A Closer Look | Asia Society

A Closer Look

Quick and Deep Dives Into Countries And Issues That Matter

A Closer Look

A Closer Look delivers quick but deep dives into countries and topics that matter, with leading, on-the-ground voices. Each iteration of A Closer Look is your go-to for a solid overview on issues playing out in Asia, and affecting us all.

Dive into the rich archive covering Batteries, the Indonesian election, and a grand tour of 15 countries worth knowing more about.

Watch the most recent episode, on the challenges facing global trade, here:

All Episodes

Country Episodes

  • video

    Episode 15: A Closer Look at Thailand

    Weeks before Thailand goes to the polls, political experts Punchada Sirivunnabood and Kan Yuenyong talk about the campaign and other issues playing out in the kingdom.
  • video

    Episode 14: A Closer Look at Nepal

    Nepal, wedged between superpowers China and India, is trying to find a stable footing and a definitive path to growth after decades of political unrest. Hear from leading Nepalese investor Suman Joshi.
  • video

    Episode 13: A Closer Look at Solomon Islands

    Solomon Islands, in the southwestern Pacific, is on the front line of big power games between China and the U.S. Hear from seasoned local journalist Dorothy Wickham and leading entrepreneur Jay Bartlett.
  • video

    Episode 12: A Closer Look at South Korea

    Take a closer look at South Korea, where much more is happening than just K-Pop and threats from the North. Hear from Political Science and International Relations professor Seungjoo Lee and consultant Schoni Song.
  • video

    Episode 11: A Closer Look at Laos

    Dive into Laos, one of Asia's ethnically most diverse countries, and one of its most unknown. Join filmmaker Mattie Do and journalist Manyphone Vongphachanh on a journey through what's happening in Southeast Asia's only landlocked country.
  • video

    Episode 10: A Closer Look at Mongolia

    The tenth episode of "A Closer Look" takes us to the world's most sparsely populated country, Mongolia. Oyungerel Tsedevdamba and Byambajargal Ayushjav talk about nomadic traditions and modernity, education, and the civil society landscape.
  • video

    Episode 9: A Closer Look at Singapore

    In the ninth episode of "A Closer Look", we zoom in on Singapore. Kirsten Han and Yeo Lay Hwee share their perspectives on Singapore's successes and challenges, its human rights, the electoral system and the city-state's foreign relations.
  • video

    Episode 8: A Closer Look at Kyrgyzstan

    The eighth episode of "A Closer Look" brings us to Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous country in Central Asia. Political analyst Dr. Emilbek Dzhuraev talks about the country's road to democracy, post-Soviet transitions, and foreign relations.
  • video

    Episode 7: A Closer Look at the Philippines

    In the seventh episode of "A Closer Look", we explore the Philippines. Mina Roces and Manuel L. Quezon III talk about the Filipino identity, gender roles, family dynasties, and the 2022 presidential elections.
  • video

    Episode 6: A Closer Look at Pakistan

    The sixth episode of "A Closer Look" brings us to Pakistan, the world’s fifth most populous country. Saad Haroon and Yusra Askari discuss press freedom, the cultural scene, and domestic politics.
  • video

    Episode 5: A Closer Look at Bhutan

    In the fifth episode, we explore Bhutan – the landlocked country located in the Eastern Himalayas. Journalist and Musician Supe discusses Bhutan's development path and the role of media.
  • video

    Episode 4: A Closer Look at Bangladesh

    The fourth episode brings us to one of the world’s most crowded countries: Bangladesh. Dr. Faraha Nawaz and Sara Hossain share their view of the country, and discuss the changing role of women in Bangladesh.
  • video

    Episode 3: A Closer Look at Brunei

    In our third episode of "A Closer Look" Iswandy Ahmad and agricultural entrepreneur Dr. Vanessa Teo share their view on Brunei, the monarchy, and discuss the government’s as well as entrepreneurial activities in the agricultural sector.
  • video

    Episode 2: A Closer Look at Uzbekistan

    In the second episode of "A Closer Look" we’ll explore the landlocked and most populous country of Central Asia: Uzbekistan. Dilfuza Kurolova and Dr. Farkhod Tolipov will discuss the country's challenges and development of civil society.
  • video

    Episode 1: A Closer Look at Sri Lanka

    The first episode of "A Closer Look" brings us to Sri Lanka – the island nation just off the southeastern coast of India. Bhavani Fonseka and Ambika Satkunanathan are talking about domestic politics and human right issues.