Channel Title: Why Should We Care About the Indo-Pacific? Channel Description: Join Ray Powell and Jim Carouso as they delve into issues defining this century's pivotal region. Learn to navigate its most important geopolitical, economic, military, environmental and cultural challenges, with a practical emphasis on why it matters. Hosted by seasoned diplomatic and national security practitioners, each episode offers analysis and thought-provoking discussions. From bustling cities like Beijing, Mumbai and Tokyo, through the diverse countries of Southeast Asia, down to the Australian Outback and islands of the South Pacific, expert guests help explore the region's defining issues, emergent crises and future trajectories. Discover the interplay of the U.S.-China competition against the interests of emerging powers like India and Indonesia. Explore the complexities of alliances like ASEAN, AUKUS and "the Quad". Understand the forces driving hotspots like the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and the China-India border ... and why we should care. <video> Why Should We Care About the Kuomintang, #Taiwan's Opposition Party? | Indo-Pacific #Podcast Description: On this week's #podcast, Ray and Jim welcome Victor Chin, the official representative of #Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, to discuss Taiwan’s political landscape. They talk about how the KMT evolved from the flight with Chiang Kai-shek to Taiwan at end of the Chinese Civil War; through decades of unchallenged KMT rule over the island; its transition to a multiparty democracy; through to today as its primary opposition party to the ascendant Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). They turn to Taiwan’s strategic geographic location, the building military threat from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the need for Taiwan to prepare its entire society for hostilities, and the crucial role the U.S. plays in ensuring its security. Victor explains why the KMT emphasizes its support for the “1992 Consensus” regarding “One China” and its ambiguous interpretation. He explains the difference in how the KMT looks at cross-strait relations, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation to manage tensions until democracy can be the force that unifies China. This conservative approach has earned the KMT the reputation of being Beijing’s preferred party, but Victor insists it remains Taiwan’s original and staunch bastion against communism. To close, Jim’s “There I was” story leads him and Ray into a discussion about the promises of authoritarianism versus democracy, which Churchill described as “the worst form of government except for everything else that’s been tried.” Thanks for watching! If you have questions for Ray and Jim, leave them in the comments below. 👉 New episodes released on Friday 👉 Audio available on all streaming services 👉 Follow us on X: https://x.com/IndoPacPodcast 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/why-should-we-care-about-the-indo-pacific </video> <video> Why Should We Care if Companies are Forced to Choose Between the U.S. and #China? Description: On this week's #podcast, Ray and Jim welcome Isaac Stone Fish to discuss why he believes companies that want to do business with #China are being compelled to make hard choices due to the increasingly fraught relationship with the U.S. and the West. Isaac explains how the ongoing economic decoupling with China has been driven in large part by Beijing’s own policies, and that this process has been accelerated since the COVID-19 outbreak. He asserts that U.S. political and business elites, in their enthusiasm for what China might have been, have instead strengthened its authoritarian model to the detriment of the West. Isaac urges companies to understand the risks inherent in their exposure to China’s market and explains some of the economic challenges Beijing faces moving forward. He also warns that conflict is a real possibility that must be factored in. Thanks for watching! If you have questions for Ray and Jim, leave them in the comments below or email indopacificpodcast@gmail.com 👉 New episodes released on Friday 👉 Audio available on all streaming services 👉 Follow on X: https://x.com/IndoPacPodcast 👉 Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/why-should-we-care-about-the-indo-pacific 👉 Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/indopacpodcast.bsky.social </video> <video> Elbridge Colby on America's urgent need to fix its defense industrial base Description: From Episode 11, "Why Should We Care About America's Defense Priorities?", Donald #Trump's just-announced nominee for Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby explains the urgency of repairing America's defense industrial base. </video> <video> LTG Chun In-Bum on #SouthKorea's martial law crisis, #ROK Army's role & #NorthKorea's opportunity Description: From Episode 43: Why Should We Care About What the Hell Happened in South Korea? LTG Chun discusses why the restraint and professionalism of the South Korean Army played a key role in keeping the crisis from spinning out of control, and how North Korea is likely to exploit the situation for their own ends. Watch the whole episode at https://youtu.be/c4_1OjqCrbo </video> <video> #Indonesia's former President Joko Widodo's legacy: political stability & better investment climate Description: BowerGroupAsia Managing Director Doug Ramage touts outgoing Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's positive impact on the country's political & economic climate, with some caveats. From Episode 45, "Why Should We Care About Indonesia's Prabowo Era?" </video> <video> Why Should We Care About What the Hell Just Happened in South Korea? | Indo-Pacific #Podcast Description: In this emergency #podcast, Ray and Jim welcome retired South Korean Lieutenant General Chun In-Bum back to help explain the extraordinary events of December 3rd–President Yoon Suk Yul’s shocking declaration of martial law, its unanimous rejection by the parliament, and its subsequent repeal by Yoon. General Chun talks about the ethical and legal dilemma faced by South Korean military personnel, crediting their professionalism and restraint for averting violence. He also discusses South Korea’s history with martial law and how the ever-present threat of North Korean aggression colors that landscape. The conversation then turns to what is likely to happen next to President Yoon and his administration, and how a potential presidential succession might unfold should he be impeached or resign from office. General Chun laments the impact Yoon’s actions and their aftermath is likely to have on South Korea’s geopolitical situation, with special emphasis on how it will affect recent positive trends with Japan relations during Yoon’s tenure. To close, Jim and Ray compare this experience with others they’ve encountered during their long diplomatic and military careers, and also discuss how authoritarian regimes are likely to exploit the chaos in Seoul. Thanks for watching! If you have questions for Ray and Jim, leave them in the comments below. 👉 New episodes released on Friday 👉 Audio available on all streaming services 👉 Follow us on X: https://x.com/IndoPacPodcast 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/why-should-we-care-about-the-indo-pacific </video> <video> Why Should We Care About the Changing #IndoPacific Business Environment? | Indo-Pacific #Podcast Description: On this week's #podcast, Jim and Ray welcome McKinsey & Company’s Global Director of Geopolitics Ziad Haider to discuss how businesses are navigating the evolving risks and opportunities of today’s #IndoPacific business environment. Ziad asserts that the region is the engine of the global economy which is both economically vibrant but also highly volatile. Ziad discusses the role of India and Southeast Asia as rising global economic power, and of course, the increasingly complex challenge of operating in China amidst its growing regulatory and geopolitical hazards. He emphasizes the need for companies to be prepared to adapt as circumstances can change quickly, as evidenced by recent supply chains disruptions and black-swan events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks for watching! If you have questions for Ray and Jim, leave them in the comments below. 👉 New episodes released on Friday 👉 Audio available on all streaming services 👉 Follow on X: https://x.com/IndoPacPodcast 👉 Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/why-should-we-care-about-the-indo-pacific 👉 Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/indopacpodcast.bsky.social </video> <video> Why are #China & #Taiwan fighting for recognition from #PacificIsland Countries? Description: From Episode 44, "Why Should We Care About What the Pacific Islands Think?" featuring Suzanne Vares-Lum, retired US Army major general, outgoing President of the East-West Center, and Director-designate of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. </video> <video> Why Should We Care About What the Pacific Islands Think? | Indo-Pacific #Podcast Description: On this week's #podcast, Jim and Ray welcome Suzanne Vares-Lum, retired U.S. Army Major General, outgoing President of the East-West Center and Director-designate of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. Together they explore the geopolitical significance of the geographically vast but sparsely populated Pacific Islands region. They discuss how these small island nations have found themselves in the midst of the great-power competition between the U.S. and China, while many have also become unlikely players in the cross-strait tensions between Taiwan and China. At the same time, the concerns that preoccupy these nations at international gatherings such as the Pacific Islands Forum include illegal fishing and climate change. Suzy explains how the U.S. has been renewing its commitment to many of these countries through education and leadership programs, as well as opening new embassies and funding infrastructure projects. To close, Ray tells the story of when he dispatched a special forces officer to rescue a stuffed animal. Thanks for watching! If you have questions for Ray and Jim, leave them in the comments below. 👉 New episodes released on Friday 👉 Audio available on all streaming services 👉 Follow us on X: https://x.com/IndoPacPodcast 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/why-should-we-care-about-the-indo-pacific </video> <video> Why Should We Care About #Indonesia’s Prabowo Era? | Indo-Pacific #Podcast Description: On this week's #podcast, Jim and Ray welcome BowerGroupAsia’s Managing Director for #Indonesia Doug Ramage to look at the country’s economic and geopolitical position as it moves on from a decade under President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to new President Prabowo Subianto. They consider Indonesia’s position as a rising power with a $1 trillion economy, a G20 membership, and leadership position within the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) nations. Doug credits the Jokowi presidency for championing a stable political and investment climate, and explains why he believes that Prabowo is seeking continuity while also promoting social development. He explains that Prabowo will face a rising imperative to balance Jakarta’s relationships with Washington DC and Beijing in the face of rising great-power competition. He will seek to maintain Indonesia’s strong regional position and continue to promote ASEAN-centrality, while also continuing to promote its role as a leader in the Muslim world. Doug unpacks the strains created by the twin impulses toward economic growth and trade protectionism, and how these may impact the former defense minister’s military modernization plans and the slow-moving effort to relocate the capital city. Thanks for watching! If you have questions for Ray and Jim, leave them in the comments below. 👉 New episodes released on Friday 👉 Audio available on all streaming services 👉 Follow on X: https://x.com/IndoPacPodcast 👉 Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/why-should-we-care-about-the-indo-pacific 👉 Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/indopacpodcast.bsky.social </video> <video> #Kuomintang rep to the US Victor Chin explains what his party would do to defend #Taiwan vs #China. Description: From Episode 42, "Why Should We Care About the Kuomintang, #Taiwan's Opposition Party?", KMT rep Victor Chin tells Ray and Jim how his party's approach to defending Taiwan would differ from the ruling Democratic People's Party (DPP). </video> <video> @AEI's Zack Cooper gives 3 reasons he's worried about #nuclear weapons proliferation | @IPPodcast Description: From Episode 91, "Why Should We Care Whether #China can be Deterred? #deterrence #indopacific </video> <video> #India has economic tailwinds but companies are now focusing on doing business at the states' level Description: From Episode 46, "Why Should We Care About the Changing #IndoPacific Business Environment?", McKinsey & Co.'s Global Director of Geopolitics Ziad Haider talks about what opportunities and risks businesses face when operating in India. </video> <video> Isaac Stone Fish on why businesses are being forced to choose between the US and #China Description: From Episode 47, "Why Should We Care if Companies are Forced to Choose Between the US and China?", Strategy Risks founder and CEO Isaac Stone Fish explains how businesses working in China are increasingly being forced to make very difficult choices. </video> <video> Electricity is #Taiwan's vulnerability--#China only has to stop 3-4 shipments in the #SouthChinaSea Description: From Episode 42, "Why Should We Care About the #Kuomintang, Taiwan's Opposition Party?" #KMT representative to the US explains how electricity makes the PLA's task in isolating Taiwan simpler than people realize. </video>

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Join Ray Powell and Jim Carouso as they delve into issues defining this century's pivotal region. Learn to navigate its most important geopolitical, economic, military, environmental and cultural challenges, with a practical emphasis on why it matters.

Hosted by seasoned diplomatic and national security practitioners, each episode offers analysis and thought-provoking discussions. From bustling cities like Beijing, Mumbai and Tokyo, through the diverse countries of Southeast Asia, down to the Australian Outback and islands of the South Pacific, expert guests help explore the region's defining issues, emergent crises and future trajectories.

Discover the interplay of the U.S.-China competition against the interests of emerging powers like India and Indonesia. Explore the complexities of alliances like ASEAN, AUKUS and "the Quad". Understand the forces driving hotspots like the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and the China-India border ... and why we should care.

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