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What can #China's 'new areas' teach the rest of the world? Sean Paterson explains the realities of #China's remarkable efforts in infrastructure across the country and how its 'new areas' could be the blueprint for other countries to follow. Read here - loom.ly/XO0brac

As President Trump causes disruption and uncertainty around the world, the Omani embassy in Rome plays host to renewed negotiations between the #US and #Iran. Amin Saikal explains the complexities of these negotiations and what their outcome could mean - loom.ly/f053_cM

Today marks the anniversary of the formal end of war in #Vietnam but what is the real meaning behind this anniversary? Bill Hayton explains its history and how it has been co-opted by the Communist Party of Vietnam to bolster the party line - loom.ly/2WHyX_M

Democracy is under threat across the world but one of the most explicit examples of the struggle between democracy and autocracy can be found in an unexpected place. Sean Yom seanyom.bsky.social explains the implications of democratic backsliding in #Kuwait. Read here - loom.ly/NJTrFR4

Unfamiliar Asia - Cheung Chau Bun Festival Tonnes of buns, papier-mâché effigies, lion dancers and tales of ancient evil spirits converge on the island of Cheung Chau for this quirky festival. Find out more here - loom.ly/MN0tasQ

The Battle for the Soul of Islam - join us online for this lecture with James M. Dorsey on 21 May 2025 at 14.00 BST. Read more and register here - loom.ly/JGbn_m0

As the College of Cardinals decide who will become the next Pope, what does this Conclave mean for #Asia and its 150 million Catholics? Victor Gaetan explains the #Vatican-Asia relations, the diplomacy of Pope Francis and what might come next. Watch here - loom.ly/oGsI09M

We are excited to announce that we will again be hosting our free Annual Schools' Day at SOAS University of London in November, students can hear from expert speakers on contemporary Asian topics and try introductory classes in Asian languages. Find out more and sign up here loom.ly/F-__f3U

Unfamiliar Asia - Royal Ploughing Ceremony 🐃 The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is one of the most significant ceremonies in Cambodia. The ritual is held in Pisak (the month of May), which marks the beginning of the rice-growing season. Find out more here - loom.ly/UzNzHuc

Angkor Wat is world famous, but little attention is paid to international efforts to preserve and protect it. Hans Leisen and Esther von Plehwe-Leisen explain Germany's conservation work at the site. Read here - loom.ly/BXwt1uk

In a world dominated by political tensions, territorial disputes, and trade wars, it’s easy to overlook a quieter but equally powerful force: science diplomacy. Dr Sandeep Sandhu explains this bridge between countries, cultures, and communities in #Asia - loom.ly/OGmySv0

DPRK: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow - join us in person and online for this lecture with Glyn Ford on 11 June 2025 at 14.00 BST. Read more and register here - loom.ly/PpxV2as

While theatres across the world are under increasing strain, Lucas Fraser-Taliente explains the power of community in sustaining Ilkhom, the Soviet Union’s first independent theatre and its countercultural epicentre in #Tashkent. Read here - loom.ly/-IBRJOI

Following the recent launch of his new book The Silk Road: A Living History, Christopher Wilton-Steer (Aga Khan Foundation) describes his journey from Osh to Dushanbe illustrated by a fantastic collection of images, a small taste of what is in the book. Read here loom.ly/JBDfeFc

Literary and Photographic Legacies of Russia in the Chinese City of Harbin - join us for this online lecture with 2024 RSAA Travel Award recipient Julius Kochan, guest hosted by Winnie King, on 25 June 2025 at 14.00 BST. Find out more and register here - loom.ly/UdPPzwc

#Pakistan has a history of political turbulence. marcus andreopoulos shines a light on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik's recent resurgence and what it means for Pakistani politics and the state. Read here - loom.ly/NcKDaSI

Just a 90-minute flight from southern Bali lies the fascinating and rarely visited island of Sumba. Textile specialists David and Sue Richardson provide an insight to the island's rich history and its unique textile culture, past and present. Read here - loom.ly/p4zmC7Y

Online Religion in Contemporary China - join us for this online lecture with 2024 RSAA Travel Award recipient Mengyuan Tian, guest hosted by Professor Astrid Nordin, on 9 July 2025 at 14.00 BST. Find out more and register here - loom.ly/MZ270_o

Once the final leg of the Silk Road and a historically crucial #Chinese trade route, the Hexi Corridor is again becoming essential to the Chinese economy, but this time as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Sean Paterson explains here - loom.ly/ZdOgAnc

#India faces a complex balancing act in which it seeks to ensure energy security, meet its targets for a green energy transition and secure sustainable development for its vast population. Manish Vaid explains this delicate balancing act here - loom.ly/b0B3qxM