
Disrupted Asia
By FES in Asia
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is the oldest political foundation in Germany with a rich tradition in social democracy dating back to its foundation in 1925.
Follow our podcast series in which Asia's and Europe’s leading experts tackle some of the most pressing questions around the changing geopolitical environment and how this is shaping the global order of tomorrow.

Disrupted AsiaDec 01, 2021

S2E7 - Geopolitics of Critical Infrastructure in Asia
Welcome to Disrupted Asia: Navigating the Global Order of Tomorrow, a podcast series by FES in Asia- where Asia's and Europe’s leading experts tackle some of the most pressing questions around the changing geopolitical environment and how this is shaping the global order of tomorrow.
Over the last decade, Asia has seen enormous physical and digital infrastructure connectivity projects. They have become both key pillars and levers of competition and cooperation. To unpack the geopolitical implications of these projects, we spoke with Dr Moritz Rudolf, author of the book Belt and Road Initiative: The Implications for the International Order. He is the founder of Eurasia Bridges and currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai China Center.
Follow Moritz on Twitter: @MoritzRudolf
Credits:
Created by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Asia, https://asia.fes.de/
Directed by Mirco Günther
Hosted by Dinkim Sailo
Research by Mekhla Jha and Alexander Lipke
Communications & artwork by Isabelle Mischke and Coco Quimpo
Sound production by Mediawok: https://www.mediawok.com/
Resources:
Find out more about our new regional project Navigating the New Geopolitics of Asia and the Global Order of Tomorrow which analyses major regional and global dynamics at play and offers a platform for countries to unpack ideas and strategies on how to manage these geopolitical challenges and successfully navigate in an uncertain environment: https://asia.fes.de/our-work/geopolitics-of-asia

S2E6 - Asia’s New Geopolitics of Artificial Intelligence and Technology
Welcome to Disrupted Asia: Navigating the Global Order of Tomorrow, a podcast series by FES in Asia- where Asia's and Europe’s leading experts tackle some of the most pressing questions around the changing geopolitical environment and how this is shaping the global order of tomorrow.
As geopolitical rivalry intensifies in both traditional and non-traditional domains, leadership around AI, emerging technologies and the increased prospects of cyberwarfare have come to sharp focus. In this episode, we are joined by Elina Noor, Director of Political-Security Affairs at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington DC, to discuss how they play out in the region and explore issues around their governance.
Follow Elina on Twitter: @elinanoor
Credits:
Created by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Asia, https://asia.fes.de/
Directed by Mirco Günther
Hosted by Dinkim Sailo
Research by Mekhla Jha and Alexander Lipke
Communications & artwork by Isabelle Mischke and Coco Quimpo
Sound production by Mediawok: https://www.mediawok.com/
Resources:
Find out more about our new regional project “Navigating the New Geopolitics of Asia and the Global Order of Tomorrow” which analyses major regional and global dynamics at play and offers a platform for countries to unpack ideas and strategies on how to manage these geopolitical challenges and successfully navigate in an uncertain environment: https://asia.fes.de/our-work/geopolitics-of-asia

S2E5 - The New Geopolitics of Asia
Welcome to Disrupted Asia: Navigating the Global Order of Tomorrow, a podcast series by FES in Asia- where Asia's and Europe’s leading experts tackle some of the most pressing questions around the changing geopolitical environment and how this is shaping the global order of tomorrow.
A year and a half into the pandemic, the systemic implications of the crisis are engendering major shifts and, some will argue, sowed the seeds for transformative political, economic and social change. This is bookended by a changing geopolitical landscape – particularly in Asia – and the emergence of a new global order. To make sense of this, we speak with Marc Saxer, Head of FES Asia Department in Berlin.
Follow Marc on Twitter: @marcsaxer
Credits:
Created by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Asia, https://asia.fes.de/
Directed by Mirco Günther
Hosted by Dinkim Sailo
Research by Mekhla Jha and Alexander Lipke
Communications & artwork by Isabelle Mischke and Coco Quimpo
Sound production by Mediawok: https://www.mediawok.com/
Resources:
Find out more about our new regional project “Navigating the New Geopolitics of Asia and the Global Order of Tomorrow” which analyses major regional and global dynamics at play and offers a platform for countries to unpack ideas and strategies on how to manage these geopolitical challenges and successfully navigate in an uncertain environment: https://asia.fes.de/our-work/geopolitics-of-asia
Follow Marc's projects on Facebook:
The Economy of Tomorrow: https://www.facebook.com/TheEconomyOfTomorrow
Transformative Change Making: https://www.facebook.com/transformativechangemaking
In the vertigo of change: https://www.facebook.com/vertigoofchange/

S2E4 - Female Leadership and the future of work in Mongolia
Welcome to Disrupted Asia: Navigating the Global Order of Tomorrow, a podcast series by FES in Asia- where Asia's and Europe’s leading experts tackle some of the most pressing questions around the changing geopolitical environment and how this is shaping the global order of tomorrow.
Together with Ariunzaya Ayush, Mongolia’s Minister of Labour and Social Protection, we discuss the challenges and successes in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and take a closer look at the digitalization of Mongolia’s social security system as well as the role of women in the national workforce. A keen supporter of her country’s digitalization efforts and former chairwoman of the national statistical office, she is one of Mongolia’s leading practitioners in the future of work.
Credits:
Created by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Asia, https://asia.fes.de/
Directed by Mirco Günther
Hosted by Kai Dittmann
Research by Mekhla Jha
Communications & artwork by Isabelle Mischke and Coco Quimpo
Sound production by Mediawok: https://www.mediawok.com/
Resources:
Find out more about our new regional project “Navigating the New Geopolitics of Asia and the Global Order of Tomorrow” which analyses major regional and global dynamics at play and offers a platform for countries to unpack ideas and strategies on how to manage these geopolitical challenges and successfully navigate in an uncertain environment: https://asia.fes.de/our-work/geopolitics-of-asia

S2E3 - Vaccine justice and building forward better
Welcome to Disrupted Asia: Navigating the Global Order of Tomorrow, a podcast series by FES in Asia- where Asia's and Europe’s leading experts tackle some of the most pressing questions around the changing geopolitical environment and how this is shaping the global order of tomorrow.
In this episode, Jomo Kwame Sundaram, one of Malaysia's leading experts on the political economy of development, takes a closer look at the social and economic crisis in South and Southeast Asia, the current unjust distribution of vaccines, and how we must not just rebuild the economy but fundamentally rethink what our society should strive for after the pandemic.
Credits:
Created by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Asia, https://asia.fes.de/
Directed by Mirco Günther
Hosted by Kai Dittmann
Research by Mekhla Jha
Communications & artwork by Isabelle Mischke and Coco Quimpo
Sound production by Mediawok: https://www.mediawok.com/
Resources:
Find out more about our new regional project “Navigating the New Geopolitics of Asia and the Global Order of Tomorrow” which analyses major regional and global dynamics at play and offers a platform for countries to unpack ideas and strategies on how to manage these geopolitical challenges and successfully navigate in an uncertain environment: https://asia.fes.de/our-work/geopolitics-of-asia

S2E2 - Between superpowers: Small and landlocked states in Asia
Welcome to Disrupted Asia: Navigating the Global Order of Tomorrow, a podcast series by FES in Asia- where Asia's and Europe’s leading experts tackle some of the most pressing questions around the changing geopolitical environment and how this is shaping the global order of tomorrow.
Small and landlocked states have their own unique set of challenges, but also opportunities, especially when caught in the midst of global power shifts and geopolitical disruptions. In this episode, we explore how these challenges manifest for countries of the region and the roles they can play. Ambassador Gyan Chandra Acharya, former Foreign Secretary of Nepal & United Nations High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (2012-2017) shares his insights.
Credits:
Created by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Asia, https://asia.fes.de/
Directed by Mirco Günther
Hosted by Dinkim Sailo
Research by Mekhla Jha
Communications & artwork by Isabelle Mischke and Coco Quimpo
Sound production by Mediawok: https://www.mediawok.com/
Resources:
Find out more about our new regional project “Navigating the New Geopolitics of Asia and the Global Order of Tomorrow” which analyses major regional and global dynamics at play and offers a platform for countries to unpack ideas and strategies on how to manage these geopolitical challenges and successfully navigate in an uncertain environment: https://asia.fes.de/our-work/geopolitics-of-asia

S2E1 - Afghanistan amid transition and the prospects for peace
Welcome to Disrupted Asia: Navigating the Global Order of Tomorrow, a podcast series by FES in Asia- where Asia's and Europe’s leading experts tackle some of the most pressing questions around the changing geopolitical environment and how this is shaping the global order of tomorrow.
In our new season’s opening episode, we take a closer look at the latest developments in Afghanistan – the COVID-19 crisis, a difficult peace process, potential troop withdrawal and the future international engagement – with Dr Timor Sharan, Executive Director of the Afghanistan Policy Lab and an Adjunct Professor at the American University of Afghanistan.
Credits:
Created by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Asia, https://asia.fes.de/
Directed by Mirco Günther
Hosted by Dinkim Sailo
Research by Mekhla Jha
Communications & artwork by Isabelle Mischke and Coco Quimpo
Sound production by Mediawok: https://www.mediawok.com/
Resources:
Download the series of policy briefs authored by Andrew Watkins and Dr. Timor Sharan about the implications of the US withdrawal and the ongoing Afghan Peace Negotiations on existing policy tools, strategic interests, and challenges for key stakeholders in- and outside of Afghanistan: https://afghanistan.fes.de/e/from-uncertainty-to-strategy
Find out more about our new regional project “Navigating the New Geopolitics of Asia and the Global Order of Tomorrow” which analyses major regional and global dynamics at play and offers a platform for countries to unpack ideas and strategies on how to manage these geopolitical challenges and successfully navigate in an uncertain environment: https://asia.fes.de/our-work/geopolitics-of-asia

S1E7 - Disrupted Asia - Artificial intelligence, data rights and the future of work
“Disrupted Asia: Between Crisis, Rise and Resilience” explores the existing and emerging economic, political and geostrategic trends throughout the Asia-Pacific region in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the world thereafter.
In the last episode of our first season, we analyse the effects of digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and data protection in the workplace. Together with our guest Christina Colclough, an expert on the future of work and the politics of digital technology, we talk about algorithmic decision-making and ways forward for the labour movement in the Asia-Pacific region.
For more info about the work of FES in Asia, visit www.fes-asia.org.

S1E6 - Disrupted Asia - Social justice in the crisis and a fair recovery
“Disrupted Asia: Between Crisis, Rise and Resilience” explores the existing and emerging economic, political and geostrategic trends throughout the Asia-Pacific region in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the world thereafter.
We explore themes of social justice and the changes required in the global order to ensure a more equitable and just society during and after the pandemic. Our guest Kate Lappin, Asia-Pacific Regional Secretary of Public Services International - the global union federation of workers in public services - looks at ways to protect workers in times of crisis and calls for a paradigm shift to jointly build back better.
For more info about the work of FES in Asia, visit www.fes-asia.org.

S1E5 - Disrupted Asia - COVID-19, ASEAN and the future of multilateralism
“Disrupted Asia: Between Crisis, Rise and Resilience” explores the existing and emerging economic, political and geostrategic trends throughout the Asia-Pacific region in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the world thereafter.
We take a closer look at the impact of COVID-19 on Southeast Asia, multilateralism and how the region is tackling the economic, security and strategic challenges confronting it. In our conversation with Liew Chin Tong, Malaysian Senator and former Deputy Defence Minister, he also shares his perspective on balancing ties between China and the US in the midst of the pandemic, as well as the role of the European Union.
For more info about the work of FES in Asia, visit www.fes-asia.org.

S1E4 - Disrupted Asia - Global supply chains and workers' rights
“Disrupted Asia: Between Crisis, Rise and Resilience” explores the existing and emerging economic, political and geostrategic trends throughout the Asia-Pacific region in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the world thereafter.
Today's double episode focusses on workers' rights along global supply chains. We explore the debate surrounding the supply chain act in Germany and its importance for Asia with Dr. Bärbel Kofler, Germany's Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance. Labour rights expert Farzana Nawaz looks into the situation on the ground and the vulnerabilities of workers in the region.
For more info about the work of FES in Asia, visit www.fes-asia.org.

S1E3 - Disrupted Asia - A new Asia-Pacific and China's changing Belt and Road Initiative
“Disrupted Asia: Between Crisis, Rise and Resilience” explores the existing and emerging economic, political and geostrategic trends throughout the Asia-Pacific region in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the world thereafter.
We are looking into China’s changing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its complex relations with its neighbours as well as the EU. Listen to Yun Sun, Director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, and Richard Ghiasy, Senior Fellow at the Leiden Asia Centre, unpack China’s role in the new Asia-Pacific.
For more info about the work of FES in Asia, visit www.fes-asia.org.

S1E2 - Disrupted Asia - A new Indo-Pacific and India's changing foreign policy
“Disrupted Asia: Between Crisis, Rise and Resilience” explores the existing and emerging economic, political and geostrategic trends throughout the Asia-Pacific region in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the world thereafter.
In this episode, we will explore India’s changing foreign and security policy in its neighborhood, its complex relations with China, the role of the European Union and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic together with Dr Tanvi Madan. She is the Director of the India Project and a senior fellow in the project on International Order and Strategy in the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institution.
For more info about the work of FES in Asia, visit www.fes-asia.org.

S1E1 - Disrupted Asia - The Asian Century
“Disrupted Asia: Between Crisis, Rise and Resilience” explores the existing and emerging economic, political and geostrategic trends throughout the Asia-Pacific region in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the world thereafter.
Are we living in the "Asian century"? In this episode we unpack its meaning, prospects and implications with the international bestselling author Dr Parag Khanna. He is the author of the recently published book, The Future is Asian: Commerce, Conflict and Culture in the 21st Century as well as the founder and managing partner of FutureMap, a data and scenario based strategic advisory firm.
For more info about the work of FES in Asia, visit www.fes-asia.org.