Category: Asia

Symbols, Songs and Social Movements: How Music Directly Contributes to the Momentum of Social Movements and Culture

Whilst Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy award winning diss track “Not Like Us” may have been the spotlight for many on the night of the Super Bowl, his performance and strong symbolism begs a bigger discussion on how music and artists contribute to the larger picture of social movements, political critique and activism. … Continue readingSymbols, Songs and Social Movements: How Music Directly Contributes to the Momentum of Social Movements and Culture

Korean Soft Power and the Hallyu Wave

Increased interest in South Korean culture improves its diplomatic capabilities, as it is able to attract and influence nations as a means of securing and maintaining a heightened status and role in the global community, as opposed to using military and economic power to force influence. Culture has become an indispensable asset in the global environment. … Continue readingKorean Soft Power and the Hallyu Wave

The Future in the Rear View Mirror: What’s happening in South Asia?

Bangladesh is now facing an uncertain future after months of political unrest led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed fleeing the country, leaving her government leaderless. While an interim government was quickly established in an attempt to restore unity, Bangladesh is not out of the woods yet. … Continue readingThe Future in the Rear View Mirror: What’s happening in South Asia?

Energy Security and Transition: Navigating the Global Shift to Renewables

The global shift to renewable energy is reshaping energy security, traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and geopolitical dependence on oil-rich nations. Key players like the EU, China, and the U.S. lead this transition, creating jobs, economic growth, and altering geopolitical dynamics centered on critical materials and technology. … Continue readingEnergy Security and Transition: Navigating the Global Shift to Renewables

Posted on by Annie Chopra

Taiwan’s E-Waste Management: A Model for Global Sustainability Amidst Geopolitical Challenges

In an ever-evolving landscape of global environmental challenges, electronic waste, or e-waste, has emerged as a pressing concern. Given the increased proliferation of electronic devices worldwide, responsible e-waste management is crucial for environmental sustainability, underscored by the global generation of approximately 53.6 million metric tons (Mt) of electronic waste in 2019, demanding urgent attention. … Continue readingTaiwan’s E-Waste Management: A Model for Global Sustainability Amidst Geopolitical Challenges

HOW SPECIAL WAS THE ASEAN-AUSTRALIAN SPECIAL SUMMIT 2024?

At the beginning of March, Melbourne was bustling with preparations for a special occasion: it was the Australia-ASEAN Special Summit, marking 50 years of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations. There were many reasons to be hopeful – it could usher in a new era of trade and investment between two competent and eager parties. One undoubtedly a giant in the Asia-Pacific who, after decades of hanging out with its powerful friends all the way across the globe, finally realised it might be better off being on good terms with its neighbour. The other, despite its incredibly turbulent past, has grown to become a formidable power in its own rights and is increasingly asserting its command in this neighbourhood. Eager as the parties might be, however, there are some elephants in the room – ones that have long threatened the region’s stability and stalled its consensus  – that would sit high on the Summit’s agenda.  … Continue readingHOW SPECIAL WAS THE ASEAN-AUSTRALIAN SPECIAL SUMMIT 2024?

The Dialectics of Discontent: A Glimpse of Reality through Societal Phenomena in Post-COVID China

In the heart of Shandong province, Zibo’s streets are filled with a smoky allure. Barbecues have become a symbol of cultural resistance against the societal pressures of post-Covid China. This ‘BBQ City – Zibo‘ phenomenon contrasts sharply with ‘Runology,’ a term encapsulating the yearning of … Continue readingThe Dialectics of Discontent: A Glimpse of Reality through Societal Phenomena in Post-COVID China

The Emperor’s New Groove? China’s Reimagined Image

China’s rise over the last several decades has at times been accompanied by turbulent relations with other states and the multilateral system more broadly.

As Owen Robinson writes, this has led to several efforts by the Chinese Government to transform its image on the global stage and with individuals on a smaller scale. … Continue readingThe Emperor’s New Groove? China’s Reimagined Image