March, 2025 | Featuring "Editor's Choice""| New Podcast Series
A Soft Power Strategy by China
Many of China’s soft power strategies have focused on foreign direct investment and government economic assistance. By the end of the first decade of the 21st Century, China invested $26 billion economic development in Africa, and trade between China and Africa increased from $12 million in 1950 to $114 billion in 2010 (Hassig 2012). These efforts continued into the second decade of this century with further investments in economic development, increased investment by Chinese enterprises, and formalization of free trade agreements with the African Union (Nantulya, 2018). President Xi Jinping, at the 19th Communist Party of China Congress, declared these efforts in Africa to constitute “soft power with Chinese characteristics” (Nantulya 2018, 2). This use of soft power in Africa is attributed to the warm diplomatic relations between China and most states of the African Union (Hassig 2012; Nantulya 2018).
The Liberal Cooption of Militarism: Japan’s Election in 2024
As a result of the LDP’s long-term success, they have become a big-tent party for centrists, primarily the center-right. After the 2022 assassination of the Conservative-leaning Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the recent abdication of his conservative colleague Kishida, the liberal faction inside the party has ascended. Within this political crisis, Ishiba seeks to reform the party from its core.
A Tale of Two Countries Part Two: Thai and Singaporean Water, Wind, and What’s Next?
Although reporting on this topic was unfortunately cut short this Fall, there remains prescient lessons to learn from our two case studies. The assessment is similar to the last article in this series: both countries are not handling the climate crisis well, but Singapore is doing better. As always, it comes down to capital—Singapore has more money to work with on a smaller land area. Thus, they achieve more and faster than Thailand.
“Hong Shao Ruo (红烧肉),” or “Red Braised Pork,” is a popular favorite.
When my two decades of living in China slips into conversation—it happens more than you would think—the first question that is often asked is: How? How did you do it for so long? I always respond, “The food!”. Hello readers, I am here to share my opinions and experiences with the Chinese food culture, which I hope will bring awareness to the stark differences between authentic Chinese cuisine and the Americanized dishes here in the U.S. that we call “Chinese food.”
Entertainment
Asian Dramas Continue to Sweep the Emmys
Shōgun’s record-breaking wins occurred after nearly a decade of production start-ups and failures, and it wasn’t until James Clavell’s novel Shōgun was sent to screenwriter Justin Marks that the series finally had its chance.
Culture
Democracy, Feminism, and Netflix: Taiwan’s #MeToo
A wide range of hot-button political topics for the Taiwanese people through the lens of a thinly veiled depiction of the then and now-in-power Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) amid intra-party intrigue. Yet one scene sparked righteous social upheaval.
M Magazine
Namaste! Himalayan Handicrafts
Coming February 2025, an amazing day in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. A mountainous utopia with a piece of Asia and the perfect mindfulness retreat.
Navigating Dreams and Choices After the Doctoral Journey
Time is a curious companion, always moving forward, sometimes bringing joy, other times sorrow. It ultimately brings every journey to its end. As I pen these reflections, I’m filled with mixed emotions. A part of me is eager to cross the finish line....
An interdisciplinary debate of the political and economic flashpoints between the US and Asia.
The Monsoon Team
Mission Statement
The Monsoon strives to report on the region in a balanced manner. The views of our staff, interviewees, and contributors do not reflect upon the objective of this project. We are, first and foremost, a portal into the world of Southeast Asia and its effects on the world around us. The Monsoon strives to share the perspective of experts and those who call Southeast Asia their home to fill in the gap of knowledge that afflicts the modern dialogue around Asian politics. The Monsoon Newsletter is a leading educational platform committed to fostering learning and growth. Our team is dedicated to providing valuable resources and support to empower individuals in their educational journey.
DISCLAIMER: Monsoon, while affiliated with Ohio University itself, does NOT reflect the views or opinions of the University or its staff. Monsoon is intellectually and creatively independent of Ohio University and those associated with it.
Garfield Scott
Editor-In-Chief
Liliana Kijek
Environmental Sciences
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Ziyi Cheng
Entertainment
Ariel Cevallos
Guest Writer
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