Inside Asia

Inside the Bangsamoro Elections with Prime Ragandang

In September 2026, residents of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao in the Philippines will head to the polls to elect the region's parliament. This marks a landmark step in the BARMM peace process, as the region moves past decades of insurgency and political violence. Still, substantial challenges remain. The elections have already been delayed multiple times due to planning difficulties, and the peace agreement's strands on reconciliation and reintegrating former combatants face implementation obstacles. Dr. Prime Ragandang (Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology) joins the pod to discuss the elections, and how his research on transgenerational peacebuilding spotlights paths to deepening peace and democratization. Check out Prime's award-winning book, Peacebuilding and Memory in the Philippines: Transgenerational Resilience [https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-90375-5] (Palgrave)

Inside Bangladesh's Post-Revolution Election with David Jackman

On February 12, Bangladesh went to the polls for the first elections since the country's student-led July 2024 uprising that forced Sheikh Hasina's Awami League from power. The elections were a decisive victory for the Bangladesh National Party, but also pointed to future influence for Jamaat-e-Islami and uncertain next steps for the country's student movement. Voters also approved substantial constitutional reforms. Dr. David Jackman (Oxford University) joins the pod to discuss the elections, and how his research on urban politics and criminal syndicates sheds new light on points of transition and continuity in the country's politics. Check out Jackman's new book, Syndicates and Societies: Criminal Politics in Dhaka (Cambridge University Press). [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/syndicates-and-societies/D27729AEAA04A054C7A9D8B5BA07052B]

Inside Nepal's Gen Z Protests with Dr. Annamaria Prati

In September 2025, "Gen-Z Protests" fueled by frustrations with governance, corruption and economic opportunity toppled Nepal's government. As the country's interim leaders prepare for March elections, questions remain about addressing the root causes of youth frustration. The country has made substantial progress since its civil war, but much work remains. Dr. Annamaria Prati (New York University) joins the pod to discuss her research on strengthening state capacity through monitoring by local community leaders. For more on Annamaria's research see: https://afprati.github.io/ [https://afprati.github.io/]

Inside Soviet Legacies in Central Asia with Khasan Redjaboev

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. What are the prospects for democratization in the region, and how do regimes maintain their legitimacy? How do Soviet-era agricultural policies continue to impact the region's politics, especially related to gender? How has China's geopolitical rise recast the region's politics? Khasan's research brings this diverse region into focus.

Inside the Dalai Lama and Asian Politics with Dr. Tenzin Dorjee

Why did the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations get international headlines? The observances involved not only communal celebration, but also important announcements from the Dalai Lama about his future reincarnation, a matter of both spiritual and political significance. The future of the Dalai Lama is central not only to the Tibetan community, but also to Chinese interests and the balance of power in Asia. Dr. Tenzin Dorjee (Columbia University) joins the pod to discuss how his research helps make sense of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. For more on Tendor's research see: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/china/beijings-dangerous-game-tibet [https://www.foreignaffairs.com/china/beijings-dangerous-game-tibet] https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/blog_post/dying-in-the-truth-closer-look-at-self-immolations-freedom-struggles/ [https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/blog_post/dying-in-the-truth-closer-look-at-self-immolations-freedom-struggles/] https://www.tenzindorjee.net/ [https://www.tenzindorjee.net/]