
Why Should We Care About the Indo-Pacific?
Join hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso as they delve into the crucial issues defining the 21st century's pivotal region--one that spans from Hollywood to Bollywood. 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 insightful 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 the pristine islands of the South Pacific, expert guests help Jim and Ray explore the region's defining issues, emergent crises and future trajectories.Discover the interplay of the U.S.-China strategic competition against the interests of rapidly emerging powers like India and Indonesia. Explore the complexities of regional alliances old and new 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 most importantly, why we should care.Sponsored by BowerGroupAsia, a strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Indo-Pacific. BGA applies unmatched expertise and experience to help clients navigate the world’s most complex and dynamic markets.
Latest episodes

Apr 6, 2024 • 38min
Why Should We Care About the U.S.-Japan-Philippines Trilateral Summit?
Ray and Jim discuss the upcoming 11 April 2024 Trilateral Leaders' Summit between the Philippines, Japan and the United States with their guests Chris Johnstone, Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC, and Victor "Dindo" Manhit, Founder and Managing Director of the Stratbase Group in Manila. They highlight the importance of this meeting in demonstrating a united front against China's assertiveness in the region. They also discuss the potential for increased military cooperation between the Philippines and Japan and the need for economic incentives to strengthen the relationship. The conversation ends by taking on the question of whether these efforts are sufficient to deter China's aggression. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of collective action and cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.

Apr 4, 2024 • 27min
Why Should We Care About the Indo-Pacific? (Pilot)
The pilot episode of 'Why Should We Care About the Indo-Pacific?' explores why people should pay attention to current developments in this vast, dynamic and increasingly turbulent region. Hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso draw from their decades of military and diplomatic experience in Asia and the Pacific as they discuss the region's geographic scope, expanding population and economic dynamism. They also delve into the growing military concerns, particularly the U.S. competition with China and the potential for armed conflict. The conversation delves into the importance of alliances and partnerships, the role of ASEAN and other new groupings like AUKUS and the Quad, and the need for ensuring free and open commerce.