SocDem Asia Podcast

We look back on the past year and share our key takeaways and points of reflection. From elections to learning to appreciate comradeship, we talk about what the past year means for us as progressives. --- Like and follow us at facebook.com/SocDemAsia, email us at ca.vargas@socdemasia.com Music: https://www.bensound.com

24 years since the end of the Suharto regime, Indonesia has been able to successfully embrace democratic governance. While social and political challenges remain, the country has largely have had peaceful elections and stable governments. In this episode, with Sondang Tampubolon, an Indonesian legal expert to talk on the successful transformation of Southeast Asia’s largest country from an authoritarian regime into a stable democracy in Asia. --- Like and follow us at facebook.com/SocDemAsia, email us at ca.vargas@socdemasia.com Music: https://www.bensound.com

On this episode we discuss the political terrain in Nepal going into their general elections with Nepali journalist Yubaraj Ghimire. We discuss the political players and actors in the elections as well as the issues and concerns of voters that will play a pivotal role in their choice. We also discuss the prospects of the Nepali Congress in this election. --- Like and follow us at facebook.com/SocDemAsia, email us at ca.vargas@socdemasia.com Music: https://www.bensound.com

Is there a resurgence of progressive politics in Latin America? We talk with Esteban Paulon, Coordinator of the Progressive Alliance of the Americas (APLA) on the recent trend of electoral victories of progressive candidates such as Gabriel Boric in Chile and Gustavo Petro in Colombia, and the first place finish of Luis Inacio Lula da Silva in the first round of the Brazilian presidential elections. We also break down how authoritarian and populist rightwing currents are making headway in the region and what kind of social vision is being offered by Leftwing parties and candidates to counter rightwing politics not just in Latin America but also across the globe. --- Like and follow us at facebook.com/SocDemAsia, email us at ca.vargas@socdemasia.com Music: https://www.bensound.com

We talk with Howard Lee to talk about the ramifications of the conviction of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on the country's politics, its effect on the people's trust in government and anti-corruption efforts. We also discuss how this will affect the upcoming Malaysian General Elections. Howard is a member of the Perak State Legislative Assembly for the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and a former President of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY). --- Like and follow us at facebook.com/SocDemAsia, email us at ca.vargas@socdemasia.com Music: https://www.bensound.com