Best Prime Minister Narendra Modi Podcasts (2024)

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Unpacking Brazil's anti-racism movement (part 1) 51:05

2d ago51:05

51:05

Send us a text In this episode of Critical South Professor Lawrence Hamilton talks to Professor Amilcar Pereira about the history of racism, the anti-racism movement and the fight against the myth of racial democracy in Brazil. They talk about the importance of the political struggle to transform society, touching on a wide range of events, ideas a…

1
Trickle-down tensions: The hydropolitics of transboundary river systems in Asia 48:51

3d ago48:51

48:51

The rivers of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau, a lifeline for hundreds of millions of people across Asia, are a hotbed of geopolitical tension. A history of colonialism, border disputes, and competing interests has made present-day transboundary governance exceptionally challenging, as national governments, non-state actors, international organisations…

1
Is Indonesia's labor movement stuck in neutral? 49:47

17d ago49:47

49:47

More than a quarter century since landmark democratic reforms, Indonesia's labor movement remains surprisingly subdued. Workers continue to face low wages, poor working conditions, and laws that put employers first, as efforts to organize labor remain encumbered by a mix of nationalist and religious rhetoric, government policy, and the rise of the …

1
Searching for work-life balance in South Korea 51:25

1M ago51:25

51:25

South Korea has a reputation for very long work hours. Despite laws limiting the working week to 40 hours, overtime is rampant, fueled by a culture of "more is better." This relentless pace has resulted in overwork-related deaths and has played a part in South Korea having the world's lowest fertility rate. At the same time, the tradition of lifeti…

1
What to watch for in India during Narendra Modi's third term as prime minister 47:19

2M ago47:19

47:19

While Narendra Modi was able to secure a historic third term as India's Prime Minister in recent elections, he no longer enjoys presiding over an outright parliamentary majority by his party, the BJP. Instead, Modi is now forced to rely on alliance partners, who will likely bristle at his autocratic leadership style and his party's Hindu-nationalis…

1
An overcast dawn: South Africa's 2024 elections and the government of national unity 52:39

2M ago52:39

52:39

Send us a text For the first time since the dawn of democracy in South Africa 30 years ago, the African National Congress has lost its majority, forcing the liberation party to enter a coalition for it to rule the country. In this episode Professors Lawrence Hamilton and Susan Booysen have an in-depth discussion about the 2024 election results, how…

1
How China safeguards its interests amid conflict in Myanmar 52:21

2M ago52:21

52:21

With escalating military conflict between Myanmar's ruling junta and various ethnic armed organisations (or EAOs) in recent months, China is pursuing a delicate balancing act along their shared 2200 km border, juggling its economic interests, security concerns, and regional reputation. While Beijing has traditionally supported the junta, recent eve…

1
The geopolitics of undersea cables in the Indo-Pacific 48:46

3M ago48:46

48:46

Undersea cables underpin global communication and the digital economy, with between 95-99% of data for international banking, e-commerce, video calls, and intelligence sharing travelling via these largely hidden transoceanic routes. However, this critical multi-billion-dollar infrastructure faces increasing risks from shipping accidents, natural di…

1
As Vietnam scales the global value chain, what does it mean for its workers? 55:48

3M ago55:48

55:48

Almost four decades since Vietnam abandoned Marxist central planning in favour of market socialism, Vietnam is now well integrated in the global supply chain and is an important manufacturing hub for labour-intensive industries like textiles, electronics, and even automobiles. The economic expansion -- powered by foreign investment and exports -- h…

1
From chaiwalla to prime minister: Hindu nationalism and Narendra Modi’s rise to power 53:34

3M ago53:34

53:34

Send us a text How has Narendra Modi survived as India's Prime Minister since 2014? And how will he last beyond India's current 2024 elections? In this episode of Critical South we trace the political trajectory of Modi as Professor Lawrence Hamilton has a one-on-one with Professor Sanjay Ruparelia from Toronto Metropolitan University. Ruparelia dr…

1
The outsized influence of the military in Pakistan’s politics 52:41

4M ago52:41

52:41

For the nearly eight decades since its founding, Pakistan has struggled to find a balance between civilian democratic governance and the power wielded by its armed forces. The military has directly ruled the country for almost half of its existence through coups d’etat and martial law. Even during periods of civilian rule, its influence has loomed …

1
Social movements and political change in Argentina 55:32

4M ago55:32

55:32

Send us a text How did the Piquetero Movement in Argentina come about? And what did this movement as arguably the most significant unemployed workers' movement in the world do differently to other social movements. In this episode Professor Lawrence Hamilton speaks with Professor Federico Rossi about social movements and political change in Argenti…

1
Iran’s strategy of outsourcing warfare in the Middle East 55:19

4M ago55:19

55:19

For decades, Iran has skillfully employed a network of proxy militant groups across the broader Middle East to project power and advance its interests, while maintaining an impression of plausible deniability on the global stage. At its core lies a "forward defence" strategy: pushing away or pre-empting threats from Iranian soil. Yet while this app…

1
What China's ambitions in Pakistan mean for Baloch aspirations and identity 47:10

5M ago47:10

47:10

Straddling the boundaries of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, the Baloch people have long endured as a distinct ethnic group whose aspirations have been overshadowed by the ambitions of larger state actors. In Balochistan, in Pakistan's west, Baloch ethno-nationalist assertions of identity have long driven protests and petitioning directed at Islam…

1
How will Indonesia fare under new president Prabowo Subianto? 45:58

6M ago45:58

45:58

Indonesia, the world's third largest democracy, has elected Prabowo Subianto to be its next president in a sweeping victory. Yet, Prabowo, who enjoyed substantial support from Indonesia's young voters, is a controversial figure with a reputation marred by human rights violations, a history of anti-democratic rhetoric, and ties to the authoritarian …

1
As ethnic tensions rise, is there any real prospect of an inclusive Malaysia? 52:23

7M ago52:23

52:23

Malaysian society stands at a crossroads as ethnic tensions simmer, fueled by fiery rhetoric and a rise in Malay nationalism. Recent elections exposed a divided democracy, with populists pushing an agenda that strains the nation's multicultural fabric. Despite the absence of actual violence, social media is amplifying hate speech that paints minori…

1
China wants to remake global governance – is the world ready for it? 45:17

7M ago45:17

45:17

China's Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2023, aims to reshape global governance by emphasising mutual respect between civilizations and common human values. While it ostensibly appears to embrace diversity, some analysts argue that it primarily serves China's own interests by reshaping international norms i…

1
Taiwan through the eyes of mainland Chinese writers and filmmakers 55:58

8M ago55:58

55:58

Despite China's official stance that reunification with Taiwan is non-negotiable, the perspectives of mainland Chinese writers, filmmakers, and television producers who have lived on the island are often far more nuanced. How have these artists reconciled their ties to the mainland with their experiences in Taiwan? What distinguishes the works of t…

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Ram Mandir - Mahanirman 9:22

8M ago9:22

9:22

"Ram Mandir - Mahanirman," explores the construction of the magnificent Ram Mandir Temple in Ayodhya. Renowned architect Chandrakant Sompura's vision combines ancient Vedic principles with modern engineering, showcasing pink sandstone and intricately carved marble. This audio offers exclusive insights into the grandeur and significance of the templ…

1
How the future of Indonesia's peatlands will shape climate change 45:28

9M ago45:28

45:28

With the return of the El Niño weather pattern after a three-year hiatus, several Southeast Asian nations are preparing for the resurgence of the hazardous haze caused by peatland fires in Indonesia. Indonesia’s 24 million hectares of tropical peatlands – the largest holding worldwide – support vital biodiversity and carbon storage. However, agricu…

1
Managing caste discrimination in the workplace 58:43

10M ago58:43

58:43

As India’s diaspora continues to expand in Western nations, what are the implications of caste identity, and the discriminatory practices that accompany it, for corporate managers? Despite being prohibited by law in India, cultural norms and social practices have allowed caste-based discrimination to persist. The over-representation of higher caste…

1
China's Pacific push: Assessing the impact on island nations 48:15

10M ago48:15

48:15

China’s ambitious push into the Pacific Islands through infrastructure investments and loans has raised concerns about its grand strategy and geopolitical goals for nearby middle powers such as Australia. Meanwhile, Beijing's recent security deal with Solomon Islands plus its attempt to strike a larger deal with ten other island nations has prompte…

1
Aid under fire: The dilemmas facing humanitarian actors in strife-torn Myanmar 1:01:26

11M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Myanmar is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis dating back to the military coup of February 2021, which toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and triggered a massive popular uprising that has been met with a brutal junta-led crackdown on protesters and the civil disobedience movement. Thousands of civilians have been killed, thousand…

1
Vietnam's balancing act with powers great and near 44:47

12M ago44:47

44:47

With a history of conflict with large powers such as China and the United States, Vietnam now pursues a carefully calibrated foreign policy of multi-alignment and hedging to balance its strategic interests. The Southeast Asian nation has been working towards greater economic integration into global markets, yet it’s also using active diplomacy, see…

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Democracy by consensus in Africa: does it actually work? 43:57

12M ago43:57

43:57

Send us a text How is democracy domesticated on the African continent? And when we talk about misgovernance in Africa, what do we mean? In this episode Professor Lawrence Hamilton has a one-on-one with Professor Bernard Matolino to answer these questions. Matolino talks about democracy by consensus versus majoritarian democracy looking at issues of…

1
The legacy of the War on Terror for Muslims in the West 54:05

1y ago54:05

54:05

Although the rising popularity of the political far-right in Western liberal democracies has shifted Australia’s security gaze away from Islamic terrorism, two decades of terrorism countermeasures has left scars on Muslim communities down under and elsewhere. So how has living under the yoke of the War on Terror influenced how Muslims see themselve…

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1y ago1:05

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Minding Xi’s business: How commercial enterprises navigate China’s political landscape 1:03:56

1y ago1:03:56

1:03:56

With the housing sector on the brink, high youth unemployment and slower than desired GDP growth, 2023 is shaping up to be an annus horribilis for China’s economy. Since many of its current economic woes are due to the lingering effects of its zero-COVID policy, it should come as no surprise that Western media are portraying this state of affairs a…

1
The quest for constitutional reform in Chile: how corruption gets in the way 47:29

1y ago47:29

47:29

Send us a text In this episode of Critical South the focus is on how systemic corruption influences constitutional reform in Chile. Professor Lawrence Hamilton has a one-on-one with Dr Camila Vergara, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at the University of Cambridge on the ongoing quest for constitutional reform in the South American country. She br…

1
How do Cambodia’s ever closer ties with China affect Southeast Asia? 36:08

1y ago36:08

36:08

Cambodia has for decades been aligning itself ever closer to China, with substantial economic and political consequences for the Southeast Asian nation – and with geopolitical implications for its neighborhood and beyond. China's economic influence in Cambodia has been huge, with large-scale Chinese investments and infrastructure projects fueling g…

1
How Africa's autocracies are representing women 36:30

1y ago36:30

36:30

Send us a text In this episode of Critical South, Dr Nicole Beardsworth from the University of the Witwatersrand is interviewing Professor Aili Tripp, who is a Professor of Political Science, Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin. Prof Tripp explains why African autocracies adopt gender reforms. She has done some fascinating wor…

1
India's long and winding road to affordable and accessible healthcare 42:39

1y ago42:39

42:39

India faces a daunting task in providing adequate healthcare for its 1.4 billion people. While it can boast world-class hospitals and skilled medical staff, there remain stark disparities in healthcare access and quality, particularly in rural areas. Meanwhile, as India’s public healthcare system is criticized as antiquated and inefficient, the rap…

1
What Erdoğan’s staying power means for the future of Türkiye 46:49

1y ago46:49

46:49

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's victory in Türkiye’s 2023 presidential election extends his two-decade reign by another 5 years yet raises important questions about the country's domestic politics. Despite his handling of a struggling economy and the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake, Erdoğan prevailed in a runoff election that highlighted deep politic…

1
Radical Politics and Representation: a space for citizen power and progress 47:40

1y ago47:40

47:40

Send us a text In today’s episode we look at radical politics, representation, populism and citizenship both in the global North and global south. Professor Lawrence Hamilton engages with Professor Lasse Thomassen from Queen Mary University of London and Professor Laurence Piper from University West Sweden. They discuss the Cape Town suburb of Hout…

1
Gauging the health of democracy in the Philippines under Bongbong Marcos 49:05

1+ y ago49:05

49:05

As Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr begins his second year as president of the Philippines, how is his administration impacting the lives of ordinary Filipinos? The controversial term of Marcos’ immediate predecessor Rodrigo Duterte was marked by a brutal war on drugs that led to widespread extrajudicial killings as well as attacks on activists, medi…

1
Why Taiwan leads the rest of Asia in recognising LGBTQ+ rights 55:55

1+ y ago55:55

55:55

In May 2019, Taiwan broke barriers by legalizing same-sex marriage, becoming the first in Asia to do so. While the enormous efforts of activists — coupled with the progressive mindset of Taiwanese youth — were instrumental in achieving this milestone, what is it about Taiwan that has made it the regional forerunner when it comes to the rights of se…

1
Mugabe's Murky Legacy 42:44

1+ y ago42:44

42:44

Send us a text Robert Mugabe is known as the anchor of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and problem child in its post-colonial politics. But what is the real legacy of his long 37 year rule of Zimbabwe? In this episode Professor Lawrence Hamilton interviews Professor David Moore on his new book Mugabe’s Legacy: Coups, Conspiracies and the Conceits of…

1
All at sea: Contending with maritime disputes in the South China Sea and beyond 55:55

1+ y ago55:55

55:55

While China asserts its right to some 90% of the South China Sea, its claims variously overlap and conflict with those of Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines -- themselves no strangers to past maritime disputes. In fact, countries across the Indo-Pacific have had to find ways of resolving or at least learning to live with disp…

1
How a Taliban-ruled Afghanistan affects security in the region 46:04

1+ y ago46:04

46:04

Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the harboring of extremist or terrorist groups, continued high numbers of displaced Afghans, and ramped up production of opium for export are key concerns for neighboring nations. Iran, Pakistan, China, India and other countries each have their own interests to protect and opportuni…

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South Africa’s electoral reform: a missed opportunity 50:55

1+ y ago50:55

50:55

Send us a text In this episode we discuss South Africa’s recent journey of electoral reform. Dr Sithembile Mbete, who was on the ministerial advisory council, has a hearty one-on-one with Professor Lawrence Hamilton giving us the backstory to the Electoral Amendment Act, signed off by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The act came about after the Constitu…

1
Policing political discourse in Malaysia 53:05

1+ y ago53:05

53:05

In Malaysia, the 3 “R”s — race, religion, and royalty — are considered politically sensitive topics, and despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech, the state has passed laws that restrict their discussion, both online and off. While these curbs have the potential to stifle critical discussion and maintain existing power structures, the…

1
How Australia's future depends on better understanding Asia 43:05

1+ y ago43:05

43:05

There's no question that Australia is tightly bound to Asia. Indonesia is a close neighbor, China is its most important trading partner, and India and Japan are its strategic partners. While prioritizing Asia-focused education would thus seem essential for Australia, recent trends indicate a decline in Asian language and studies programs in Austral…

1
Policy reversals and political impact in China 51:08

1+ y ago51:08

51:08

China's government has made significant policy shifts in recent months, including lifting the zero-covid policy, loosening credit regulations for real estate development, and a less strident tone in international relations. These changes suggest a sense of reversal or climbdown, despite the absence of official admissions of any policy failing. Is a…

1
The future of Taiwan-China relations: Is the status quo the best option? 49:47

1+ y ago49:47

49:47

In Taiwan, the victory in Taipei's 2022 mayoral election of Chiang Wan-an, the Kuomintang (KMT) candidate and purported great grandson of former strongman Chiang Kai Shek, has sparked debate about the future of the island's relationship with China. While the KMT has adopted a more conciliatory stance towards the Chinese Communist Party, its one-tim…

1
Singing songs of rebels, rice and romance in China’s lower Yangtze Delta 47:26

1+ y ago47:26

47:26

The Yangtze, Asia's longest river, flows through China's wealthiest region, the lower delta, which includes the metropolis of Shanghai. Sadly, the unique traditional cultures and epic folk songs of this region have all but succumbed to the relentless march of modernization and cultural homogenisation. What are the stories behind the region’s longfo…

1
A changed Hong Kong under China’s national security law 52:44

1+ y ago52:44

52:44

In 2020, Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong after months of mass protests, resulting in the prosecution and conviction of many activists and journalists. China introduced the law despite their 1997 agreement with the outgoing British colonial administration to allow the territory its own system of governance for 50 years. Nearly t…

1
Who wants to be Indonesia’s next president? 56:27

2y ago56:27

56:27

Although Indonesia's presidential elections take place in February 2024, it's already game on for the lineup of presidential hopefuls, and the nation's political machine is already in high gear. So who are the big names throwing their hats into the ring this time around? What will each bring to the table? And what messages will resonate with the di…

1
The rise and rise of halal consumerism in Indonesia 47:58

2y ago47:58

47:58

Muslims in Indonesia are increasingly seeking to align their consumption with their religious beliefs. The push comes from a growing urban middle class who have greater access to global products and services. At the same time, Indonesia’s halal product assurance law, which came into effect in 2019, is being phased in across a wide range of goods an…

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What a Taliban theocracy means for Afghanistan 58:52

2y ago58:52

58:52

In August 2021, the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan after a 20-year hiatus and promptly replaced the nation’s legal system with their own austere version of Islamic law or Sharia. While the impact of the new government on women and girls has been well documented outside the country, the Taliban's interpretation of Sharia is making itself f…

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How can Sri Lanka continue to hedge between India and China? 56:42

2y ago56:42

56:42

Sri Lanka recently found itself caught in a diplomatic tussle between China and India over the planned visit of Chinese naval vessel the Yuan Wang 5, to the port of Hambantota. India opposed the visit because it considers the vessel a spy ship, while China maintains that it’s just a research vessel. And that saga is but one example of how Sri Lanka…

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Podcasts

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