UofL Center for Asian Democracy
@asiandemocracy.bsky.social
The Center for Asian Democracy aims to promote research & teaching about democratization in Asia & to be a forum for discussion in Louisville & the region.
It was a pleasure to host Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong of
UMass Amherst for a discussion on counter-disinfo efforts in Asia and the Global South. If you couldn’t make it to the event, you can find a recording of the talk here! www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqxv...
UMass Amherst for a discussion on counter-disinfo efforts in Asia and the Global South. If you couldn’t make it to the event, you can find a recording of the talk here! www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqxv...
November 21, 2025 at 8:42 PM
It was a pleasure to host Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong of
UMass Amherst for a discussion on counter-disinfo efforts in Asia and the Global South. If you couldn’t make it to the event, you can find a recording of the talk here! www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqxv...
UMass Amherst for a discussion on counter-disinfo efforts in Asia and the Global South. If you couldn’t make it to the event, you can find a recording of the talk here! www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqxv...
Bangladesh Update: Former PM Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death for her government's brutal crackdown on student protests. Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry called for her extradition from India, where she has lived since fleeing her country in August 2024. Read more: www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Bangladesh's ousted PM Hasina sentenced to death for students crackdown
The ruling is the most dramatic legal action against a former Bangladeshi leader in decades and comes months ahead of parliamentary elections expected to be held in early February.
www.reuters.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Bangladesh Update: Former PM Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death for her government's brutal crackdown on student protests. Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry called for her extradition from India, where she has lived since fleeing her country in August 2024. Read more: www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Donald Trump hosted the C5 + 1 summit in Washington last week, bringing together Central Asian countries. The region, rich in rare minerals, has been the focus of recent global trade negotiations amidst the U.S.-China trade war. Read more here: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11...
Why is Trump hosting Central Asia leaders; are Russia, China his targets?
US President Donald Trump to meet leaders from five Central Asian countries in Washington for 10th meeting of C5+1.
www.aljazeera.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Donald Trump hosted the C5 + 1 summit in Washington last week, bringing together Central Asian countries. The region, rich in rare minerals, has been the focus of recent global trade negotiations amidst the U.S.-China trade war. Read more here: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11...
As Trump Admin. cuts continue to have effect, Radio Free Asia shuts its doors for the first time in 29 years. USAGM’s elimination through EO in March began the financial hardships for RFA. RFA leaders say, "Authoritarian regimes are already celebrating." Read more: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
Radio Free Asia says halting news operations due to Trump admin cuts
Announcing the move, staff at the outlet said 'authoritarian regimes are already celebrating' its potential demise.
www.aljazeera.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:28 PM
As Trump Admin. cuts continue to have effect, Radio Free Asia shuts its doors for the first time in 29 years. USAGM’s elimination through EO in March began the financial hardships for RFA. RFA leaders say, "Authoritarian regimes are already celebrating." Read more: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
NEW DATE! Our lecture with Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong has been rescheduled for next Thursday, November 13th at 1pm.
The event will be held at the same location, Ford Hall 305. A livestream will also be available for those that cannot attend in person. Register now: bit.ly/4nJoiwf
The event will be held at the same location, Ford Hall 305. A livestream will also be available for those that cannot attend in person. Register now: bit.ly/4nJoiwf
November 5, 2025 at 7:53 PM
NEW DATE! Our lecture with Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong has been rescheduled for next Thursday, November 13th at 1pm.
The event will be held at the same location, Ford Hall 305. A livestream will also be available for those that cannot attend in person. Register now: bit.ly/4nJoiwf
The event will be held at the same location, Ford Hall 305. A livestream will also be available for those that cannot attend in person. Register now: bit.ly/4nJoiwf
Newly-arrived CAD doctoral fellow Khasan Redjaboev joins the pod to discuss his research on governance in Central Asia, with a special focus on Soviet colonial legacies in the region. Khasan's research brings this diverse region into focus. Stream our newest episode now: rss.com/podcasts/cad...
October 31, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Newly-arrived CAD doctoral fellow Khasan Redjaboev joins the pod to discuss his research on governance in Central Asia, with a special focus on Soviet colonial legacies in the region. Khasan's research brings this diverse region into focus. Stream our newest episode now: rss.com/podcasts/cad...
Pres. Trump’s visit to Asia has included little public talk about democracy. As trade negotiations dominate headlines, observers note that Asia's well-documented democratic backsliding seems to be off of the diplomatic agenda. See more: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/u...
As Trump Tours Asia, Democracy’s Ideals Aren’t on the Agenda
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Pres. Trump’s visit to Asia has included little public talk about democracy. As trade negotiations dominate headlines, observers note that Asia's well-documented democratic backsliding seems to be off of the diplomatic agenda. See more: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/u...
You are invited to join us on Thursday, November 6th at 1pm for a conversation with Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong. This talk will discuss counter-disinformation efforts in the Global South. Lunch will be provided. We hope to see you there, register now! us5.list-manage.com/survey?u=d21...
October 30, 2025 at 6:39 PM
You are invited to join us on Thursday, November 6th at 1pm for a conversation with Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong. This talk will discuss counter-disinformation efforts in the Global South. Lunch will be provided. We hope to see you there, register now! us5.list-manage.com/survey?u=d21...
Taiwan Update: Cheng Li-wun elected new KMT leader. Accusations of Chinese interference in the election come from Jaw Shau-kong, former KMT Vice Presidential candidate. Jaw is a key supporter of the establishment candidate that Cheng defeated. Read more: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
Taiwan opposition elects new leader who wants peace with China
Cheng Li-wun will take over the leadership of Kuomintang party on November 1.
www.aljazeera.com
October 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Taiwan Update: Cheng Li-wun elected new KMT leader. Accusations of Chinese interference in the election come from Jaw Shau-kong, former KMT Vice Presidential candidate. Jaw is a key supporter of the establishment candidate that Cheng defeated. Read more: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
Update from Myanmar: Military airstrike on anti-Junta protest kills 40 civilians. The protest was a vigil held during a Buddhist festival in Chaung U. This crackdown comes as the military prepares for its fraudulent elections to consolidate power in December. Read more: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Myanmar: At least 24 killed as army paraglider bombs Buddhist festival
Locals tell the BBC the carnage has made it hard to identify victims of the military attack.
www.bbc.com
October 20, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Update from Myanmar: Military airstrike on anti-Junta protest kills 40 civilians. The protest was a vigil held during a Buddhist festival in Chaung U. This crackdown comes as the military prepares for its fraudulent elections to consolidate power in December. Read more: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Update from Japan: Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s new “Iron Lady,” is expected to be the country’s first female prime minister. A conservative nationalist, she is anti-immigration and pro-military. Her pressing challenge is bringing popularity back to Japan’s LDP. Read more: www.dw.com/en/sanae-tak...
Sanae Takaichi: What to expect from Japan's new 'Iron Lady' – DW – 10/06/2025
Arch-conservative Sanae Takaichi is poised to become Japan's first female prime minister — but challenging political realities may push the nationalist leader toward a more pragmatic approach.
www.dw.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Update from Japan: Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s new “Iron Lady,” is expected to be the country’s first female prime minister. A conservative nationalist, she is anti-immigration and pro-military. Her pressing challenge is bringing popularity back to Japan’s LDP. Read more: www.dw.com/en/sanae-tak...
We will be hosting a conversation with Dr. Lisa Björkman on her new book “Drama of Democracy: Political Representation in Mumbai” on Monday, October 13th at 12:30. We hope to see you there, register today! bit.ly/3VVSaKf
October 7, 2025 at 1:57 PM
We will be hosting a conversation with Dr. Lisa Björkman on her new book “Drama of Democracy: Political Representation in Mumbai” on Monday, October 13th at 12:30. We hope to see you there, register today! bit.ly/3VVSaKf
The Dalai Lama's recent comments on his future reincarnation have sent shockwaves throughout Asian politics. Stream the latest episode of our podcast with Dr. Tenzin Dorjee to discuss how his research helps make sense of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. rss.com/podcasts/cad...
October 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The Dalai Lama's recent comments on his future reincarnation have sent shockwaves throughout Asian politics. Stream the latest episode of our podcast with Dr. Tenzin Dorjee to discuss how his research helps make sense of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. rss.com/podcasts/cad...
Over 200 arrested in anticorruption protests last week in Manila. Demonstrations were largely peaceful, but clashes with police left dozens injured. Graft in flood control projects that allegedly totals billions sparked protests. Read more here:
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/...
More than 200 arrested after anticorruption protests in Philippines
Thousands attended rallies in Manila over a corruption scandal linked to ghost flood control projects.
www.aljazeera.com
October 2, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Over 200 arrested in anticorruption protests last week in Manila. Demonstrations were largely peaceful, but clashes with police left dozens injured. Graft in flood control projects that allegedly totals billions sparked protests. Read more here:
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/...
It was a pleasure to host Dr. Erin Lin of The Ohio State University at UofL for a discussion on her recently published book, When The Bombs Stopped: The Legacy of War in Rural Cambodia. If you couldn’t make it to the event, you can find a recording of the talk here! youtube.com/watch?v=7Rd3...
October 1, 2025 at 4:32 PM
It was a pleasure to host Dr. Erin Lin of The Ohio State University at UofL for a discussion on her recently published book, When The Bombs Stopped: The Legacy of War in Rural Cambodia. If you couldn’t make it to the event, you can find a recording of the talk here! youtube.com/watch?v=7Rd3...
Update from Nepal: 74 killed during Gen Z protests that forced former Prime Minister Oli to resign. Caretaker PM Shushila Karki has announced elections in early March, but obstacles remain to meeting that timeline. Read more here:
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Nepal's caretaker PM navigates fragile peace amid youth revolt, party pushback
Chosen for her integrity after deadly anti-graft protests, Nepal's Prime Minister Sushila Karki now faces her toughest challenge: to meet the demands of the protesters who toppled her predecessor and deliver elections in six months.
www.reuters.com
September 24, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Update from Nepal: 74 killed during Gen Z protests that forced former Prime Minister Oli to resign. Caretaker PM Shushila Karki has announced elections in early March, but obstacles remain to meeting that timeline. Read more here:
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Indonesia update: Protests over low wages and police brutality led to a cabinet reshuffle. Housing allowances for lawmakers sparked discontent, causing looting of politicians' homes. The cabinet has garnered criticism for being loyalists to Pres. Prabowo. Read more: www.france24.com/en/live-news...
Indonesia leader in damage control, installs loyalists after protests
In removing Indonesia's finance minister and U-turning on protester demands, the leader of Southeast Asia's biggest economy is scrambling to restore public trust while seizing a chance to install loya...
www.france24.com
September 19, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Indonesia update: Protests over low wages and police brutality led to a cabinet reshuffle. Housing allowances for lawmakers sparked discontent, causing looting of politicians' homes. The cabinet has garnered criticism for being loyalists to Pres. Prabowo. Read more: www.france24.com/en/live-news...
You are invited to join us on Thursday, September 25th at 1pm for a conversation with Dr. Erin Lin, Professor of Political Science at The Ohio State University. Lunch will be served at 12:45. We hope to see you there, register today! bit.ly/4n9Kj7L
September 18, 2025 at 1:36 PM
You are invited to join us on Thursday, September 25th at 1pm for a conversation with Dr. Erin Lin, Professor of Political Science at The Ohio State University. Lunch will be served at 12:45. We hope to see you there, register today! bit.ly/4n9Kj7L
The ongoing protests in Indonesia have already led to a cabinet reshuffle and a growing movement for political reform. Stream the latest episode of our Inside Asia podcast, where Dr. Alex Arifianto joins to discuss the path forward for the protesters and the Indonesian government.
Inside the Indonesia Protests with Dr. Alexander Arifianto | Podcast Episode on RSS.com
Why have protests provoked a violent reaction from Indonesia's government in the past month, and what does this teach us about the health of democracy in the world's largest Muslim-majority country? P...
rss.com
September 17, 2025 at 3:56 PM
The ongoing protests in Indonesia have already led to a cabinet reshuffle and a growing movement for political reform. Stream the latest episode of our Inside Asia podcast, where Dr. Alex Arifianto joins to discuss the path forward for the protesters and the Indonesian government.
Update from Thailand: Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra convicted by the Thai supreme court. Conviction, along with his daughter’s ousting as PM in August, are significant blows to his political dynasty. Read more here:
Thaksin Shinawatra: Thai court rules that ex-PM must serve one year in jail
The Supreme Court ruling is yet another blow to the influential Shinawatra political dynasty.
www.bbc.com
September 15, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Update from Thailand: Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra convicted by the Thai supreme court. Conviction, along with his daughter’s ousting as PM in August, are significant blows to his political dynasty. Read more here:
Update from Hong Kong: As Jimmy Lai’s trial comes to an end, the powerful HK Election Committee is up for re-election on 9/7. These are the first elections since Beijing’s massive 2021 alterations to electoral procedures. Legislative elections will follow in December. Read more here:
Almost 80% of HK Election Committee by-elections uncontested - reports
Nearly 80% of the 93 vacancies in HK’s Election Committee - which nominates and selects the city’s leader - will see no competition in next month’s by-elections.
hongkongfp.com
September 3, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Update from Hong Kong: As Jimmy Lai’s trial comes to an end, the powerful HK Election Committee is up for re-election on 9/7. These are the first elections since Beijing’s massive 2021 alterations to electoral procedures. Legislative elections will follow in December. Read more here:
Welcome to CAD's new Bluesky page! We're excited to kick off the Fall 2025 semester. Check out our schedule of guest lectures this semester, and stay tuned for more details as each event's date approaches!
August 28, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Welcome to CAD's new Bluesky page! We're excited to kick off the Fall 2025 semester. Check out our schedule of guest lectures this semester, and stay tuned for more details as each event's date approaches!