Asia in Washington Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

The Implications of China’s BRI in Space with Dr. Fumiko Sasaki Jun 12, 2023

In this episode of "Asia in Washington," hosts Adriana Reinecke and Dylan Harris sit down with Dr. Fumiko Sasaki, lecturer on East Asian Security for the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University, to discuss the Spatial Information Corridor component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Dr. Sasaki explains the importance of space to China’s economic development and security posture as articulated by President Xi Jinping, describing China’s trajectory to its emergence as a major space power. She further explains the implications of China’s provision of satellite services to client nations via its recently-completed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), and how this provision serves to expand China’s global influence. In addition to teaching at Columbia SIPA, Dr. Sasaki is also a fellow at the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS, where she earned her M.A. and Ph.D. As a fellow, her research focuses on how space capabilities affect the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region. Dr. Sasaki has spent the past two years examining China’s Belt and Road Initiative Spatial Information Corridor (BRI-SIC) and China’s space capabilities and intentions, and has released four publications on the subject. Her current research focuses on tailoring the Space Strategy of the ‘QUAD plus Taiwan’ to stabilize geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region. Recorded on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Sound-edited by Dylan Harris. Produced by Neave Denny. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast. To read a transcript of this episode, please visit: [URL]

The 2022 Philippine Election: Democratic Backsliding and Progress with Professor Lisandro Claudio May 27, 2022

In this episode of "Asia in Washington," hosts Jada Fraser and Lam Tran sit down with Professor Lisandro Claudio, Assistant Professor in the South and Southeast Asia Department at UC Berkeley, to discuss his analysis of the outcome of the recent Philippines presidential election. Professor Claudio describes the role disinformation and white-washing played in the election and discusses the potential domestic and foreign policy directions of the new President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr's administration. While the trend of democratic backsliding in the Philippines has not yet reversed, Professor Claudio expresses his hope that a liberal democratic base was solidified through the widely popular campaign of Bongbong Marcos' main electoral competitor from the Liberal Party, “Leni” Leonor Robredo. Professor Claudio is an intellectual and cultural historian of the Philippines, with a broad interest in the history of global liberal thought. His book "Liberalism and the Postcolony: Thinking the State in Twentieth-Century Philippines" received the 2019 George McT. Kahin Prize from the Association of Asian Studies and the 2019 European Association for Southeast Asian Studies Humanities Book Prize. He is also the author of a short book "Jose Rizal: Liberalism and the Paradox of Coloniality," which examines how turn-of-the-century liberalism informed the birth of Filipino literature and nationalism. Prior to his appointment at Berkeley, Dr. Claudio taught at Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University and was a post-doctoral fellow at Kyoto University’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies. Recorded on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Sound-edited by Lauren Mosely. Produced by Neave Denny. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast. To read a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://www.reischauercenter.org/podcasts/the-2022-philippine-election-democratic-backsliding-and-progress-with-professor-lisandro-claudio/

The Art and Challenges of Diplomacy with Margot Carrington May 12, 2022

In this episode of "Asia in Washington," hosts Adriana Reinecke and Lauren Mosely sit down with Ms. Margot Carrington, a retired diplomat, whose 25-year career with the US Department of State culminated in a four-year tour as Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, US Embassy Tokyo, to discuss her experiences shaping and communicating U.S. policy in Asia. Ms. Carrington shares some of the biggest challenges of her diplomatic career, such as the barriers for women in the Foreign Service and tensions arising from the large U.S. military presence in Japan, as well as some of her proudest accomplishments, including the first visit of a US president to Hiroshima following its bombing during World War II, which succeeded in conveying a lasting message of US-Japan reconciliation. As Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs, US Embassy, Tokyo - a senior role overseeing a $10 million budget and 70 American and Japanese staff - Margot served as the ambassador's lead advisor on public diplomacy, managed all USG bilateral exchange programs, and raised the profile of the United States through traditional and social media. She also served as chair of the binational commission that administers the Fulbright program in Japan. Prior to her retirement, her achievements in strengthening US-Japan cultural exchange and in underscoring the importance of women's advancement were recognized with the Lois Roth Award for Cultural Diplomacy, the US Department of State's most prestigious award for public diplomacy. Recorded on Thursday, April 8, 2022. Sound-edited by Lauren Mosely. Produced by Neave Denny. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast. To read a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://www.reischauercenter.org/podcasts/the-art-and-challenges-of-diplomacy/

Building Resilience Through Social Ties: COVID-19 and 3.11 with Dr. Daniel Aldrich Apr 25, 2022

In this episode of the Reischauer Center's podcast, "Asia in Washington," hosts Adriana Reinecke and Jada Fraser sit down with Dr. Daniel Aldrich, Professor of Political Science, Public Policy and Urban Affairs and Director of the Security and Resilience Studies program at Northeastern University, to discuss the role social ties play in disasters and shocks. Dr. Aldrich explains the differences between "vertical" and "horizontal" ties and provides examples of innovative projects around the world aimed at strengthening community and societal resilience through the development of these ties. He also explains the critical role that these ties played in the 3/11 Tohoku earthquake in Japan, and continue to play in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. Dr. Daniel Aldrich, Professor of Political Science, Public Policy and Urban Affairs and Director of the Security and Resilience Studies program at Northeastern University. An award-winning author, Dr. Aldrich has published five books, including "Building Resilience" and "Black Wave," as well as more than 70 peer-reviewed articles and op-eds for the New York Times, CNN, and Asahi Shimbun, along with appearing on popular media outlets such as CNBC, MSNBC, NPR and the Huffington Post. Dr. Aldrich has spent more than five years carrying out fieldwork in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and his research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Fulbright Foundation and the Abe Foundation. Recorded on Thursday, December 9, 2021. Sound-edited by Lauren Mosely. Produced by Neave Denny. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast. To read a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://www.reischauercenter.org/podcasts/building-resilience-through-social-ties-covid-19-and-3-11-with-dr-daniel-aldrich/

South Korea's 20th Presidential Election: Obstacles and Opportunities with Scott Snyder Mar 25, 2022

In this episode of the Reischauer Center's podcast, "Asia in Washington," hosts Jada Fraser and Adriana Reinecke sit down with Mr. Scott Snyder of the Council on Foreign Relations to discuss the outcome of the recent South Korean presidential election and implications for important issues in domestic and foreign policy, including the potential for renewed U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation, South Korea-China relations, and gender divisions in the South Korean public. Mr. Snyder maintains that facing a polarized electorate and an opposition-controlled National Assembly, performance and compromise will be key to determining the new Yoon Seok-yeol administration's success. Scott A. Snyder is senior fellow for Korea studies and director of the program on U.S.-Korea policy at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). His program examines South Korea’s efforts to contribute on the international stage; its potential influence and contributions as a middle power in East Asia; and the peninsular, regional, and global implications of North Korean instability. Mr. Snyder is the author of "South Korea at the Crossroads: Autonomy and Alliance in an Era of Rival Powers" (January 2018) and coauthor of "The Japan-South Korea Identity Clash: East Asian Security and the United States" (May 2015) with Brad Glosserman. He is also the coeditor of "North Korea in Transition: Politics, Economy, and Society" (October 2012), and the editor of "Global Korea: South Korea’s Contributions to International Security" (October 2012) and "The U.S.-South Korea Alliance: Meeting New Security Challenges" (March 2012). Mr. Snyder served as the project director for CFR’s Independent Task Force on policy toward the Korean Peninsula. He currently writes for the blog Asia Unbound. Recorded on Wednesday, March 15, 2022. Sound-edited by Lauren Mosely. Produced by Neave Denny. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast. To read a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://www.reischauercenter.org/podcasts/south-koreas-20th-presidential-election-obstacles-and-opportunities-with-scott-snyder/

Japanese Agricultural Co-Ops: Looking Towards The Future with Patricia Maclachlan Jan 26, 2022

In this episode, hosts Jada Fraser and Adri Reinecke sit down with Dr. Patricia Maclachlan to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Japanese farmers and Japanese agricultural co-ops (JA) amidst demographic and economic decline. Other topics discussed include how JA organizations are adapting; why some JA organizations are able to implement strategic change while others are not; the environmental and immigration implications of a changing Japanese agricultural landscape; and what we might expect from the next generation of Japanese political leadership regarding agricultural reform. Dr. Maclachlan is Professor of Government and the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. A student of interest group politics and political-economic reform in Japan, her publications include "Consumer Politics in Postwar Japan: The Institutional Boundaries of Citizen Activism" (Columbia University Press, 2002) and "The People’s Post Office: The History and Politics of the Japanese Postal System, 1871-2010" (Harvard University East Asia Center, 2011). She is also the author, with Kay Shimizu, of "Betting on the Farm: Institutional Change in Japanese Agriculture," which is forthcoming in March 2022 from Cornell University Press. Recorded on Thursday, November 18, 2021. Sound-edited by Lauren Mosely. Produced by Neave Denny. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast. To read a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://www.reischauercenter.org/podcasts/japanese-agricultural-co-ops-looking-towards-the-future/ A recording of Dr. Maclachlan's talk that this episode was based on may be found on the Reischauer Center's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ReischauerCenter

Japan's Economic Balancing Act with Dr. Mireya Solís from Asia in Washington Dec 15, 2021

In this episode, hosts Adriana Reinecke and Jada Fraser sit down with Dr. Mireya Solís of Brookings to discuss new directions in Japanese economic statecraft. Dr. Solís describes how a world of 'hard-edged interdependence' has prompted Japan, among other countries, to place greater focus on economic security. Other topics discussed include Japan's economic engagement in Southeast Asia, Japan as a reactive or proactive state, and the impact of technology competition on U.S.-Japan-China relations. Dr. Mireya Solís is the director of the Center for East Asia Policy Studies, Philip Knight Chair in Japan Studies, and a senior fellow in the Foreign Policy program at Brookings. Prior to her arrival at Brookings, Dr. Solís was a tenured associate professor at American University’s School of International Service. Dr. Solís is an expert on Japanese foreign economic policy, U.S.-Japan relations, international trade policy, and Asia-Pacific economic integration. Her most recent book, “Dilemmas of a Trading Nation: Japan and the United States in the Evolving Asia-Pacific Order,” (Brookings Press, 2017), offers a novel analysis of the complex tradeoffs Japan and the United States face in drafting trade policy that reconciles the goals of economic competitiveness, social legitimacy, and political visibility. Dr. Solís earned a doctorate in government and a master’s in East Asian studies from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s in international relations from El Colegio de Mexico. Recorded on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. Sound-edited by Lauren Mosely. Produced by Neave Denny. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast. To read a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://www.reischauercenter.org/podcasts/japans-economic-balancing-act/ A recording of Dr. Solís' talk that this episode was based on may be found on the Reischauer Center's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ReischauerCenter

Japan's COVID-19 Response: Challenges and Opportunities from Asia in Washington Mar 09, 2021

In this episode, hosts Hana Anderson and Jonathan Canfield discuss Japan’s COVID-19 response and important lessons learned with Dr. Kiyoshi Kurokawa, Professor Emeritus of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) and University of Tokyo and Chairman of the Health and Global Policy Institute. This podcast was recorded on February 16, 2021. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast.

US-Japan Relations in the Midst of COVID-19: Global Health and Beyond from Asia in Washington Jan 27, 2021

US-Japan Cooperation on COVID-19 with James Gannon In this episode, hosts Hana Anderson and Jonathan Canfield discuss Japan’s COVID-19 response and the expanding potential of US-Japan cooperation with Mr. James Gannon, the Executive Director of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE) in New York. Mr. Gannon shares his expertise on the US-Japan health dialogue, the challenges the two partners face working together regionally and globally on health and vaccine initiatives, and what to expect from an incoming Biden administration's policy agenda. This podcast was recorded on January 5, 2021. Mr. Jim Gannon joined JCIE USA in 2001. He oversees a wide range of programs designed to strengthen the underpinnings of US-Japan relations and encourage deeper international cooperation in responding to regional and global challenges. Previously, he conducted research with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). He serves on the board of the US-Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET)Program Alumni Association and was a fellow with the US-Japan Network for the Future. Mr. Gannon is also the co-editor of "A Growing Force: Civil Society’s Role in Asian Regional Security" (2013) and "Looking for Leadership: The Dilemma of Political Leadership in Japan" (2015) and has authored numerous articles and reports about US-Japan relations, Asia’s evolving regional order, and the role of NGOs in international affairs. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast.

Mongolia's Foreign Policy With Alicia Campi from Asia in Washington Jul 29, 2020

Host Monica Weller sits down with Dr. Alicia Campi, a leading expert on Mongolia, former U.S. Foreign Service Officer, and a current Adjunct Lecturer at SAIS. Dr. Campi speaks about her 2019 book, Mongolia's Foreign Policy: Navigating a Changing World. Discussion topics include the role of Mongolia in North Asia, its political relationships with China, Russia, and other "third neighbor" countries, along with the sociopolitical status of the country. Episode edited by Vivian Chen. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast. Note: This episode was originally recorded in December 2019.

Japan's Response to the Rise of China with Narushige Michishita from Asia in Washington Jul 06, 2020

Host Evan Sankey discusses Japan’s response and the importance of the US-Japan alliance in the face of the global rise of China with Dr. Narushige Michishita, Assistant Professor of the Security and International Studies Program at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo. Episode edited by Vivian Chen. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast. Note: This episode was originally recorded in November 2019.

The Hong Kong Protests With Ho-fung Hung from Asia in Washington Jun 16, 2020

Host Yasmin Yoon speaks with Dr. Ho-fung Hung, Professor in Political Economy and Chair of Johns Hopkins SAIS Department of Sociology and Hong Kong native, on the recent state of the city and the pro-democracy movement in the wake of historic local elections last November. Episode edited by Yasmin Yoon and Vivian Chen. Special thanks to Sam Frost, Marina Dickson, and Neave Denny for their help with further editing. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast. Note: This podcast was recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2019. An update of the current situation in Hong Kong will be given after the interview.

South Korea's Response To COVID-19 With Wonhyuk Lim from Asia in Washington May 04, 2020

Host Evan Sankey interviews KDI School of Public Policy and Management Professor and SAIS Professor Dr. Wonhyuk Lim on South Korea's effective response to combating COVID-19, based on their experiences from past infectious disease outbreaks like MERS. The results of South Korea's best practices towards flattening the curve can be seen through its comparatively low number of cases and deaths despite being one of the earliest countries to become afflicted with the spread of the novel coronavirus. Note: This podcast was recorded remotely on April 23, 2020 with both host and guest in their respective homes. Due to technical difficulties when recording, Evan's audio quality changes during the second half of the episode. This episode was edited by Vivian Chen. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy with Ambassador David B. Shear from Asia in Washington Mar 27, 2020

Host Evan Sankey sits down with former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asia-Pacific Security Affairs, David Shear. Now a SAIS Adjunct Professor, David B. Shear discusses the current U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific region with its allies along with engagement in Southeast Asia. Episode edited by Rachel Xian. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast.

Supercontinent and the Logic of Eurasian Integration with Kent E. Calder from Asia in Washington Feb 20, 2020

Host Evan Sankey sits down with Dr. Kent E. Calder, Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs and International Research Cooperation at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University (SAIS) and Director of the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies to discuss his most recent book, "Supercontinent: The Logic of Eurasian Integration". Episode edited by Rachel Xian. From Asia in Washington, an Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies Podcast.

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