conversation also features their separate perspectives on Hong Kong's relationship with the US and PRC and how they envision the city's future.
Emily Lau is a former politician and journalist and remains engaged in Hong Kong's civic and political life. She was the first woman directly elected to the Legislative Council of Hong Kong in 1991, and was Chairperson of the Democratic Party from 2012 to 2016.
Adrian Ho is a Hong Kong politician and businessman. In 2019, he founded a Facebook group called SaveHK, which became the largest pro-Beijing group on Facebook, with 200,000 members at one point. A member of the New People's Party, he was elected to the Legislative Council of Hong Kong in 2022.

Asia Inside Out brings together our team and special guests to take you beyond the latest policy headlines and provide an insider’s view on regional and global affairs. Each month we’ll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. If you want to dig into the details of how policy works, this is the podcast for you.
This podcast is produced by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a “think-and-do tank” working on the cutting edge of current policy trends by incorporating the best ideas from our experts and contributors into recommendations for policy makers to put these plans into practice.

Inside Out Special Edition: Qin Gang Out 👋🇨🇳 Aug 03, 2023

This week we’re releasing a special edition of our podcast: Qin Gang Out.
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang was recently removed as China’s foreign minister after being absent from public view for several weeks, so we recently live streamed a panel discussion on what may have happened, what it means for China's foreign policy, what might come next from his replacement, and U.S.-China relations moving forward.
Speakers include Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis Senior Fellow Rorry Daniels, Senior Fellow on Chinese Politics Christopher K. Johnson, and Fellow on Chinese Politics Neil Thomas. Bates Gill, executive director of Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis, moderated the discussion.

Have a listen.
Asia Inside Out brings together our team and special guests to take you beyond the latest policy headlines and provide an insider’s view on regional and global affairs. Each month we’ll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. If you want to dig into the details of how policy works, this is the podcast for you.
This podcast is produced by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a “think-and-do tank” working on the cutting edge of current policy trends by incorporating the best ideas from our experts and contributors into recommendations for policy makers to put these plans into practice.

A Conversation with Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan 🇺🇸🤝🇯🇵 Jun 21, 2023

Welcome to the relaunch of Asia Inside Out, a podcast from the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) that explores the latest news and developments in Asia foreign policy.
Our first guest in our return episode is Rahm Emanuel, United States Ambassador to Japan. A well established figure in American politics, he was most recently the Mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019. Prior to that he served as the White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama, and before that as a member of the United States House of Representatives.

In this conversation with ASPI Managing Director Rorry Daniels, Ambassador Emanuel talks to us about how Japan is increasingly taking the lead on major diplomatic initiatives, why America’s brand in Asia is strong, and how quickly Japanese society is changing.
Asia Inside Out brings together our team and special guests to take you beyond the latest policy headlines and provide an insider’s view on regional and global affairs. Each month we’ll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. If you want to dig into the details of how policy works, this is the podcast for you.
This podcast is produced by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a “think-and-do tank” working on the cutting edge of current policy trends by incorporating the best ideas from our experts and contributors into recommendations for policy makers to put these plans into practice.

The Relaunch of Asia Inside Out 🤝🌏 Jun 21, 2023

We're relaunching Asia Inside Out, a podcast from the Asia Society Policy Institute that explores the latest news and developments in Asia foreign policy. It's been three years so allow us to reintroduce ourselves…

Asia Inside Out brings together our team and special guests to take you beyond the latest policy headlines and provide an insider’s view on regional and global affairs. Each month we’ll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. If you're interested in why what happens in Asia matters, and want to dig into the details of how policy works, this is the podcast for you.
Check out a preview of our first episode back, where we reveal our first guest, and check out our first episode next week.
This podcast is produced by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a “think-and-do tank” working on the cutting edge of current policy trends by incorporating the best ideas from our experts and contributors into recommendations for policy makers to put these plans into practice.

Parag Khanna on How to Live in a Globalizing World Mar 24, 2023

In this episode, we are joined by Parag Khanna, an internationally best-selling author who has written about globalization and geopolitics. His most recent book “MOVE: Where People Are Going for a Better Future” is about a new era of mass migration we are entering, propelled by changing economies, technology disruptions, conflict, and climate change.

But as Parag argues “to be human is to move.” Mobility has always been entwined in the human experience.

Parag is joined by Bates Gill, Executive Director of Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis. They speak about looking outward to better understand the world we live in and to work together to make our world safer, smarter, and cleaner. They also share their thoughts on a future increasingly shaped by Asia and how young people should prepare themselves for a global career.

Journalist CeFaan Kim on Anti-Asian Violence Dec 07, 2022

Chances are that if you’ve been paying attention to the alarming rise of anti-Asian violence in the U.S., you’ve heard of journalist CeFaan Kim. His reporting, and his Twitter and Instagram feeds, have become go-to sources for keeping up with updates of anti-Asian attacks in New York City and nationwide.

CeFaan Kim is a Korean American reporter at ABC News in New York City. Growing up in Philadelphia, CeFaan recognized from an early age that there was little representation of Asians in the media. And so he decided to embark on a career as a reporter. Now, two decades into his career, CeFaan has become known for his reporting on Asian American issues, specifically poverty within the community. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic happened, and CeFaan became a crucial voice in covering the rise of anti-Asian violence.

In an interview with Asia Society, CeFaan recounts what it was like to report stories of violence against Asian Americans during the height of the pandemic as an Asian American himself, the importance of journalism in the era of social media, and what kinds of changes he hopes to see going forward.

He speaks about all of this and more with Asia Society’s Aalok Kanani.

How to Avoid a U.S.-China War Mar 29, 2022

Relations between the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies, are arguably worse than they’ve been at any time in almost 50 years. Following decades of engagement, the Sino-American relationship is now characterized by competition — a race to become the dominant power in Asia — that some observers fear could spiral into a catastrophic conflict.
In his new book The Avoidable War, Asia Society President Kevin Rudd argues that war between the two great powers is not inevitable — but the two sides must establish a set of guardrails for managing their competition. In this episode of Asia In-Depth, we’ll hear a conversation between Rudd and Ian Bremmer, the president and founder of the Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, about the current state of the U.S.-China relationship and what Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine means for Beijing.

The Ukraine War’s Repercussions in Asia Mar 01, 2022

In this episode of Asia In-Depth, we’ll hear an expert panel tease out the implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. How will China — which recently declared that its relationship with Russia had “no limits” — react? And what are the stakes for India, Japan, and countries in Southeast Asia?
Participants include Kevin Rudd, president and CEO of Asia Society and president of the Asia Society Policy Institute; Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan from the National University of Singapore, and C. Raja Mohan, an Asia Society Policy Institute fellow based in New Delhi. The conversation was moderated by Daniel Russel, vice president of international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

Kal Penn's American Journey Feb 14, 2022

The actor and former political appointee talks about his upbringing, early professional struggles, and his embarrassing first encounter with Barack Obama.

Understanding Amy Tan Jan 20, 2022

'The Joy Luck Club' author discusses her painful past, her successful career, and everything in between with Orville Schell.

Orville Schell's China Journey Dec 09, 2021

The director of Asia Society's Center on U.S.-China Relations talks with Mary Kay Magistad about his six decades observing China, in an episode celebrating the launch of the third edition of Asia Society Magazine.

Understanding the Crisis in Afghanistan Nov 04, 2021

The end of U.S. occupation in Afghanistan has raised a number of critical questions, about the humanitarian consequences of the war, the stability of the region, and what life under Taliban rule may look like.

A Look at Israel, Iran and Afghanistan Aug 12, 2021

First, Dennis Ross and Karim Sadjadpour talk about new leaders in Israel and Iran. Then, Meghan O’Sullivan assesses the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Journalist Alice Su on the Challenge of Reporting From Today's China Jul 08, 2021

Los Angeles Beijing Bureau Chief Alice Su discusses the state of journalism in China, the specific challenges she faced as she reported stories in 2020, and more.

Andrew Yang and the Asian Experience in America May 28, 2021

The New York City mayoral candidate discusses his upbringing as the son of Taiwanese immigrants and describes ways to reduce anti-Asian hate.

How You Can Help Stop Anti-Asian Racism Apr 15, 2021

Kevin Rudd, Bing Chen, and Sylvia Kim discuss the role that individuals, community organizers, business leaders, and legislators can play in stopping anti-Asian hate and violence.

The Face of Japan's #MeToo Movement Mar 11, 2021

A conversation with Shiori Ito, whose rape allegation against a powerful journalist sparked a movement in one of Asia's most deeply patriarchal societies.

George Shultz — A Final Conversation Feb 11, 2021

In one of his last public conversations, George Shultz discusses foreign policy and U.S.-China relations with Henry Kissinger. In one of his last public conversations, George Shultz discusses foreign policy and U.S.-China relations with Henry Kissinger.

Asian American Ghosts Jan 14, 2021

Author Jia Lynn Yang discusses how a 1965 immigration law shaped the identities of generations of Asian Americans.

Predictions for Asia in 2021 Dec 17, 2020

What might life in Asia look like after the pandemic? And what should we expect from the continent's perennial hot spots — from North Korea to Afghanistan, Iran to the South China Sea?

Biden, Trump, and the View From Asia Nov 12, 2020

The U.S. presidential election attracted unprecedented interest from across the globe — including in Asia — where the results would impact everything from Iran to North Korea, trade policy to China policy, and much more.

COVID-19 Upended Global Supply Chains. What Comes Next? Oct 08, 2020

Asia Society Policy Institute's Wendy Cutler provides insight into why supply chains matter — and how they’re poised to change in a post-pandemic world.

Kevin Rudd and Orville Schell on Hong Kong's Pivotal Year Sep 10, 2020

Two of the world's great experts on China discuss the implications of a new National Security Law for Hong Kong's future — and China's.

Surviving COVID-19 Aug 20, 2020

Three individuals on three separate continents — Asia Society President and CEO Josette Sheeran, virologist Peter Piot, and opera singer Warren Mok — describe their experiences battling the coronavirus.

Xinjiang Under Surveillance Aug 06, 2020

An update on China's ongoing mass surveillance efforts in Xinjiang and how personal data is being used against the Uighur community with Buzzfeed reporter Megha Rajagopolan and Axios reporter Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian.

The Wonderful World of Korean Baseball Jul 23, 2020

With the Major League Baseball season finally set to begin, we take a close look at one of Asia's best professional leagues: the Korea Baseball Organization.

What Can Companies Do to Be Anti-Racist? Jul 09, 2020

Sonny Kalsi, founder and partner of investment firm Bentall GreenOak, discusses why business leaders need to take action against racism in the workplace.

Maria Ressa on Declining Press Freedom in The Philippines Jun 25, 2020

Just weeks before her conviction for cyber-libel, one of The Philippines' most prominent journalists describes the perilous state of press freedom in the country.

Are Democracies Handling COVID-19 Better Than Authoritarian Countries? Jun 11, 2020

Asia Society Policy Institute's Kevin Rudd and journalist Fareed Zakaria assess whether democratic or authoritarian governments have had more success in managing the coronavirus crisis.

Washington Post Correspondent Gerry Shih on What He Learned Covering China Jun 04, 2020

Washington Post correspondent Gerry Shih, who was forced to leave China earlier this year, reflects on his experience covering the country and the danger of reciprocal journalist expulsions.

A Conversation With Writer and Director Alan Yang May 28, 2020

'Master of None' writer and director Alan Yang discusses his new Netflix film 'Tigertail' and Hollywood's shift toward diverse storytelling with movie producer Janet Yang.

A Conversation With Pachinko Author Min Jin Lee May 21, 2020

The award-winning Korean-American novelist reflects on her creative process, anti-Asian racism, and the importance of art in a time of crisis.

North Korea's Public Health Vulnerability May 14, 2020

North Korea has long resisted foreign influence, aggressively guarding its borders, and ruthlessly controlling information coming in and out of the country. But have they managed to keep their country free from the coronavirus?

How Taiwan Smothered the Coronavirus May 07, 2020

Despite its proximity and extensive links to mainland China, Taiwan has lost only six people to COVID-19. What are the secrets behind its success — and what are the implications for its future?

Assessing the Global Economic Fallout of the Coronavirus Apr 30, 2020

As countries all over the world continue to grapple with the coronavirus, businesses large and small are struggling to cope with the profound economic consequences of widespread lockdowns. In this episode, three experts offer their perspective of the severity of the economic damage in three regions — Europe, Asia, and North America.

The Coronavirus in India and Pakistan Apr 23, 2020

Ravi Agrawal and Mehmal Sarfraz say that while South Asia's two largest countries have so far avoided the worst of COVID-19, they cannot afford to be complacent.

Coping During the Coronavirus Crisis Apr 16, 2020

Thupten Jinpa, a Tibetan Buddhist scholar and a practitioner of Western and Eastern philosophy and religious studies, discusses how compassion meditation and other related Buddhist principles can help people in times of uncertainty and fear.

The Coronavirus and Anti-Asian Racism Apr 09, 2020

Leesa Lin and Charlie Woo discuss the recent surge in attacks against Asians in the weeks since the coronavirus spread from China to the rest of the world.

Coronavirus: How South Korea Flattened the Curve Apr 03, 2020

Jeongmin Kim and John Delury talk with Tom Nagorski about South Korea's successful attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Coronavirus: The Impact on China's Economy, Politics, and Relations With the United States Mar 26, 2020

Kevin Rudd talks with Tom Nagorski about the impact of COVID-19 on the country where the outbreak began.

The Myth of Chinese Capitalism Mar 19, 2020

Dexter Roberts talks with Tom Nagorski about his new book on China's unequal economic development and assesses the country's handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Economic Impact of the Coronavirus Mar 12, 2020

Asia Society Policy Institute President Kevin Rudd and Rhodium Group Founding Partner Daniel Rosen asses what the ultimate impact of the coronavirus will be on the global economy short-term and longer-term.

Coronavirus: The Lesson From China Mar 09, 2020

Bruce Aylward, who led the World Health Organization response to the COVID-19 outbreak in China, talks with Tom Nagorski about what he learned.

Revisiting Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad Mar 05, 2020

Days after the 94-year-old was replaced as Malaysia's prime minister, we revisit a conversation he had in 2018 with Kevin Rudd at Asia Society New York.

Novelists Tishani Doshi and Salman Rushdie on Fiction, Poetry, and India Feb 27, 2020

The two novelists discuss Doshi's new book "Small Days and Nights."

Hong Kong on the Brink Feb 20, 2020

Jeffrey Wasserstrom, author of a new book about Hong Kong's recent protest movement, discusses the territory's perilous future with Jiayang Fan and Susan Jakes.

The Art of Collecting Feb 13, 2020

Have you ever walked through a museum and wondered where the artwork and artifacts on display came from? Curators usually source artwork from museums, auction houses and dealers. But often what you see are pieces loaned by individuals from their personal collections. Traditional Asian art collector John C. Weber discusses his life as a collector, and the people and experiences that shaped his prolific collection.

Coronavirus: Life at the Epicenter Feb 05, 2020

Muyi Xiao discusses how the quarantine in Wuhan, China in response to the coronavirus has affected daily life in the city.

Understanding China's Coronavirus Crisis Jan 31, 2020

Dr. Thomas Inglesby provides a comprehensive analysis of China's most serious public health crisis since SARS.

Kevin Rudd on the 'Avoidable War' Between the United States and China Jan 28, 2020

Kevin Rudd, the president of the Asia Society Policy Institute and former prime minister of Australia, discusses the dangerous year — and decade — ahead in U.S.-China relations with Asia Society Executive Vice President Tom Nagorski.

Fatima Bhutto on the Global Rise of Asian Mass Culture Jan 23, 2020

The author of the book New Kings of the World discusses the rise of Korean pop music, Indian cinema, and Turkish television dramas and explores why Asian pop culture is having a moment.

Daniel Dae Kim on Making Hollywood More Diverse — From Behind The Camera Jan 16, 2020

Actor and producer Daniel Dae Kim and producer Janet Yang discuss their work promoting fresh storytelling with diversity at its center.

Understanding the Situation in Iran Jan 13, 2020

The recent U.S. killing of Major General Qassim Suleimani — followed by a retaliatory attack on U.S. military bases in Iraq — has sparked the first major international crisis of 2020. Puneet Talwar, a former special adviser to President Obama, dissects the current situation in Iran and discusses what he thinks will happen next.

What Happened to Myanmar? Jan 10, 2020

Author Thant Myint-U and Asia Society Executive Vice President Tom Nagorski discuss Myanmar's sudden reversal of fortune — from regional darling to international pariah.

Orville Schell on 20 Years of U.S.-China Relations Dec 19, 2019

Longtime China expert Orville Schell parses the evolution of Sino-American ties through the lens of two presidential summits: Jiang Zemin and Bill Clinton in 1998, and Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in 2017.

Why Mindfulness Matters Dec 12, 2019

ABC News correspondent Dan Harris and Tibetan Buddhist scholar Thupten Jinpa, a former monk, discuss the recent emergence of mindfulness into the mainstream, and explore how mindfulness can help people cope with everything from the scourge of school shootings to political discussions in an age of divisiveness.

Is Chinese-Style Surveillance the Future? Dec 05, 2019

BuzzFeed News reporter Megha Rajagopalan describes how China uses high-tech surveillance to monitor its Muslim minority and assesses whether this technology will soon be ubiquitous among the world's dictatorships.

Trailblazing Pakistani Cricketer Sana Mir Nov 21, 2019

Top female cricketer Sana Mir sits down with Asia Society's Tom Nagorski to discuss sports, female empowerment, and what it's like being the only girl playing cricket in the neighborhood. In addition to her cricket acclaim, Mir is a fierce activist who uses her outsized celebrity and massive social media presence to advocate for everything from mental health awareness to an end to body shaming.

Pico Iyer on Life and Loss in Japan Nov 14, 2019

Writer Pico Iyer sits down with James Shaheen, editor of 'Tricycle Magazine,' to discusses his two recent books, 'Autumn Light: Season of Fire and Farewell' and 'A Beginner's Guide to Japan: Observations and Provocations.' During the conversation, Iyer reflects on his life in Japan, his home for over 20 years, and his journey to understand and adopt the Japanese way of living, and how it has influenced the way he thinks, speaks, and writes.

A Conversation With Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan Nov 11, 2019

In a wide-ranging conversation with Asia Society President and CEO Josette Sheeran on the Asia Society New York stage, the cricket-star-turned-politician discusses India's revocation of Kashmir's special status, his perceptions of India's evolution under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his plans to revitalize his developing country of some 200 million.

Why Did Trade Deals Become So Unpopular? Nov 01, 2019

For decades, there was a bipartisan consensus that trade between the U.S. and Asia was mutually beneficial. Now, politicians from both parties are arguing the opposite. What changed — and where is this leading to? Veteran trade negotiator and Asia Society Policy Institute Vice President Wendy Cutler joins Tom Nagorski for a discussion of how trade became so unpopular.

North Korea’s Market-Savvy Millennials Jul 13, 2017

While concerns over nuclear and ballistic missile tests tend to dominate the headlines about North Korea, a story that may be just as consequential has been quietly developing over the past two decades. Private enterprise and sophisticated markets are starting to give the country’s citizens access to a wide array of goods, including illegal foreign media products. Today, the country’s millennial generation is coming of age having grown up with a market mentality and far more foreign media exposure than their parents — something that’s having major social and political implications. In this episode, we trace how this generational shift is changing North Korea from the inside.

American Universities in China—Free Speech Bastions or Threat to Academic Freedom? May 19, 2017

In recent years, American universities have been setting up branches and full degree-granting campuses in China at a time when Chinese leaders are cracking down on so-called “Western values.” This has raised questions back in the States — including in the U.S. Congress — as to whether academic freedom is being compromised. In this episode, we look at the case of NYU Shanghai and what challenges American educational institutions face in China's current political environment.

Donald Trump and Asia Jan 10, 2017

When Donald Trump was elected to become the 45th president of the United States in November, it sent shockwaves across the world, particularly in Asia. Throughout his campaign, he made pledges that, if acted upon, could fundamentally alter the U.S. position in the region... and even the broader international order. In this episode, we look at the geopolitical hotspots in Asia including China, North Korea, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, India, and the Philippines, and how President Trump might address them.

North Korea Goes Ballistic Oct 25, 2016

In spite of ever-stricter sanctions on North Korea, the impoverished and isolated country continues to produce more sophisticated weapons. Many experts fear North Korea is approaching its ultimate goal of a nuclear ballistic missile arsenal capable of hitting targets around the world. In this episode, analysts describe how the “Hermit Kingdom” is managing to develop these weapons, and what, if anything, can be done to counter them.

Myanmar's Road to Democracy Dec 17, 2015

For five decades, Myanmar (also known as Burma) languished under a hardline military junta, with most people living in poverty and any hint of dissent quickly stomped out. But in 2008, a new constitution set in motion a profound set of changes. Then this November, it culminated with something that's long seemed impossible: free and peaceful elections that allowed long-time political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party to take power. In this fourth episode of the Asia Society Podcast, we trace Myanmar's "bumpy zig-zag road" to reform and explore what lies ahead for the nascent democracy.

Culture Under Terrorist Threat Oct 27, 2015

In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, several Middle Eastern countries have descended into violence as terror groups like the Islamic State have gained power. As they’ve seized territory in Syria, Iraq, and elsewhere, these organizations have systematically destroyed millennia-old archeological sites and trafficked priceless artifacts, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that provides funding for arms and erodes the region's shared identity. This process — which some experts have deemed "cultural cleansing" — has augmented the tragedy of the human lives lost to the conflict. In this episode, we explore what’s happening and what the world can do to stop it.

Iran's Political 'Midlife Crisis' Sep 08, 2015

In July, after years of negotiations, Iran signed a historic deal with the United States and five other world powers to limit its nuclear capability in exchange for sanctions relief, triggering controversy throughout the world. But regardless of its international perception, the deal signals a major shift in Iran's domestic politics. In this episode, experts on the country discuss the political conflict playing out over Iran's future between aging hardline revolutionaries and a moderate younger generation more inclined to opening up to the world.

Xi Jinping's China Sep 02, 2015

When Xi Jinping became China's top leader in 2012, few had any inkling of the sweeping changes that were to come. Three years later, a clearer picture has emerged, but many questions remain. Is he a reformer bent on curbing corruption at the highest levels of government? Or is he merely concerned with consolidating power within China's opaque political system? In this inaugural episode, scholars, journalists, and political figures weigh in on the man that some have described as China's most powerful leader since Mao.

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