Best Global Taiwan Institute Podcasts (2024)

1
Has China’s process of reform gone into reverse? 15:06

2h ago15:06

15:06

The Chinese Communist Party guides the thinking of the masses through slogans. Some of these are written in huge letters on walls around the country. They are studied by party members, who try to figure out how society should respond. One of the most famous slogans is "reform and opening up." It has been in constant use since the late 1970s and alt…

1
Lithuania’s Pivot to Taiwan: Three Years Later (with Raigirdas Boruta) 25:30

20h ago25:30

25:30

GTI’s Ben Sando and Lillian Ellis interview Raigirdas Boruta, policy analyst at Lithuania’s Government Strategic Analysis Center (STRATA), on trends and challenges since the Lithuanian government’s 2021 pivot in diplomatic ties from China to Taiwan. Mr. Boruta shares his insight into the massive economic retaliation suffered by Lithuania, Taiwan an…

1
The mounting risk of another global war 14:13

3d ago14:13

14:13

The head of the CIA, Bill Burns has described Vladimir Putin as a bully who presents the greatest threat to world peace. The idea that Russia and China may partner to launch a joint provocation is a particular concern for the US and its allies. In this podcast, Samuel Ramani from the defence think tank RUSI provides his assessment of the risks asso…

1
How Ukraine’s Kursk Incursion Changed the War in Russia 55:51

9d ago55:51

55:51

In this edition, we will be returning to Russia’s war against Ukraine as both sides increasingly look towards another winter of fighting. Since the autumn/winter of last year, there have been further swings in the war as Russia launched a long offensive and Ukraine suffered a lack of weapons due to political deadlock in the US Congress and a shorta…

1
Escalating tension between China and the Philippines 14:33

10d ago14:33

14:33

The battle for supremacy in Asia has a new flashpoint in the South China Sea. It is known as the Sabina Shoal and it lies near the Philippines, a nation which is locked in a maritime dispute with China. This has led to collisions between boats, the use of water cannons and threats of a serious escalation. Other nations are watching warily. In this …

1
How America's Democratic Party views China 15:10

14d ago15:10

15:10

There is a rising mood of bipartisan hostility towards China in Washington ahead of the 2024 election. If Donald Trump returns to the White House, he intends to impose steep tariffs on Chinese exports. His Democratic party opponent, Kamala Harris has said that "America, not China" will win the competition for the 21st century. In this podcast, Jame…

1
How is NATO Approaching China’s Security Challenge? 46:52

24d ago46:52

46:52

This episode of Global Security Briefing explores NATO's interest in China and the Indo-Pacific amid ongoing security challenges in Europe. At last month’s NATO summit in Washington, DC, China was identified as a ‘decisive enabler’ of Russia’s war against Ukraine. It was also noted that China ‘continues to pose systemic challenges to Euro-Atlantic …

1
The politics of pandas 14:21

24d ago14:21

14:21

Two pandas which have been on an extended diplomatic mission to Australia are soon to be recalled to China. Fu Ni 福妮 and Wang Wang 网网) (PRON: "wong wong") have been living happily together at Adelaide Zoo since 2009. However, China wants them back by the end of 2024. They’ll be replaced by a younger pair of animals. Australia’s government seems ple…

1
Deterring a war over Taiwan 15:21

1M ago15:21

15:21

Taiwan and China are practicing for war. China's People's Liberation Army has increased the number of ships and warplanes conducting drills around the island. The Taiwanese air force has responded with live-fire exercises. In this podcast, Bill Emmott, chair of the IISS think tank, discusses what might deter China from using force against Taiwan. T…

1
Will the Labour Government Seek A New Approach to the Middle East? 52:18

1M ago52:18

52:18

Concluding our series on how the UK’s new Labour government is approaching key foreign policy questions, we turn to the Middle East. It is in the Middle East that Labour’s ‘progressive realist’ foreign policy will be most tested – especially in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Signalling the importance of the Middle East to the new gov…

1
Is Apple bowing to China’s censorship laws? 13:25

1M ago13:25

13:25

The world's biggest technology company Apple has close ties to China. Although it is based in California, where it designs famous products, a huge proportion of its gear is assembled in China. Furthermore, Chinese consumers continue to crave Apple iPhones. But critics allege that in order to gain the approval of the Communist Party, Apple assists w…

1
How China and NATO see each other 14:41

1M ago14:41

14:41

NATO's Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg has warned that China is conducting a huge military build-up. He says China is investing heavily in modern missiles, including an arsenal of nuclear weapons. NATO has ordered its forces to be prepared to counter China's assertive behaviour in the South China Sea and threats to Taiwan. However, China's Fore…

1
Has Hong Kong lost all freedom and autonomy? 14:47

2M ago14:47

14:47

A bi-partisan group of politicians in Washington has called for sanctions to be imposed on officials in Hong Kong. They claim the officials - acting on instructions from Beijing - use tough laws to try to silence political opposition and intimidate those who advocate for democratic principles. In this podcast, veteran journalist Stephen Vines expla…

1
Does the New UK Government Need a Fresh China Policy? 45:33

2M ago45:33

45:33

Current UK China policy is defined by the three main concepts of protecting national interests, aligning with allies and engaging with China on key matters such as climate change where possible. But how are these approaches coordinated and prioritised? The previous UK government was prepared to live with the ambiguity inherent in this approach, arg…

1
Myanmar Deep Dive with Richard Horsey 34:15

2M ago34:15

34:15

Kelly speaks with Richard Horsey, Myanmar expert and advisor to the International Crisis Group, for a deep dive into the history of Myanmar's ongoing civil war. Richard is a political analyst and has been a close observer of Myanmar for over 25 years. He specializes in the politics and political economy of the country, as well as armed conflict and…

1
Why the partnership between Russia and China worries Europe 14:01

2M ago14:01

14:01

The war in Ukraine has made the Russian leader Vladimir Putin something of a pariah in the West but he still meets regularly with Xi Jinping. In theory, Russia and China enjoy a no-limits partnership. But are there constraints on their relationship? Abigaël Vasselier is a former diplomat and is currently Director for Policy and European Affairs and…

1
Can Labour Reset the UK’s Security Relations with Europe? 51:00

2M ago51:00

51:00

On the heels of a landslide victory, this episode examines the newly elected UK Labour government’s plan to refashion the UK’s security and defence ties with Europe. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his team have identified the forging of a new relationship with the EU as a priority. Security, which was not part of the withdrawal agreement, is s…

1
The looming trade war between China and the EU 15:11

2M ago15:11

15:11

Manufacturers of Chinese electric vehicles intend to build their companies into powerhouses to rival Volkswagen and Renault. The Chinese government backs their expansion into new markets, including Europe. This has caused political tension and as a result, a trade war is looming between China and Europe. On this podcast, Duncan Wrigley, Chief China…

1
Women, Communism and social change 15:11

2M ago15:11

15:11

The best-selling book Wild Swans by Jung Chang contains harrowing accounts of life in China during the 20th Century. It covers the Japanese occupation of Manchuria, the civil war, the establishment of the CCP and the Cultural Revolution. In this podcast, Dr Chang gives a riveting account of how these momentous events impacted her mother and grandmo…

1
Why are Russia and China squabbling over North Korea? 14:05

3M ago14:05

14:05

North Korea is a troublesome neighbour for China. At one level, its Workers' Party, led by Kim Jong-Un, claims fraternity with the Chinese Communist Party. But Marshall Kim follows his own agenda, including belligerent rhetoric against South Korea, the United States and Japan. He's also nurturing his relationship with Vladimir Putin. In this podcas…

1
NATO at 75 44:40

3M ago44:40

44:40

In this episode, GSB takes a look at how the 75th Anniversary Summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization aims to shape the future of the Alliance. The summit takes place in Washington, DC, from 9 to 11 July, and is being billed as a celebration of the Alliance, often termed the most successful in history. There will also be attention to NATO’…

1
Xi Jinping's attitude towards the Global South 14:40

3M ago14:40

14:40

China has a strategy to forge partnerships with countries in the so-called Global South. This pits it against other influential nations which also claim to be international leaders. Furthermore, many people in developing countries resent being pressed to pick sides. The podcast includes a discussion on Chinese foreign policy between Professor Steve…

1
A New Security Environment in the South Atlantic and Antarctica? 47:34

3M ago47:34

47:34

The South Atlantic and the Antarctic have drawn considerable attention from big powers, who are racing to strengthen their regional footprints and presence as the region opens up for navigation and other potential uses. Despite very low tensions, the South Atlantic is a recurrent area of discussion in the UK given the territorial claim over the Fal…

1
The risk of war over Taiwan 14:56

3M ago14:56

14:56

Tension rose in East Asia following the inauguration of the Taiwanese president Lai Ching-Te in May 2024. China dispatched fighter jets, bombers armed with live missiles and naval vessels into areas very close to Taiwan’s east coast. Was this a signal that under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China could be prepared to launch an amphibious assault o…

1
The political significance of Tibet 13:40

3M ago13:40

13:40

Tibet, on China's border with India, is seen as having great strategic importance to Beijing. The region, which has been prone to unrest, has been under Chinese control since 1950. Its spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama is in exile in India but plans to visit the United States this summer. In this podcast, Michael Bristow, China Correspondent for the…

1
Taiwan’s New Government Takes Office 47:54

4M ago47:54

47:54

In the face of growing security challenges, this episode discusses what is on the agenda for Taiwan’s new leadership. Taiwan is not merely a democracy; it is an outstanding example of a democracy. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2023 Democracy Index ranked Taiwan top in Asia and 10th globally (ahead of the UK and US) among the 167 countries and t…

1
China's approach to the Middle East 13:17

4M ago13:17

13:17

China's leaders have taken a sharply critical tone against Israel over its war with the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. They have also suggested that the United States is exploiting and exasperating long-running conflicts in the Middle East. In this podcast, Richard Spencer, a correspondent for The Times newspaper, warns that a regional conflagr…

1
China's grip on the internet in Southeast Asia 14:18

4M ago14:18

14:18

China is becoming a dominant force in the online realm in Southeast Asia. Partnerships through a network known as the Digital Silk Road enable China to have extensive influence on how people access the internet in countries such as Cambodia, Nepal and Thailand. In this podcast, campaigner Michael Caster explains what he sees as a battle for free sp…

1
An Examination of AUKUS 51:42

4M ago51:42

51:42

An in-depth exploration of the Australia–UK–US defence capability agreement (AUKUS) and what it means for the UK’s foreign and security policy in the Indo-Pacific. Launched in September 2021, AUKUS is well into its third year. The unique trilateral partnership has the potential to bring about massive changes in the Indo-Pacific security landscape. …

1
Xi Jinping's fraught relationship with Europe 14:16

4M ago14:16

14:16

The prime minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, regards China as a "pillar of the new world order." Mr Orban admires leaders such as Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, who are challenging the western-led system. Professor Hanns Maull from the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) believes that Xi Jinping’s visit to Hungary in May 2024 showed that …

1
What does Xi Jinping think about technology? 14:01

4M ago14:01

14:01

Xi Jinping is urging Chinese companies to compete vigorously with other countries in the development of advanced technology, including high end computer chips. There is an ideological basis to the strategy: Xi Jinping has spoken about China becoming much more self-reliant. But the battle for supremacy in tech causes tension in the realm of internat…

1
Chris Tuttle on Ukraine & TikTok; Maldivian Elections, Niger, and Blinken Visits China 28:34

5M ago28:34

28:34

13:10 - Interview with Chris Tuttle This week, Kelly and Freddie talk through Secretary of State Blinken's recent visit to China, U.S. troops leaving Niger, and an election in Maldives that saw the country move closer to China. Kelly then talks with Chris Tuttle, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, about recent Congressional action o…

1
Russia’s Changing Position in the South Caucasus 55:12

5M ago55:12

55:12

How is Russia reorienting its relationship with Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan? Since the collapse of the USSR, Russia has sought to strengthen its security position in the South Caucasus, notably around the region’s protracted conflicts and using its strategic relationship with Armenia. Vladimir Putin’s decision in March 2022 to invade Ukraine ha…

1
China criticises Japan’s alleged "wrong actions" 14:44

5M ago14:44

14:44

Japan has taken a tough stance on China, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida firmly committed to upholding the American vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” But China is also a huge market for Japanese companies for which talk of “decoupling” from China is regarded as commercial folly. In this podcast, Duncan Bartlett, a Research Associate at th…

1
Can China still shock the global economy? 14:42

5M ago14:42

14:42

China's factories have pumped out so many solar panels that other countries are complaining. Some people are said to be lining their garden fences with the panels, due to a global glut of the product. This is being held up as an example of a new type of "China shock". Previously, China’s economic rise caused a shock to trade and the labour markets.…

1
GTI Insights Season 5, Episode 3: A Conversation with Jess Marinaccio on Tuvalu, Taiwan, and the Pacific Islands 33:56

5M ago33:56

33:56

In Season 5, Episode 3 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Intern Uma Baron interview Dr. Jess Marinaccio, an assistant professor of Asian Pacific Studies at California State University, Dominguez Hills. In an engaging conversation, Dr. Marinaccio shares her thoughts on the complex relationship between Taiwan and Tuvalu, the impl…

1
Yuki Tatsumi on the US-Japan Summit; Iran's strike on Israel, Ecuador's Embassy Raid, and Turkish Municipal Elections 28:41

5M ago28:41

28:41

10:40 - Interview with Yuki Tatsumi. This week, Kelly and Freddie talk through Iran's Strike on Israel, Ecudaro's raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito, and the losses for President Erdogan's party in recent Turkish municipal elections. Kelly then talks with the Stimson Center's Yuki Tatsumi about the recent summit between the US, Japan, and the Phi…

1
Is the Middle East Facing a Regional War? 52:43

5M ago52:43

52:43

Following Iran’s attack on Israel, we consider the future of conflict in the Middle East and the possibility of an all-out regional war. The recent strike on Israel by Iran and its allies has reignited fears of a wider regional war and speculation over what form it could take. In this episode, host Neil Melvin is joined by Dr H A Hellyer, RUSI Seni…

1
How China sees Gaza 13:49

5M ago13:49

13:49

China has emphasised its pro-Palestinian stance during the Israel-Gaza war. It has been critical of Washington’s handling of the situation, especially the American policy of arming Israel. In this podcast, Dr Mercy Kuo from Pamir Consulting considers how China’s role in the Middle East has developed since President Xi Jinping came to power. The hos…

1
Military Strategy & The War in Ukraine with Lt Gen Ben Hodges 31:41

5M ago31:41

31:41

Kelly speaks with Lt. Gen (ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, about the effect of the Ukraine War on military tactics and strategy. Prior to retiring from the armed forces in 2018, Lieutenant General (ret.) Ben Hodges served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army in Europe. He consults for several companies on Europe, …

1
82 | The Wisdom of the Ancients (feat. Jakub Grygiel) 54:45

5M ago54:45

54:45

What do classical authors have to teach us about the global brawl that is international affairs? Catholic University professor, Jakub Grygiel, joins hosts Mike Doran and Peter Rough to provide the historical context behind the show's new exploration into "real-realism."By Hudson Institute

1
Why does China spy on its citizens? 15:04

5M ago15:04

15:04

The introduction of advanced surveillance technologies has given the Chinese Communist Party powerful tools. It collects information related to people’s spending habits. It is also able to record how they act at work, and even in their homes. Is the state justified in using these tools to influence people’s behaviour? In this podcast, Professor Min…

1
81 | Exploring Our New Worldview: "Real-Realism" 24:18

6M ago24:18

24:18

After internal dialogues revealed that the team was feeling a bit "strategically rudderless," hosts Mike Doran and Peter Rough sit together to launch a new thesis for Counterbalance. Together they explain what's wrong with foreign policy "experts" today and why an interest-based foreign policy is needed over the dominant, but flawed, values-based o…

1
The Rising Influence of Counter-West Associations 44:53

6M ago44:53

44:53

This episode discusses the emergence of ‘counter-West’ groupings and how they fit within – and are seeking to shape – the wider global order. In 2023 we ran a series of episodes focusing on the Russia–China relationship, the growing linkages to Iran and Venezuela and to North Korea's emergence as an international actor, as well as efforts to forge …

1
China’s alarm at the Red Sea crisis 14:29

5M ago14:29

14:29

The escalating Houthi attacks in the Red Sea region are creating economic and security concerns globally. The US and UK have responded with airstrikes against Houthi sites in Yemen, in an attempt to prevent the group from endangering freedom of navigation and disrupting trade. The repercussions are also felt in China, a powerful maritime nation. On…

1
80 | Can the US Withstand An Economic Standoff with China? (feat. Jonathan Ward) 39:48

6M ago39:48

39:48

Hudson Senior Fellow Jonathan Ward joins co-host Peter Rough to discuss his new book The Decisive Decade: American Grand Strategy for Triumph Over China. In his book, and during the episode, Ward lays out how the US gave up many of its economic advantages while allowing China's rise. Thankfully, according to Ward, it's not too late to reverse cours…

1
What does Taiwan want from America? 15:04

6M ago15:04

15:04

China is quickly amassing weapons and systems to militarily overwhelm Taiwan, according to a senior US admiral. John Aquilino told a recent hearing in Washington that China could be poised to take such an action within the next six years. If conflict breaks out, it would be a grave matter to deal with, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the…

1
Dr. Ken Opalo on Sudan's Civil War; Updates on Gaza and Haiti 31:27

6M ago31:27

31:27

10:25 - Interview with Dr. Ken Opalo This week, Kelly and Freddie provide updates on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the evolving crisis in Haiti, and Kelly talks with Georgetown Professor Ken Opalo for a deep dive into Sudan's civil war. Dr. Opalo is an associate professor at the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service, where …

1
79 | The Facts: Is Ukraine Losing? Can It Still Win? (feat. Peter Rough) 41:32

6M ago41:32

41:32

Is Ukraine losing? Can it still win? Where does international support stand now, and where will it be going forward? Host Peter Rough addresses these questions and more having just returned from an overseas study trip to Moldova and Ukraine. Mike Doran joins him to discover what Peter saw, heard, and learned from his travels.…

1
Putin Forever? Analysing the Russian Elections 48:11

6M ago48:11

48:11

With Vladimir Putin claiming yet another victory in Russia’s recent national elections, we examine his tenure and what the future has in store. While Putin’s election victory was always a certainty, such political exercises involving mass engagement efforts are complex and potentially risky operations for authoritarian leaders. At the age of 71, an…

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Global Taiwan Institute Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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