Interview: Ethnic Unity and Assimilation in China

China's new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress mandates Mandarin as the language of education, encourages the breakup of minority-majority neighbourhoods, and criminalises expressions of ethnic separatism — including by Chinese citizens living abroad. Critics say it formalises a decades-long push toward assimilation that has already reshaped the lives of Uyghur, Tibetan, Mongolian and other minority communities. Guest: Professor James Leibold (Professor of Politics and Asian Studies, La Trobe University). Recorded on 25th March, 2026.

China’s rise is often framed as a challenge to the Western-led international order, with attention focused on how Beijing works within — and pushes back against — liberal institutions. Yet a more consequential shift is underway. China is increasingly shaping global politics through new, Sino-centric forms of multilateralism, building parallel forums that operate alongside, and sometimes beyond, existing institutions. What is driving this strategy, and how do these new arrangements function in practice? How is China combining hard and soft power to expand its influence? And what does the spread of Sino-centric multilateralism mean for the future of global order? The Melbourne launch of The Dragon’s Emerging Order: Sino-centric Multilateralism and Global Responses, with editor Joel Ng. Panel: Dr Joel Ng (Head of the Centre for Multilateralism Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) Dr Alan Chong (Senior Fellow, Centre for Multilateralism Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) Dr Su-Hyun Lee (Senior Associate Fellow, Centre for Multilateralism Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) Professor Nick Bisley (Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), La Trobe University) Dr Mark Manantan (Research Fellow, La Trobe Centre for Global Security)(chair) Recorded on 27th March, 2026.

Across the Asia-Pacific, people are living longer than ever before. From rapidly ageing societies in Northeast Asia to younger but fast-transitioning populations in South and Southeast Asia, countries across the region are confronting the social and economic implications of longer lives. These shifts are generating diverse challenges — and innovative responses — as governments, communities and families rethink how to support ageing populations. What does it mean to age well in societies undergoing rapid economic and social change? How can families, communities and health systems across Asia better support people to remain healthy and independent for longer? And what innovations — social, medical or technological — are emerging in the region to help societies adapt to this new demographic reality? Panel: Professor George Liu (Associate Dean (Partnerships International), School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University) Professor Irene Blackberry (John Richards Chair and Director, Care Economy Research Institute, La Trobe University) - Dr Hiromasa Okayasu (Director of Division of Healthy Environments and Populations. World Health Organization) - Professor Bianca Brijnath (Health Communication in Society at La Trobe University) (Chair) Recorded on 23rd March, 2026.

Traditional security debates focus on maps, borders, naval deployments, and treaties. But increasingly, territory in Asia is also constructed through narratives, media coverage, digital platforms, and public emotion. Journalists are not just observers — they help shape how territory, sovereignty, and security are understood by the public and policymakers. Guest: Dr Lupita Wijaya (Research Fellow at the La Trobe Centre for Global Security and Co-ordinator of the Southeast Asia Maritime Media Visits Project). Recorded 16th March, 2026.

Asia’s modern resurgence has transformed the global economy, lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty through globalization, supply chains and market integration. Yet this success has also generated new geopolitical rivalries and nationalist tensions, placing the region at a critical crossroads between continued prosperity and growing risk. What powered Asia’s economic transformation — and are globalization and supply chains now becoming sources of vulnerability rather than strength? How are intensifying geopolitics and nationalism reshaping the region’s future? And what leadership and policy choices will determine whether Asia’s next chapter is defined by cooperation or conflict? The launch of Asian Crucible: Globalization, Geopolitics and the Contest for the Future by Nick Bisley. Speakers: Professor Nick Bisley (Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), La Trobe University) Dan Flitton (Managing Editor, Lowy Interpreter) The Hon. John Brumby AO (Chancellor, La Trobe University) Dr Ruth Gamble (Director, La Trobe Asia) Recorded 5th March, 2026.

The far north-eastern Indian state of Nagaland has a distinct history, and the Naga communities who call it home face a range of complex dilemmas. Preserving cultural rights and traditions within the framework of the Indian state presents ongoing challenges — particularly in relation to the intricacies of land ownership and governance. Guest: Menokhono Sakhrie (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Tata Institute of Social Sciences) Host: Dr Ruth Gamble (Director, La Trobe Asia) Recorded 26th November, 2025.

The global trading system is under growing strain. Security risks are increasing, free trade is in decline, and a new economic order is emerging in which nations increasingly view trade as a tool for gaining strategic and political advantage. Long-standing assumptions about openness, efficiency, and interdependence are being challenged by rising protectionism and geopolitical rivalry. How will changes in trade impact global supply chains? How can Australia respond as trade becomes weaponised? What role can diplomacy play in rescuing global trade? The launch of the new issue of Australian Foreign Affairs. Panel: Professor Shiro Armstrong (Director, Australia-Japan Research Centre, Australian National University) Melissa Conley Tyler (Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue) Professor Nick Bisley (Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), La Trobe University) Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Centre for Global Security) (Chair) Recorded 26th February, 2026.

Despite differing geographies and security pressures, Australia and the Republic of Korea face shared challenges arising from intensifying strategic competition and growing regional uncertainty. Both countries have an opportunity for a closer collaboration to promote regional stability and help shape a resilient multipolar order. How can Australia and Korea move beyond defence-industrial cooperation to advance a broader security partnership? Where do opportunities for practical, mutually beneficial collaboration lie? And how can institutional cooperation be strengthened to give the Australia–Korea relationship greater strategic depth and durability? Read the issue of the La Trobe Asia Brief here. Panel: Mr Jimin Kim (Charge d’affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Australia)(introduction) Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Centre for Global Security) Associate Professor Danielle Chubb (International Relations, Deakin University) Professor Sungyong Lee (Peace and Conflict Studies, Soka University) Dr Ruth Gamble (Director, La Trobe Asia) (Chair) Recorded on 19th February, 2026.

The United States — and indeed the world — is now one year into Donald Trump’s second presidency. While many developments were foreshadowed during his first term, 2025 has nevertheless been an eventful year, marked by decisions and dynamics that have had wide-ranging global consequences. Guests: Professor Nick Bisley (Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), La Trobe University) Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Centre for Global Security) Recorded on 4th February, 2026.

The Indo-Pacific is often described as a maritime region, but the oceans here are far more than geography. They are trade corridors, food sources, energy highways, and increasingly, sites of strategic competition. How states think about security at sea—what some now call blue security—is becoming central to regional order. Dr Troy Lee-Brown (Research Fellow, University of Western Australia Defence and Security Institute, and Project Manager of the Blue Security Program) Recorded on 19th January, 2026.