UofL Asian Democracy

Want to learn more about Central Asian politics? Listen to our podcast episode with Dr. Khasan Redjaboev, “Inside Soviet Legacies in Central Asia” below: open.spotify.com/episode/6MC1Cp…

Kazakhstan Update: Citizens pass the constitutional referendum with near 90% support, expanding the powers of the President across several branches of government and reinstates the office of the Vice President which last existed in 1996. Read more here: euronews.com/2026/03/16/lar…

You are invited to join us for a conversation with Dr. Iza Ding of Northwestern University, centering on her research in contemporary Chinese environmental politics. Lunch will be provided. Register now! bit.ly/4rVcuZX

Update from Nepal: Rapper turned Mayor of Kathmandu set to win a landslide victory in Nepal’s post-revolutionary election. No government has won a majority since the country’s first democratic elections in 1959. Read more here: aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/8/…

Also, be sure to check out our podcast episode, where Dr. David Jackman details his scholarship on criminal politics in Dhaka. rss.com/podcasts/cadpo…

As we enter the post election period, check out our content covering Bangladesh’s general election below. Our graduate student election report covers context and major themes. louisville.box.com/s/v5wrgy85al45…

Oxford University's @davidgjackman joined the pod to discuss the recent election in Bangladesh, the first election held since the student-led "Monsoon Revolution" overthrew Sheikh Hasina's government in July 2024. Listen now: rss.com/podcasts/cadpo…

SCOTUS's ruling against Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs has implications for countries across Asia, including democratic allies. Uncertain refunds loom as months-long negotiated deals are unsettled. Trump’s new tariffs continue the uncertainty. Read more: bbc.com/news/articles/…

🇧🇩 Update: BNP wins landslide victory in first elections since 2024 revolution. The July charter containing 84 reforms to the constitution gains 70% support, while the Gen-Z NCP party struggles to build on momentum, winning only 6 seats. Read more: aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/13…

You are invited to join us for a conversation with Dr. Cesi Cruz of the University of Michigan, centering on efforts to counter political polarization with a focus on her research in the Philippines. Lunch will be provided. Register now! bit.ly/4tA463R

Want more about Thai elections? Listen to our podcast episode with Dr. Janjira Sombatpoonsiri, “Inside the 2023 Thailand General Election”. rss.com/podcasts/cadpo…

Conservative parties notch wins in Japan and Thailand. Japan's LDP expands its majority. Thai PM Anutin used nationalism fueled by Cambodia conflict to consolidate power for his party. Questions face the Thai opp'n and the future of the Thaksin dynasty. reuters.com/world/asia-pac…

Want to learn more about recent Japanese elections? Listen to our podcast episode “Inside the LDP's Weak Performance in Japan's Elections” with Prof. Charles McClean here: rss.com/podcasts/cadpo…

Update from Japan: Snap elections to take place Feb 8 following parliament dissolution by PM Takaichi. Trying to bolster the LDP’s thin majority since breakup of Komeito coalition, Takaichi is relying on her own popularity in these elections. Read more: cnbc.com/2026/01/30/jap…

Want to learn more about Chinese politics? Listen to our podcast “Inside China's 2022 Protests” with Dr. Darren Byler here: rss.com/podcasts/cadpo…

Update from China: Xi Jinping targets top officials in military purge. Xi's purges focus on alleged elite corruption, a major source of popular frustration. They also reflect centralization of Xi’s power over the PLA and other potential rivals. Read more: reuters.com/world/china/no…

Violence persists as Nepal moves towards a March 5 election. Protesters remain unhappy with the interim government, claiming persisting corruption and lack of arrests for those responsible for violence against protesters in September. Read more: apnews.com/article/nepal-…

Looking Ahead: Bangladesh’s election on Feb. 12 grows closer as the transitional government works for a "democratic reset." Stuck between peace keeping and protecting freedoms, the government is facing many challenges during this vital period. Read more: chathamhouse.org/publications/t…

CAD is proud to promote "Lunar New Year at the Speed" by @CraneHouse & the @SpeedArtMuseum to ring in 2026: the Year of the Horse. Enjoy live performances, craft making, and flavorful foods! We hope to see you there!

Looking ahead: ex-Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol continues to stand trial for the failed martial law attempt in December 2024. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for charges of inciting an insurrection, though he denies the charges. Read more here: bbc.com/news/articles/…