Asia In-Depth

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;[...]

 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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

As tensions simmer in its immediate environment, Japan is on high alert. In the midst ofChina'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 forengagement with China? Hear from Yuki Tatsumi, senior fellow and co-chair of the EastAsia Program, and[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

'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.

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 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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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,[...]

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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[...]

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[...]

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.

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]