https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/deep-in-the-sea-with-mirko-giordani--4583302
In fact, when our media speak about Asia, they mean only China. Mainstream western media are completely forgetting Southeast Asia and India, two of the most young, diverse and driven regions in the world. The western world can’t allow anymore to forget about more than two billion of people.]]>enNewsCopyright Mirko Giordanihttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fc7e133c0509cd2719bc4ed94e7ff919.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/deep-in-the-sea-with-mirko-giordani--4583302Sun, 21 Jul 2024 01:22:01 +0000Mirko GiordaniMirko Giordanifeeds@spreaker.comI have lived my entire life in the West and I love it. I love Europe and I love my country, Italy. However, I am feeling it is time to embark in discovering the most interesting region in the world. Middle East? America? China? No, I want to explore...
In fact, when our media speak about Asia, they mean only China. Mainstream western media are completely forgetting Southeast Asia and India, two of the most young, diverse and driven regions in the world. The western world can’t allow anymore to forget about more than two billion of people.]]>cleanepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/australia-needs-to-counter-china-with-aukus-with-carlyle-thayer--47010118https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47010118Sun, 17 Oct 2021 12:36:10 +0000Mirko Giordani961clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-consequences-of-aukus-over-southeast-asia-geopolitics-with-carlo-fong-luy--46956689https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46956689Thu, 14 Oct 2021 10:17:50 +0000Mirko Giordani736aukus,australia,china,southeastasia,uk,usclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-philippines-presidential-candidates-and-their-foreign-policies--46938679https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46938679Thu, 14 Oct 2021 10:16:31 +0000Mirko GiordaniThe Philippines1620elections,foreignpolicy,philippinesclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/diplomatic-isolation-for-myanmar-s-military-junta-with-marta-nuevo-falguera--46934109https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46934109Tue, 12 Oct 2021 07:34:03 +0000Mirko Giordani803asean,china,malaysia,myanmar,un,usaclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/will-the-talibans-destabilize-again-india-with-akshobh-giridharadas--46383291tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1118908555Sun, 05 Sep 2021 07:55:13 +0000Mirko GiordaniMirko Giordani interviewed Akshobh Giridharadas on the threats on India posed by the Talibans.1673clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blood-in-the-street-of-myanmar-with-marta-nuevo-falguera--43725629
A crisis like the one in Myanmar will eventually affect Southeast Asia’s democracies and ASEAN’s stability unless regional members mediate.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/998058655Wed, 03 Mar 2021 21:14:44 +0000Mirko GiordaniThere is blood, too much blood, in the streets of Myanmar. A crisis like the one in Myanmar will eventually affect Southeast Asia’s democracies and ASEAN’s stability unless regional members mediate.
A crisis like the one in Myanmar will eventually affect Southeast Asia’s democracies and ASEAN’s stability unless regional members mediate.]]>739clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/myanmar-s-democracy-is-teetering-on-the-edge-of-a-cliff-with-moe-thuzar--43316423tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/978380995Sat, 06 Feb 2021 08:21:42 +0000Mirko GiordaniAfter five years of apparent democracy, Myanmar has just gone backwards in only one day. We have tried to understand how the country, under the rule of Aung San Suu Kyi, has arrived at that point and how will be in the future, with the help of Moe...1263clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/having-a-portfolio-of-investments-in-sea-absolutely-yes-with-paul-podolsky--42975829tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/964859239Sun, 17 Jan 2021 10:48:23 +0000Mirko GiordaniPaul Podolsky, a former Senior Portfolio Strategist at Bridgewater Associates, has helped us to understand why it is better off to have a financial foot into Southeast Asia.1149clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-india-didn-t-join-the-rcep-with-akshobh-giridharadas--42886553
Akshobh Giridharadas has one idea or two about it and he has explained to us in a fantastic podcast.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/963445351Mon, 11 Jan 2021 17:44:49 +0000Mirko GiordaniAmerican politics is dominating the news today, but the future will be more and more Asian. Here we anticipate times, and it seems to us quite legit to understand why the Indian colossus hasn't joined the most significant free trade agreement in the...
Akshobh Giridharadas has one idea or two about it and he has explained to us in a fantastic podcast.]]>1774clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-eu-is-definitely-the-most-reliable-partner-for-asean-with-ambassador-driesmans--42656995tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/953498710Fri, 25 Dec 2020 13:35:14 +0000Mirko GiordaniThe EU is definitely the most reliable partner for ASEAN - With Ambassador Driesmans by Mirko Giordani1248clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/italy-is-in-delay-but-it-is-catching-up-in-its-relationship-with-asean-with-valerio-bordonaro--42656996tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/953498695Fri, 25 Dec 2020 13:34:12 +0000Mirko GiordaniItaly is in delay, but it is catching up in its relationship with ASEAN - With Valerio Bordonaro by Mirko Giordani1718clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/italy-and-the-west-must-pay-attention-of-what-s-happening-in-the-asean-with-ambassador-galanti--42571104tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/950124592Sat, 19 Dec 2020 14:56:04 +0000Mirko GiordaniAs the only Italian and European podcast that deals with SEA and India, I am proud to host Lorenzo Galanti, Ambassador of Italy to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. We have discussed on the importance for Italy, but in general for the Western world, to...1601clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asean-will-go-green-but-at-its-schedule-with-septia-buntara-supendi--42571103tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/949987084Sat, 19 Dec 2020 14:54:07 +0000Mirko GiordaniIn the post-pandemic world, the attention towards a fair and green transition will grow. ASEAN countries have lifted millions of people out of poverty thanks to cheap energy from coal and oil. The coal trade is rejuvenating, and new refineries are...1214clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-renewables-power-asean-economies-with-randy-giveans--42381250tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/943629160Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:46:52 +0000Mirko GiordaniCan renewables power ASEAN economies? - With Randy Giveans by Mirko Giordani1088clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/business-as-usual-between-us-and-china-under-biden-with-joshua-kurlantzick--42293586tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/940291732Thu, 03 Dec 2020 09:18:25 +0000Mirko GiordaniBusiness as usual between US and China under Biden - With Joshua Kurlantzick by Mirko Giordani643clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/japan-might-be-the-third-way-that-asean-is-searching-between-us-and-china-with-alessio-patalano--42283303tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/940034584Wed, 02 Dec 2020 17:05:32 +0000Mirko GiordaniJapan has established itself to be a leading force in Southeast Asia. Although it is not "showing muscles" like China or the US, Japan is fundamental for the region's capacity building and its economic development. Japan offers a less confrontational...1505clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asean-is-at-the-center-of-the-rcep-architecture-with-carlyle-thayer--42065522tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/932524168Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:50:06 +0000Mirko GiordaniASEAN is at the center of the geopolitical feud between the US and China. Little will change under Biden Administration, but in the meanwhile, it has joined the largest trade agreement in the world, the RCEP. How will this influence ASEAN's...600clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-nato-style-alliance-in-southeast-asia-no-way-it-can-happen-with-douglas-paal--41084618tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/897484048Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:45:43 +0000Mirko GiordaniMaybe Mark Esper didn't say precisely that ASEAN need to evolve into a Nato-style alliance, but that was the sense practically. However Douglas Paal, a great friend of this podcast, said that only ignorant American policy makers and analysts can...1276clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-southeast-asia-the-belt-road-is-not-going-pretty-well-with-claire-chu--41083293Together with Claire Chu, a senior analyst of RWR Advisory Group, we have explored further the hurdles, delays and problems which China is currently facing in SEA.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/897484060Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:40:41 +0000Mirko GiordaniThis podcast has risen in popularity when we started to discuss whether or not the Belt & Road projects in SEA were facing a political and social backlashes. We have explored the possibilities that provider of more compliant investments, such as the...Together with Claire Chu, a senior analyst of RWR Advisory Group, we have explored further the hurdles, delays and problems which China is currently facing in SEA.]]>1192clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/indonesia-and-china-a-tale-of-a-difficult-relationship-with-dewi-fortuna-anwar--41083294The Chinese minority in Indonesia has suffered racism and discrimination. However, the future is out there and together with Dewi Fortuna Anwar - a former advisor to Indonesia's VP - we tried to understand what will be the future outlook of the relationship between the two countries.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/897484066Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:33:18 +0000Mirko GiordaniChina is a global superpower, but Indonesia is the biggest country in Southeast Asia and the most important economy. Whatever deal China wants to carry on in the region, Indonesia is there and it must be involved in certain ways. Despite Indonesia...The Chinese minority in Indonesia has suffered racism and discrimination. However, the future is out there and together with Dewi Fortuna Anwar - a former advisor to Indonesia's VP - we tried to understand what will be the future outlook of the relationship between the two countries.]]>1192clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/southeast-asian-countries-may-have-to-choose-between-china-and-the-us-with-grant-newsham--40943269tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/873409231Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:07:15 +0000Mirko GiordaniMaybe in the past, Southeast Asian countries may have remained neutral between the US and China, but nowadays, according to Grant Newsham, the strategic neutrality may not be enough. In the near future, ASEAN countries must decide where to stand, and...1953clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pompeo-s-stances-on-south-china-sea-will-send-shockwaves-in-southeast-asia-with-carlyle-thayer--40943291tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/861347047Tue, 21 Jul 2020 13:25:50 +0000Mirko GiordaniWhat will be the consequences of Pompeo's statement on South China Sea?Professor Carlyle Thayer, a good friend of mine, has clear ideas on the issue. Have a listen!1765clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-stakes-are-high-in-the-indo-chinese-clash-but-diplomacy-will-win-with-akshobh-giridharadas--40943273tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/844104349Mon, 22 Jun 2020 10:09:14 +0000Mirko GiordaniTwenty Indian soldiers died in the heights of the Himalayas in the clashes with PLA troops. The skirmish is getting serious but, according to Akshobh Giridharadas, the risk of a further escalation is unlikely.1739clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asean-will-remain-completely-neutral-over-hong-kong-with-dylan-loh-ming-hui--40943293tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/832991068Tue, 02 Jun 2020 20:23:53 +0000Mirko GiordaniDylan Loh is not going around the issue: ASEAN will remain neutral over Hong Kong. ASEAN countries can't allow - according to Dylan - to side with either China or the USA on Hong Kong. ASEAN - to retain its centrality and strategic strength - must...1396clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/china-s-actions-against-india-are-driven-by-weakness-not-strength-with-abhijit-singh--40943287tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/832095568Mon, 01 Jun 2020 09:50:19 +0000Mirko GiordaniIs there a parallel between China's assertiveness and military actions in the South China Sea and the recent escalation against India? According to Abhijit Singh - former naval officer and Head of the Maritime Policy Initiative at ORF - China is...2055clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/will-indonesia-be-the-next-italy-for-covid-19-with-muhammad-habib--40943264tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/812677294Tue, 05 May 2020 11:24:34 +0000Mirko GiordaniIndonesia's rate of contagion is surging swiftly. Will it be another Italy of Covid-19?1076clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/geopolitics-politics-and-economics-the-consequences-of-covid-19-over-sea-and-india--40943294tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/803412355Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:09:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniThis is a special episode of Deep in the SEA, covering the geopolitical, economic and political consequences of COVID-19 over SEA and India. This time, Mirko Giordani interviewed several analysts and professors: Carlyle Thayer, Akshobh Giridharadas,...3308clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sea-s-reliance-on-china-s-supply-chains-has-finished-with-covid-19-with-shanti-shamdasani--40943275tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/797770747Mon, 13 Apr 2020 20:11:08 +0000Mirko GiordaniCOVID-19 has just woken up Southeast Asian countries: over reliance on China is not possible anymore.1343clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-malaysia-a-declining-country-with-emmanuel-daniel--40943292tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/777903910Tue, 17 Mar 2020 22:22:25 +0000Mirko GiordaniMalaysia, without considering the damages of the COVID-19, is coming out of a political turmoil. Mahathir Mohamad has been the long-living kingmaker of Malaysian politics and, after his resignation, Mr Muhyiddin Yassin took his place. However, as I...870clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/india-before-covid-19-trump-s-visit-clash-with-eu-and-the-budget-law-with-akshobh-giridharadas--40943285tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/777903916Tue, 17 Mar 2020 22:22:25 +0000Mirko GiordaniAkshobh Giridharadas is a friend of mine, and he is the best source possible about what is happening in India. We have recorded this episode before the COVID-19 global outbreak, but he has done a fantastic overview of pre-corona India's issues: Trump...1555clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/endemic-corruption-is-destroying-india-s-growth-perspectives-with-aakash-brahmachari--40943288
I have asked Aakash about a comparison between India and China and, differently from other Indian professionals and academics I have spoken with, he didn't agree to compare the two Asian giants. As Aakash said, what works in one country doesn't work in the other. China had a spectacular growth thanks to the government, while India has grown despite his bloating bureaucracy and inefficient government.

Moreover, the institutions that are supposed to fuel economic growth, like banks, are plagued by corruption. Inefficient corporations backed by politicians received favourable loans from state banks, creating unfair conditions to unleash market forces. This despite Modi's government is perceived as a market-friendly government.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/757672336Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:02:59 +0000Mirko GiordaniAakash Brahmachari is an Associate Director at G3, a business intelligence outfit in London. Aakash, as an Indian living in the UK, has the opportunity to look at the Indian affairs with a detached sight. I have asked Aakash about a comparison...
I have asked Aakash about a comparison between India and China and, differently from other Indian professionals and academics I have spoken with, he didn't agree to compare the two Asian giants. As Aakash said, what works in one country doesn't work in the other. China had a spectacular growth thanks to the government, while India has grown despite his bloating bureaucracy and inefficient government.

Moreover, the institutions that are supposed to fuel economic growth, like banks, are plagued by corruption. Inefficient corporations backed by politicians received favourable loans from state banks, creating unfair conditions to unleash market forces. This despite Modi's government is perceived as a market-friendly government.]]>1242clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/discovering-penang-malaysia-s-silicon-valley-with-balakrishnan-narayanan--40943265
During previous episodes, I have dealt with the issue in a kind of broad term, but with Bala I went in-depth, and we assessed how a small Malaysian island, Penang, is going to thrive thanks to the trade war. Penang has been ruled directly by the British and since it has been a thriving trade hub in the region, surpassed only by Singapore. In the late 70s, thanks to the ability of its Chief Minister, Penang became an educational powerhouse and it started to attract big western tech companies.

However, when labor costs rose in Malaysia and China started to open up its economy with Deng Xiaoping, tech conglomerates moved their operations in mainland China. Penang was left in relative decline.

However, thanks to the combo of higher labor costs in China and the uncertainties of the trade war, tech companies are now starting to come back to Penang. Companies can find in the island a cluster of exceptional universities, extensive use of the English language, and trained tech managers.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/757672333Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:02:59 +0000Mirko GiordaniBala is a Hong Kong-based entrepreneur, he is Malaysian and he works across the entire region. I have discussed with him about the broad and topical point on how the US-China trade war is going to influence Southeast Asian countries. During previous...
During previous episodes, I have dealt with the issue in a kind of broad term, but with Bala I went in-depth, and we assessed how a small Malaysian island, Penang, is going to thrive thanks to the trade war. Penang has been ruled directly by the British and since it has been a thriving trade hub in the region, surpassed only by Singapore. In the late 70s, thanks to the ability of its Chief Minister, Penang became an educational powerhouse and it started to attract big western tech companies.

However, when labor costs rose in Malaysia and China started to open up its economy with Deng Xiaoping, tech conglomerates moved their operations in mainland China. Penang was left in relative decline.

However, thanks to the combo of higher labor costs in China and the uncertainties of the trade war, tech companies are now starting to come back to Penang. Companies can find in the island a cluster of exceptional universities, extensive use of the English language, and trained tech managers.]]>821clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/china-has-been-useful-for-the-elites-in-duterte-s-circle-with-carlo-fong-luy--40943295
According to Carlo, in order to understand Duterte, we need to depart from a rock-solid assertion: the Philippines’ politics is an oligarchy. Powerful elites control vast swaths of the country and government needs them.

A pro-Chinese foreign policy lead Chinese investments that have been beneficial particularly for the elites in Duterte’s circle: Dennis Uy and Lucio Tan.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/757672324Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:02:58 +0000Mirko GiordaniCarlo Fong Luy is a young researcher and he has a lot to share about his country, the Philippines. As you dear listeners may have understood, I have a passion to speak about Rodrigo Duterte and his flamboyant foreign policy. According to Carlo, in...
According to Carlo, in order to understand Duterte, we need to depart from a rock-solid assertion: the Philippines’ politics is an oligarchy. Powerful elites control vast swaths of the country and government needs them.

A pro-Chinese foreign policy lead Chinese investments that have been beneficial particularly for the elites in Duterte’s circle: Dennis Uy and Lucio Tan.]]>1275clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/duterte-is-overplaying-his-hands-with-china-with-richard-heydarian--40943268
Duterte, differently from previous leaders, has been acute enough to understand that sometimes the Philippines’ national interests would have been better off by distancing from the US and binding more with Beijing.
However, Durerte has swung too much aggressively towards China and he is not appreciating anymore the value of the US deterrence against a more assertive Chinese presence in the South China Sea.The military apparatus, obviously, is not really in tune with Duterte’s pro China stances.

According to Heydarian, Duterte and his supporters are overestimating China’s assets and underestimating it’s liabilities: aging population, ecological catastrophe and structural economic slowdown. There will not be a complete collapse, as American scholars predict, but the physics of power and economics are hitting hard on China.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/757672321Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:02:58 +0000Mirko GiordaniRichard Heydarian is one of the most authoritative source regarding the Philippines and Rodrigo Duterte. According to Heydarian, in the past Duterte, a local politician in Davao with zero experience in global affairs, has been capable to pragmatically...
Duterte, differently from previous leaders, has been acute enough to understand that sometimes the Philippines’ national interests would have been better off by distancing from the US and binding more with Beijing.
However, Durerte has swung too much aggressively towards China and he is not appreciating anymore the value of the US deterrence against a more assertive Chinese presence in the South China Sea.The military apparatus, obviously, is not really in tune with Duterte’s pro China stances.

According to Heydarian, Duterte and his supporters are overestimating China’s assets and underestimating it’s liabilities: aging population, ecological catastrophe and structural economic slowdown. There will not be a complete collapse, as American scholars predict, but the physics of power and economics are hitting hard on China.]]>1364clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thai-people-are-worried-about-the-chinese-dam-on-mekong-river-with-narut-charoensri--40943298
The Chinese embassy in Bangkok issued a statement in whicgìh it said that China is doing nothing less than improving the quality of Thai people through that dam. Thai people are still worried but the government doesn't really care, it has never spoken out about the issue.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/757672309Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:02:57 +0000Mirko GiordaniMekong river is a fundamental water artery in Indochina, but the Chinese dam may reduce the flow of the Mekong, hurting the economies of countries like Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. Narut is a Lecturer at the School of International Affairs, Chiang Mai...
The Chinese embassy in Bangkok issued a statement in whicgìh it said that China is doing nothing less than improving the quality of Thai people through that dam. Thai people are still worried but the government doesn't really care, it has never spoken out about the issue.]]>564clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/forget-about-an-indian-major-involvement-in-southeast-asia-with-gregory-poling--40943296
He believes that, on case of an American disengagement from the region, India will be incapable to provide any political or military reach. ASEAN has insistently asked India in the past for a major geopolitical involvement, but it never happened. At most, India will be another middle power in the region.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/757672294Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:02:56 +0000Mirko GiordaniIf Vansh Saluja was quite sure about India’s diplomatic, political and military capabilities in Southeast Asia, Gregory Poling, from the CSIS, is not sure about it. He believes that, on case of an American disengagement from the region, India will be...
He believes that, on case of an American disengagement from the region, India will be incapable to provide any political or military reach. ASEAN has insistently asked India in the past for a major geopolitical involvement, but it never happened. At most, India will be another middle power in the region.]]>511clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/india-has-the-capacity-to-guarantee-freedom-of-navigation-in-southeast-asia-with-vansh-saluja--40943276
He is creating bridges between two nations that just two generations ago were on the being of a catastrophic war on the Himalayan heights.

However, I had a point for him: what will happen to the Indian foreign policy in case of an American security disengagement from the region, especially from South China Sea and the maritime chokepoints.

Vansh l’è answer has been clearcut: despite India’ incomprehensions with some ASEAN countries, especially Malaysia over Jammu Kashmir, India will step up and make its part to guarantee the security of the maritime trade routes.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/757672282Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:02:55 +0000Mirko GiordaniVansh Saluja is the co-founder of the Confederation of Young Leaders. He is actively promoting cultural and political exchanges between young Indian activists, policymakers and businessmen with their Chinese counterparts. He is creating bridges...
He is creating bridges between two nations that just two generations ago were on the being of a catastrophic war on the Himalayan heights.

However, I had a point for him: what will happen to the Indian foreign policy in case of an American security disengagement from the region, especially from South China Sea and the maritime chokepoints.

Vansh l’è answer has been clearcut: despite India’ incomprehensions with some ASEAN countries, especially Malaysia over Jammu Kashmir, India will step up and make its part to guarantee the security of the maritime trade routes.]]>1025clean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asean-is-in-fantastic-shape-and-the-next-decade-will-be-even-better-with-kishore-mahbubani--40943307
Kishore Mahbubani is a living legend when we deal with Southeast Asia, India, and ASEAN. He is one the brightest mind, and I had the honor of having him in my podcast.

Kishore Mahbubani has been a supporter of a significant role of India in ASEAN, but the issue, according to his judgment, is very delicate. There are problems in the short term and great opportunities in the long term. In the short term, ASEAN got disappointed towards India because it didn’t join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. India is domestically preoccupied with various challenges, and it can’t divert its attention to other goals.

However, the history showed us that, until the 18th century, the biggest economies in the world were China and India, and only in the last two centuries the West has taken off the two Asian nations. China has come back very fast, and India will come back slowly but steadily. In 2050, China will be the first economic power, and India will be number two.

Professor Mahbubani also speaks about ASEAN and how, routinely, it has been considered as a failing and declining organization. Two years ago, when Indian outperformed China, western media were jubilating. This year, despite ASEAN has slowed a bit, is performing better than India. No western media took note of it. Despite regular ups and downs, ASEAN forward trajectory has not stopped.

Professor Mahbubani considers ASEAN as the second most successful international organization in the world while he believes the EU the best one. ASEAN and EU, according to Mahbubani, have a natural partnership. However, there is a caveat: EU must treat ASEAN with respect. The case of the palm oil and the various sanctions EU is targeting ASEAN countries are the brightest examples of a western organization trying to patronize over different political and economic cultures.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/735767311Mon, 02 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniKishore Mahbubani is a living legend when we deal with Southeast Asia, India and ASEAN. He is one the brightest mind and I had the honor of having him in my podcast. Kishore Mahbubani is a living legend when we deal with Southeast Asia, India, and...
Kishore Mahbubani is a living legend when we deal with Southeast Asia, India, and ASEAN. He is one the brightest mind, and I had the honor of having him in my podcast.

Kishore Mahbubani has been a supporter of a significant role of India in ASEAN, but the issue, according to his judgment, is very delicate. There are problems in the short term and great opportunities in the long term. In the short term, ASEAN got disappointed towards India because it didn’t join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. India is domestically preoccupied with various challenges, and it can’t divert its attention to other goals.

However, the history showed us that, until the 18th century, the biggest economies in the world were China and India, and only in the last two centuries the West has taken off the two Asian nations. China has come back very fast, and India will come back slowly but steadily. In 2050, China will be the first economic power, and India will be number two.

Professor Mahbubani also speaks about ASEAN and how, routinely, it has been considered as a failing and declining organization. Two years ago, when Indian outperformed China, western media were jubilating. This year, despite ASEAN has slowed a bit, is performing better than India. No western media took note of it. Despite regular ups and downs, ASEAN forward trajectory has not stopped.

Professor Mahbubani considers ASEAN as the second most successful international organization in the world while he believes the EU the best one. ASEAN and EU, according to Mahbubani, have a natural partnership. However, there is a caveat: EU must treat ASEAN with respect. The case of the palm oil and the various sanctions EU is targeting ASEAN countries are the brightest examples of a western organization trying to patronize over different political and economic cultures.]]>827clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/india-will-have-a-bright-future-only-with-better-institutions-with-aaditya-dave--40943284India is a massive market, but currently the economic performances are sluggish. It is facing internal struggles with the Muslim factions in the north of the country, and some Muslim countries, including Malaysia, are backlashing. However, more pragmatic Gulf Countries like Saudi Arabia continue to do business in India despite the recent turmoils.

Nevertheless, despite India pride itself on being the biggest democracy in the world, is far away from having effective governance. Indian democracy is still not so inclusive, and this can hamper future economic growth prospects.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/735767335Mon, 11 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniAditya Dave is an Indian expat living and thriving in London. He has no doubts that India will play a future role in the world stage, but only with better and more functioning institutions. China is the present, India will be the future, only at...India is a massive market, but currently the economic performances are sluggish. It is facing internal struggles with the Muslim factions in the north of the country, and some Muslim countries, including Malaysia, are backlashing. However, more pragmatic Gulf Countries like Saudi Arabia continue to do business in India despite the recent turmoils.

Nevertheless, despite India pride itself on being the biggest democracy in the world, is far away from having effective governance. Indian democracy is still not so inclusive, and this can hamper future economic growth prospects.]]>688clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/despite-political-instability-indonesia-is-too-big-to-ignore-for-investors-with-keith-leong--40943308The second term of Jokowi, in fact, is not starting positively: a series of unpopular projects of reform, which would endanger civil liberties, led young people on the streets. Despite the chaos, the Indonesian market is so massive that investors and businessmen can’t ignore it.

However, civil unrest is not an uncommon feature in Indonesian politics and society. Indonesian political system prefers results over ideology, and it is not unusual that the country is led by a big coalitional government, in which majority and large portions of the minority rule together.

For this reason, the opposition is usually tiny and not so effective, so the need for Indonesia to have a strong and fierce independent civil society, ready to occupy street and squares against any government.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/735767308Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniDuring the financial crisis, some banks were “too big to fail”. According to Keith Leong, Indonesia, despite the political turmoils, is “too big to ignore”. The second term of Jokowi, in fact, is not starting positively: a series of unpopular projects...The second term of Jokowi, in fact, is not starting positively: a series of unpopular projects of reform, which would endanger civil liberties, led young people on the streets. Despite the chaos, the Indonesian market is so massive that investors and businessmen can’t ignore it.

However, civil unrest is not an uncommon feature in Indonesian politics and society. Indonesian political system prefers results over ideology, and it is not unusual that the country is led by a big coalitional government, in which majority and large portions of the minority rule together.

For this reason, the opposition is usually tiny and not so effective, so the need for Indonesia to have a strong and fierce independent civil society, ready to occupy street and squares against any government.]]>539clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/indonesian-democracy-wants-results-not-neverending-ideological-battles-with-shoeb-kagda--40943286
Shoeb Kagda, the founder of the Indonesian Economic Forum, believes that this is just the normality. Indonesian democracy is not interested in neverending ideological battles, but in delivering results for the people. Indonesian leaders can’t afford to lose time, they need to get things done because the country still needs colossal structural reforms, first of all in the job market.

Southeast Asia shows that the west, entangled in a parliamentary system that can’t decide on anything, does not have a monopoly of what democracy really means.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/735767317Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniAs a westerner, I had doubts over the alliance between Jokowi and Subianto. Was it really right, from a point of view where democracy means majority vs minority, that a government represent nearly all the political factions in a country? That was the...
Shoeb Kagda, the founder of the Indonesian Economic Forum, believes that this is just the normality. Indonesian democracy is not interested in neverending ideological battles, but in delivering results for the people. Indonesian leaders can’t afford to lose time, they need to get things done because the country still needs colossal structural reforms, first of all in the job market.

Southeast Asia shows that the west, entangled in a parliamentary system that can’t decide on anything, does not have a monopoly of what democracy really means.]]>680clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/russia-will-be-a-key-player-in-manila-s-defense-buildup-with-chester-cabalza--40943313tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/735767326Thu, 31 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniRussia will be a key player in Manila’s defense buildup – With Chester Cabalza by Mirko Giordani840clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/never-put-all-your-eggs-in-one-basket-this-is-duterte-s-mantra-in-foreign-policy-with-lucio-pitlo--40943301
Lucio Pitlo is not speaking about some general disagreement between the Philippines and the West. During the siege of Marawi, the West didn’t sell weapons and ammunition to Manila over human rights concerns in the drug war. Duterte didn’t have any problems asking weaponry to China and Russia, which diligently fulfill Duterte’s demands.
When you have ISIS-backed Islamists attacking a city of your country, who can blame Duterte’s decision to be pragmatic and ask two unusual partners for help?]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/735767305Tue, 29 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniRodrigo Duterte is Machiavellian and believes in a fundamental principle in foreign policy: mind your business and stay out of mine. The dirty war against drug lords is not very popular in the West, but Duterte doesn’t care. If the West is judging him...
Lucio Pitlo is not speaking about some general disagreement between the Philippines and the West. During the siege of Marawi, the West didn’t sell weapons and ammunition to Manila over human rights concerns in the drug war. Duterte didn’t have any problems asking weaponry to China and Russia, which diligently fulfill Duterte’s demands.
When you have ISIS-backed Islamists attacking a city of your country, who can blame Duterte’s decision to be pragmatic and ask two unusual partners for help?]]>702clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/if-westerners-are-naive-about-duterte-chinese-money-is-not-with-alvin-camba--40943282
But what is the state-of-the-art of Manila’s economic dealings with Beijing? The Philippines are, together with Brunei, the South East Asian country, which has had the lowest level of Chinese investment. Differently from countries like Malaysia, where the political backlash against Chinese conditions on lending money, The Philippines never found themselves in that position. The Philippines are in desperate need of foreign investments, and the Chinese capitals are the easiest available on the shelf.

Do Europeans and Americans have their share of responsibility for putting The Philippines in the arms and hands of Chinese money? Yes, they have. There is the credence that money from democratic countries can help to democratize authoritarian regimes. Now, Duterte’s regime is not even near to perfect democracy. It is a regime in a fierce war against drug lords and terrorists, striving for a better economy and less poverty. It is what it is, no less and no more. Differently from western money, Chinese money doesn’t look at the human rights record of The Philippines, and they are more than welcomed for this reason.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/735767338Thu, 19 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniRodrigo Duterte is famous for his quite unusual and soft stance towards China. Filipinos, in general, have a deep distrust for China and you maybe believe that they distrust Duterte for his “love affairs” with Beijing. Wrong! Duterte has been enjoying...
But what is the state-of-the-art of Manila’s economic dealings with Beijing? The Philippines are, together with Brunei, the South East Asian country, which has had the lowest level of Chinese investment. Differently from countries like Malaysia, where the political backlash against Chinese conditions on lending money, The Philippines never found themselves in that position. The Philippines are in desperate need of foreign investments, and the Chinese capitals are the easiest available on the shelf.

Do Europeans and Americans have their share of responsibility for putting The Philippines in the arms and hands of Chinese money? Yes, they have. There is the credence that money from democratic countries can help to democratize authoritarian regimes. Now, Duterte’s regime is not even near to perfect democracy. It is a regime in a fierce war against drug lords and terrorists, striving for a better economy and less poverty. It is what it is, no less and no more. Differently from western money, Chinese money doesn’t look at the human rights record of The Philippines, and they are more than welcomed for this reason.]]>1022clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/indonesia-and-eu-must-sort-out-the-palm-oil-chaos-with-shoeb-kagda--40943304The country needs structural reforms, and Jokowi, elected for his second term, pledged for deep structural reforms, especially in the job market. The country, however, not only needs the political will of his leader, it needs capitals to modernize the infrastructures and its digital and telecommunication network.

European capitals may play an important role in Indonesia, but there are still some hurdles. In fact, European money and trade deals usually come with ethical and moral standards to be met before the deal is made. Shoeb is right in saying that this is a complete “non-starter”. The palm oil issue is, sadly, the best example of how dysfunctional is the relationship between the EU and Indonesia.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/735767314Tue, 17 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniShoeb Kagda is the founder of the Indonesian Economic Forum, and knows very well what it Indonesia's long-term challenge: passing from being a lower-income economy to a middle-income economy. The country needs structural reforms, and Jokowi, elected...The country needs structural reforms, and Jokowi, elected for his second term, pledged for deep structural reforms, especially in the job market. The country, however, not only needs the political will of his leader, it needs capitals to modernize the infrastructures and its digital and telecommunication network.

European capitals may play an important role in Indonesia, but there are still some hurdles. In fact, European money and trade deals usually come with ethical and moral standards to be met before the deal is made. Shoeb is right in saying that this is a complete “non-starter”. The palm oil issue is, sadly, the best example of how dysfunctional is the relationship between the EU and Indonesia.]]>1098clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/deep-in-the-sea-a-rapid-overview-over-southeast-asia-state-of-affair-with-manu-bhaskaran--40943297tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/674776178Sun, 15 Sep 2019 13:35:19 +0000Mirko GiordaniToday let's take a dive and go deep in the SEA. Manu Bhaskaran, CEO of Centennial Asia, today gives us insightful overview of the current hottest topics to follow in Southeast Asia: Mahatir's ups and downs with China, Duterte's appeasement with...874clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brn-can-sit-on-the-table-with-the-thai-because-they-completely-control-the-south-with-don-patan--40943317I was interested to know about the peace talks between the BRN (Barisan Revolusi Nasional), which is the most important insurgent group in the Malay-speaking region, and the Thai Army. According to Don, the Barisan is not the only insurgent faction in the south, but it is the strongest because has real and huge grassroots support base within the Malay population and the madrasas. Furthermore, BRN has strong religious credentials, despite being clearly an ethnonationalist group. Other insurgent factions were cut loose when the funds from Arab states finished back in the 90es, and their leaders live in exile overseas. Don believes that Malay population agrees with the insurgents, but profoundly disagree with the brutality.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/674764895Sat, 14 Sep 2019 17:14:58 +0000Mirko GiordaniFor this podcast, Thailand is a brand-new argument. I have dealt extensively with Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and India, but today I am metaphorically traveling along the Mekong river, arriving in beautiful Thailand. With Don Patan, which is a...I was interested to know about the peace talks between the BRN (Barisan Revolusi Nasional), which is the most important insurgent group in the Malay-speaking region, and the Thai Army. According to Don, the Barisan is not the only insurgent faction in the south, but it is the strongest because has real and huge grassroots support base within the Malay population and the madrasas. Furthermore, BRN has strong religious credentials, despite being clearly an ethnonationalist group. Other insurgent factions were cut loose when the funds from Arab states finished back in the 90es, and their leaders live in exile overseas. Don believes that Malay population agrees with the insurgents, but profoundly disagree with the brutality.]]>494clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/kashmir-the-grass-two-elephants-fight-on-and-fight-for-with-akshobh-giridharadas--40943316
With Giridharadas I have spoken extensively about Indian current problems, like education and job creation. However, the focus of our conversation revolved around the Kashmir issue. Does Pakistan have the moral standing to bring the Kashmir issue to the international arena and to criticize India for not respecting human rights? According to Giridharadas, there is no such thing. Pakistan has a very bad record on human rights in Baluchistan and it is a country which is not famous for hosting several minorities, differently from India. Kashmir is and Indian issue, and a Pakistani intervention is not only not respectful of the Indian sovereignty, but also hypocritical.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/671729009Wed, 11 Sep 2019 20:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniA journalist by profession, Akshobh Giridharadas was based out of Singapore as a reporter and producer with Channel News Asia, Singapore covering international business news. He writes on diverse topics such as geopolitics, business, tech and sports....
With Giridharadas I have spoken extensively about Indian current problems, like education and job creation. However, the focus of our conversation revolved around the Kashmir issue. Does Pakistan have the moral standing to bring the Kashmir issue to the international arena and to criticize India for not respecting human rights? According to Giridharadas, there is no such thing. Pakistan has a very bad record on human rights in Baluchistan and it is a country which is not famous for hosting several minorities, differently from India. Kashmir is and Indian issue, and a Pakistani intervention is not only not respectful of the Indian sovereignty, but also hypocritical.]]>1658clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/on-palm-oil-eu-is-wrong-and-science-is-on-the-side-of-indonesia-and-malaysia-with-douglas-paal--40943315
According to Mr. Paal, from 1980 until mid-1990, ASEAN countries were more compliant and receptive about human and labor rights records. This has happened because the US, Europe and Japan were the principal trade partners of ASEAN countries and they pretended such high standards. Nowadays China appears to be the dominant actor in the region and Southeast Asian countries have leverage against the western moralistic approach regarding trade deals. However, despite demanding high labor and human rights standard in exchange of trade advantages is not negative at all, in some cases, it can be wrong and even paternalistic: this is the case of palm oil. Indonesia and Malaysia, in fact, are de facto blocking the creation of a strategic partnership between ASEAN and EU because the latter is not willing to buy palm oil over unjustified health and environmental issues. According to Paal, on the palm oil issue science is absolutely in the side of Indonesia and Malaysia.

Speaking about the American engagement with Southeast Asia, Mr Paal reminded the period between 1980 and late 1990, when American investment bankers and businessmen were flooding in Jakarta, Singapore and Bangkok hotels to finalize important deals. Southeast Asia was considered back then the future of the world economy, until 1997, when the bubble burst. From that point, the US attention shifted to China and only once in a blue moon an American official lands in Southeast Asia, as Mike Pompeo did some weeks ago. On the contrary, EU and single European countries, like Germany, Italy and France, can be better-positioned towards Southeast Asia. However, they lack in strategic approach and their moves seem more tactical and not long-term oriented. In addition, southern countries like Greece, Italy and Spain are getting so much entangled with China and BRI that they need to keep their partnerships with Southeast Asia to a lower level than in the past.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/666171032Tue, 10 Sep 2019 16:04:36 +0000Mirko GiordaniDouglas H. Paal is a distinguished fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He previously served as vice chairman of JPMorgan Chase International (2006–2008). He was on the National Security Council staffs of Presidents Reagan and...
According to Mr. Paal, from 1980 until mid-1990, ASEAN countries were more compliant and receptive about human and labor rights records. This has happened because the US, Europe and Japan were the principal trade partners of ASEAN countries and they pretended such high standards. Nowadays China appears to be the dominant actor in the region and Southeast Asian countries have leverage against the western moralistic approach regarding trade deals. However, despite demanding high labor and human rights standard in exchange of trade advantages is not negative at all, in some cases, it can be wrong and even paternalistic: this is the case of palm oil. Indonesia and Malaysia, in fact, are de facto blocking the creation of a strategic partnership between ASEAN and EU because the latter is not willing to buy palm oil over unjustified health and environmental issues. According to Paal, on the palm oil issue science is absolutely in the side of Indonesia and Malaysia.

Speaking about the American engagement with Southeast Asia, Mr Paal reminded the period between 1980 and late 1990, when American investment bankers and businessmen were flooding in Jakarta, Singapore and Bangkok hotels to finalize important deals. Southeast Asia was considered back then the future of the world economy, until 1997, when the bubble burst. From that point, the US attention shifted to China and only once in a blue moon an American official lands in Southeast Asia, as Mike Pompeo did some weeks ago. On the contrary, EU and single European countries, like Germany, Italy and France, can be better-positioned towards Southeast Asia. However, they lack in strategic approach and their moves seem more tactical and not long-term oriented. In addition, southern countries like Greece, Italy and Spain are getting so much entangled with China and BRI that they need to keep their partnerships with Southeast Asia to a lower level than in the past.]]>1289clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vietnamese-politburo-doesn-t-like-beijing-but-it-must-be-pragmatic-with-carlyle-thayer--40943318
Vietnam is a socialist country and, for obvious reasons, enjoys a special political relationship with China. However, members of Vietnamese Politburo, far away from being open supporters of Beijing, they are quite pragmatic. China, despite the tensions over the South China Sea, represents the first trade partner for Vietnam, and hard facts can’t be ignored.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/735767299Sat, 07 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniCountries can’t escape their history, and Vietnam is not an exception. It has a history of having fought wars both with the USA and China, two countries from which it tries to maintain cooperation while preserving strategic independence. Vietnam is...
Vietnam is a socialist country and, for obvious reasons, enjoys a special political relationship with China. However, members of Vietnamese Politburo, far away from being open supporters of Beijing, they are quite pragmatic. China, despite the tensions over the South China Sea, represents the first trade partner for Vietnam, and hard facts can’t be ignored.]]>969clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-don-t-choose-your-neighbors-that-s-why-myanmar-is-getting-closer-with-china-with-moe-thuzar--40943320tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/735767323Thu, 05 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniGeography is not an opinion, is a hard fact. NLD, Suu Ky’s party, was the leading opposition party against the military junta and it was very skeptic against China. However, today the Chinese colossus is just at the border and NLD delegations are...1371clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/europe-must-stop-being-moralistic-over-indonesian-palm-oil-with-siwage-negara--40943283tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/665235860Thu, 29 Aug 2019 15:06:59 +0000Mirko GiordaniSiwage Negara is a Senior Fellow at ISEAS and Co-coordinator of the Indonesia Studies Programme. Siwage believes that Jokowi will be capable to unleash Indonesia's full economic potential in his last term, by lowering hight taxation and reducing the...1138clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ordinary-southeast-asians-start-to-have-negative-perceptions-on-china-with-bridget-welsh--40943319
That is the reason why ASEAN countries are in desperate need to diversify and to seek different strong economic partnerships with other actors in the world stage. Among them, European countries can be an alternative and more reliable player than China. On the one hand, bilateral economic partnerships are flourishing, especially with countries like France, UK, Italy and Germany. On the other hand, a holistic and strategic partnership between ASEAN and EU will face hurdles, principally due to the unwillingness of the EU officials to compromise over palm oil production in Malaysia and Indonesia. According to Bridget, the EU-ASEAN strategic partnership is currently going nowhere.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/663995165Wed, 28 Aug 2019 16:13:14 +0000Mirko GiordaniBridget Welsh is Associate Professor of Political Science at John Cabot University. Bridget believes that nowadays ordinary Southeast Asians have negative perceptions of China. She argues that this trend is noticeable through the lens of the...
That is the reason why ASEAN countries are in desperate need to diversify and to seek different strong economic partnerships with other actors in the world stage. Among them, European countries can be an alternative and more reliable player than China. On the one hand, bilateral economic partnerships are flourishing, especially with countries like France, UK, Italy and Germany. On the other hand, a holistic and strategic partnership between ASEAN and EU will face hurdles, principally due to the unwillingness of the EU officials to compromise over palm oil production in Malaysia and Indonesia. According to Bridget, the EU-ASEAN strategic partnership is currently going nowhere.]]>1489clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/duterte-is-desperate-for-chinese-investments-but-only-for-his-community-with-phidel-vineles--40943322Phidel believes that Duterte is in desperate need of investments from China, but with one problem: the benefits need to go only to Duterte's local community, his political stronghold. However, Phidel believes that other investors, especially Europeans, can play an important role in the region by providing skills to boost connectivity, especially in redesigning smart cities.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/663959486Wed, 21 Aug 2019 15:17:15 +0000Mirko GiordaniPhidel Vineles is a Senior Analyst in the Science and Technology Studies Programme (STSP) in the Office of the Executive Deputy Chairman at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore....Phidel believes that Duterte is in desperate need of investments from China, but with one problem: the benefits need to go only to Duterte's local community, his political stronghold. However, Phidel believes that other investors, especially Europeans, can play an important role in the region by providing skills to boost connectivity, especially in redesigning smart cities.]]>775clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mahathir-was-in-love-with-japan-now-he-has-to-deal-with-a-powerful-china-with-emmanuel-daniel--40943312Emmanuel believes that Mahathir political life has been divided into two phases: the first when he was in love with Japanese technological growth and the second, which represent the current situation, when he has to deal pragmatically with a very powerful China. Mahathir can't say no to Chinese investments, but he can emend the mistakes made by his predecessors. According to Emmanuel, Mahathir did it with a very pragmatic renegotiation of projects such as the East Coast Rail Link.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/658720340Mon, 19 Aug 2019 15:05:42 +0000Mirko GiordaniEmmanuel Daniel is a Singapore-based entrepreneur. Daniel founded The Asian Banker in Singapore in September 1996 as a publisher of research and benchmarking, and events catering to the financial services industry. Daniel won the Citibank Excellence...Emmanuel believes that Mahathir political life has been divided into two phases: the first when he was in love with Japanese technological growth and the second, which represent the current situation, when he has to deal pragmatically with a very powerful China. Mahathir can't say no to Chinese investments, but he can emend the mistakes made by his predecessors. According to Emmanuel, Mahathir did it with a very pragmatic renegotiation of projects such as the East Coast Rail Link.]]>1080clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/eu-and-usa-investments-in-asean-can-provide-better-standards-than-chinese-ones-with-erin-murphy--40943299tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/658973375Thu, 08 Aug 2019 15:46:44 +0000Mirko GiordaniMs. Murphy served as the special assistant to the Office of the Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma (Myanmar). In addition, Murphy is the founder of Inle Advisory. In the conservation with her, there are three very important...2198clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thailand-and-china-a-no-strings-attached-relationship-with-christopher-ankersen--40943323
Like other countries in the region, Thailand has also its share of economic uncertainties: it risks to find itself in the middle-income trap. It is trying with the Thailand 4.0 program, but the reality is that the country needs foreign investments. America and Europe are well-positioned to provide investments, but Chinese money comes, as usual, with no strings attached. Westerners pretend to force Thailand to kowtow over human rights issues, while Chinese turns a blind eye. No doubt that Thai people prefer Beijing.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/735767341Wed, 07 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mirko GiordaniThailand is an exception in the melting pot of Southeast Asia. Differently from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, where minorities coexist quite peacefully, in Thailand’s deep South the Malay insurgency is carrying on low-fi warfare...
Like other countries in the region, Thailand has also its share of economic uncertainties: it risks to find itself in the middle-income trap. It is trying with the Thailand 4.0 program, but the reality is that the country needs foreign investments. America and Europe are well-positioned to provide investments, but Chinese money comes, as usual, with no strings attached. Westerners pretend to force Thailand to kowtow over human rights issues, while Chinese turns a blind eye. No doubt that Thai people prefer Beijing.]]>1803clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/europe-must-invest-in-malaysia-and-compete-with-china-with-azmil-tayeb--40943289tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/651910544Sun, 04 Aug 2019 18:43:13 +0000Mirko GiordaniAzmil Tayeb is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang. He has done extensive research on Islamic politics and social movements, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. His point is clear: Europe...1058clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-southeast-asia-politics-still-have-great-influence-over-business-with-ei-sun-oh--40943311tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/648540209Tue, 16 Jul 2019 13:13:53 +0000Mirko GiordaniEi Sun OH is a Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs and former Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, where he researches on the political economy of...944clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/indonesian-elections-were-nerve-racking-but-still-remarkably-clean-with-kevin-o-rourke--40943325According to O'Rourke, Widodo must focus his second term on boosting the economy. Nevertheless, Widodo's governance style of searching every time for the vastest political consensus had a negative tool on policymaking, which often became slow and ineffective.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/647900568Sat, 13 Jul 2019 15:42:47 +0000Mirko GiordaniKevin O’Rourke holds a degree in government from Harvard University and he is the author of the book Reformasi: The Struggle for Power in Post-Soeharto Indonesia. He worked in Jakarta starting in 1994. According to O'Rourke, Widodo must focus his...According to O'Rourke, Widodo must focus his second term on boosting the economy. Nevertheless, Widodo's governance style of searching every time for the vastest political consensus had a negative tool on policymaking, which often became slow and ineffective.]]>1422clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-the-long-run-india-will-be-far-richer-and-more-prosperous-than-china-with-naman-shrivastava--40943306tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/644758971Tue, 02 Jul 2019 20:22:23 +0000Mirko GiordaniNaman Shrivastava has worked extensively as a strategy consultant to Government of India, and is currently the CEO and Co-Founder of Global Governance Initiative. He is also an emerging markets enterprise scholar at the Fletcher School of Law and...822clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/congress-party-will-be-soon-back-in-government-to-replace-bjp-with-leni-jadhav--40943326She believes that India has a great structural problem, job creation, and Modi and the BJP are not addressing properly that issue. That's the reason why she believes that the Congress Party, despite being perceived as a very weak opposition party, will be soon back in government.]]>tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/644765844Tue, 02 Jul 2019 19:57:34 +0000Mirko GiordaniMaheshmurti Leni S Jadhav is a 33-year old young politician and criminal lawyer from India, belonging to the Congress Party. She is the National Coordinator of the All India Congress Committee's Research Department and she is former National General...She believes that India has a great structural problem, job creation, and Modi and the BJP are not addressing properly that issue. That's the reason why she believes that the Congress Party, despite being perceived as a very weak opposition party, will be soon back in government.]]>1179clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/besides-better-universities-india-needs-a-better-primary-education-with-niranjan-marjani--40943314tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/641524998Tue, 02 Jul 2019 19:19:02 +0000Mirko GiordaniNiranjan Marjani is an independent Indian journalist. He stresses the need for India to develop a better primary education, which will be the foundation for betterment of Indian society as a whole.918clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/for-india-going-green-will-not-affect-economic-growth-with-saumya-varma--40943310tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/641464050Mon, 24 Jun 2019 18:59:07 +0000Mirko GiordaniSaumya Varma is a leading researcher for the Congress Party in India. According to Saumya, environmental conscience is not widespread in Indian population, and it is the role of the leadership to tackle the issue and lead the way for a green India....1249clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asean-countries-need-8-trillion-dollar-investments-in-infrastructures-with-vasuki-shastry--40943321tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/638559270Tue, 18 Jun 2019 15:33:28 +0000Mirko GiordaniVasuki Shastry is an associate fellow of the Asia-Pacific programme and was most recently global head of public affairs and sustainability at Standard Chartered Bank. ASEAN countries need massive investments in infrastructure, and China is supplying...1011clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asean-can-t-form-a-nato-style-military-alliance-with-malminderjit-singh--40943324tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/635169015Thu, 13 Jun 2019 15:03:09 +0000Mirko GiordaniMalminderjit Singh is the Editorial Head at the Institute of South Asian Studies. ASEAN countries have secured deep economic ties between themselves, but the next step of a NATO-style military alliance seems really far away. However, it must be noted...700clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/china-on-the-defensive-asean-countries-are-deeply-scrutinizing-bri-investments-with-kanti-bajpai--40943300tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/635168115Wed, 12 Jun 2019 18:02:09 +0000Mirko GiordaniKanti Bajpai is the director of the Centre on Asia and Globalisation and Wilmar Professor of Asian Studies at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. There is no doubt: China is investing massive amount of capitals in ASEAN countries. This doesn't...857clean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asean-countries-better-than-china-with-shanti-shamdasani--40943305tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/633666375Sat, 08 Jun 2019 15:53:59 +0000Mirko GiordaniShanti is a consultant based in Jakarta and her view is very simple and straightforward: in the future, investments from the west will flow abundantly to ASEAN countries instead of China. Moreover, ASEAN countries are applying a higher level of...964clean1full