Leading Research on Korea at UBC: Highlights from the Centre for Korean Research 2024-25
The Centre for Korean Research arranged a range of events in 2024-25, including talks with Jamie Doucette, Kornel Chang, and Peter Kwon.
CSEAR Message of Solidarity and Resources following the Lapu-Lapu Tragedy
All of us at the UBC Centre for Southeast Asian Research are devastated by the senseless tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival and extend our profound condolences to those who have been impacted.
2025 Global Policy Project Symposium: MPPGA Students Address Real-World Policy Challenges
Learn about the capstone Global Policy Project (GP²), and the groups of MPPGA students who are working with clients from around the globe.
Prof. Sara Shneiderman Awarded Surya P. Subedi Prize
Prof. Sara Shneiderman and co-authors: Bina Khapunghang Limbu, Jeevan Baniya, Manoj Suji, Nabin Rawal, Prakash Chandra Subedi, and Cameron David Warner awarded the Royal Asiatic Society 2024 Surya P. Subedi Prize.
IAR Hosts Indo-Pacific Symposium on “Challenges in 2025 and Implications for Canada”
On January 31st, 2025 the Institute of Asian Research (IAR) hosted a full-day symposium on the Indo-Pacific region under the leadership of Prof. Kai Ostwald (Director, IAR; Associate Professor SPPGA and UBC Political Science) and the directors of the five regional centres housed at IAR. The symposium facilitated discussion on key issues and current developments […]
Former Foreign Minister Marc Garneau Spotlights Prof. Kyung-Ae Park’s Knowledge Partnership Program (KPP)
The work of Prof. Kyung-Ae Park has recently been highlighted by Marc Garneau, Canada’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his newly published memoir.
Meet Practitioner Fellow Joël Dalibard, Diplomatic Relations and International Law Specialist
Joël Dalibard joins SPPGA as a practitioner fellow, offering his expertise in diplomatic relations and international law.
Shaping Policy for Myanmar’s Future: UBC Myanmar Initiative Visits Ottawa
In October 2024, the UBC Myanmar Initiative at SPPGA visited Ottawa to meet with MP’s and policy practitioners and present their research findings on possible post-conflict scenarios in Myanmar.
Building Cooperative Security in Asia Pacific: Canadian Track-Two Initiatives,1989-2005
Written at the beginning of a turbulent Indo-Pacific era, this is an aide mémoire focused on Canadian efforts led by academics and officials working with Asian partners to advance cooperative and human security in a region then described as Asia Pacific.
Japan Lower House Election Report
On October 27th, Japan held its 50th Lower House Election. Read CJR Assistant Mei Terasawa’s in-depth analysis here.
Su Thet San, MPPGA Second Year Student Rethinking Policies Affecting Minorities in Myanmar
Before joining the MPPGA Program, Su Thet worked at a local NGO in Myanmar and their current interests are deeply informed by this experience. Read more about their research and their experience with the program so far.
Institute of Asian Research Welcomes Fellows for 2024-25
35 graduate students have joined us as IAR Fellows this year to advance multidisciplinary research on contemporary Asia.
Caste, Comedy & Critical Conversations: Centre for India and South Asia Research 2023-24
Bridging academia and community engagement, CISAR’s 2023-24 programming emphasized caste-based discrimination while also engaging with broader social, political, and cultural issues related to India and South Asia.
The Institute of Asian Research Fellows Program 2024/25 – Call for Applications
UBC grad students, apply to IAR Fellows Program for research on policy and global affairs.
Politics, Democracy, and Media Freedom in Southeast Asia: Talks by CSEAR 2023-24
The Centre for Southeast Asian Research organized a range of talks during the past academic year, reflecting on key political issues in Thailand, Myanmar, and beyond.
Celebrating the History of the Centre for Southeast Asia Research
Since its foundation in 1992, CSEAR has been organizing seminars, workshops, conferences and publications to promote interest in and understanding of Southeast Asia through scholarly exchange.
2023/24 IAR Publication Awards
The IAR Publication Award provides grants to students whose works are accepted in high-visiblity and wide-impact outlets.
Myanmar Initiative Hosts Emerging Scholars and Young Leaders Workshop
Young scholars and professionals whose research focuses on Myanmar gather for an important array of events.
Global Connections: Talks by the Centre of Japanese Research 2023-24
The Centre for Japanese Research’s 2023-24 events on “The International Reach of Japan” shows how the nation’s diplomacy and culture trascends boundaries.
Celebrating the History of the Centre for Japanese Research
The Center for Japanese Research at IAR has been facilitating research, events and programming on Japan since 1991. Learn more about its rich history.
China Logics: A Series by the Centre for Chinese Research
In 2023-24 the Centre for Chinese Research held the multidisciplinary China Logics series featuring talks on Policy, Urban Studies, and Literature. The Centre also held innovative online discussions and book talks to facilitate urgent conversations on developments in China studies amidst a tense international climate.
Celebrating the History of the Centre for Chinese Research
The Centre for Chinese Research (CCR) at the University of British Columbia has a rich history of fostering academic, cultural, and professional ties between Canada and the Sinophone world. CCR’s commitment to living Chinese culture and social life is reflected in the Chinese name for the Centre 中華研究中心 or “Zhonghua”— which is also the cultural […]
Understanding Korea in the Global Landscape: Talks by the Centre for Korean Research 2023-24
The Centre for Korean Research organized a range of seminars during 2023-24 academic year which showcased multi-disciplinary and global perspectives on contemporary Korea. These eight research seminars addressed recent socio-political events in the region in addition to offering new perspectives on historical events.
Call for Applications: Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2024
SPPGA is welcoming applications for the prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.
Celebrating the History of the Centre for Korean Research
The Centre for Korea Research at UBC has been a hub for Korea Studies since 1993. Over the years, CKR has published significant research, brought together scholars from South and North Korea, and supported student research.
Event Recap: Reporting on Mass Atrocities in Myanmar
Award-winning journalist Wa Lone shared his experience of reporting on a genocide and discussed the concerning state of press freedom in present-day Myanmar
Julian Dierkes Awarded Mongolian Friendship Medal
Described as Mongolia’s “highest state honor” this award commemorates the long-standing academic and policy-engaged research on Mongolia which Prof. Dierkes has undertaken over the past decade.
SPPGA 2022-23 Annual Report
Learn more about the major research, achievements, and programming of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2022-23 annual report.
UBC Welcomes Delegation from ASEAN Universities
The Institute of Asian Research at SPPGA and the UBC Office of Global Engagement recently had the pleasure of hosting higher education professionals from eight Southeast Asian countries.
Institute of Asian Research Welcomes Fellows for 2023-24
34 graduate students have joined us as IAR Fellows this year to advance multidisciplinary research on contemporary Asia.
New Publication: Shépa – The Tibetan Oral Tradition in Choné
In Golung Village, an auspicious arrow invites fortune. “Shépa,” a vibrant Tibetan oral tradition, thrives, preserving local stories in a trilingual book.
A partner in food security: MPPGA alumni present their agri-food trade project to policymakers
MPPGA Graduates make waves with with their GP2 project on Canada’s ASEAN agriculture trade.
KPP Seminar Celebrating Canada-Korea 60th Diplomatic Relations
Seoul seminar on North Korea’s policy & Kim Jong-un’s diplomacy insights
Prof. Timothy Cheek Named Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada for “Field-changing Research”
“In sum, Cheek has done more than virtually any other scholar worldwide to bring history to bear on contemporary Chinese politics, and to interpret current Chinese politics through the lens of history.”
The Institute of Asian Research Fellows Program 2023/24 – Call for Applications
UBC grad students, apply to IAR Fellows Program for research on policy and global affairs.
Working Papers from Workshop Held at UBC on June 20, 2023
This page collects working papers from the workshop on The Systemic Impact of the Twin Digital and Green Tech Revolutions in the Indo-Pacific held at UBC in June 2023.
The Gambia: Grounds for Sustainable Change
Sara Shneiderman is an associate professor with over 25 years of research work in the Himalayan region. Learn more about her recent trip to Nepal with the Sajag-Nepal Project.
KPP Delegation Celebrates Canada-Korea Ties’ 60th Anniversary
Prof. Kyung-Ae Park led the KPP delegation to South Korea, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Canada-Korea diplomatic ties.
2022/23 IAR Publication Awards
The IAR Publication Award provides grants to students whose works are accepted in high-visiblity and wide-impact outlets.
Harsha Walia Breaks Down Borders: Speaking on Climate Migration, Racial Capitalism and Empire
Canadian activist, writer and organizer Harsha Walia tackles issues of border imperialism, racial capitalism and anti-migrant xenophobia in her recent talk with UBC.
2023 IAR Research Travel Grants Awarded
IAR is pleased to support a diverse group of talented students from faculties across the university through a total of $27,000 in 2023 research grants. Congratulations to all recipients!
Life Resettled: The Sajag-Nepal Project with Sara Shneiderman
Sara Shneiderman is an associate professor with over 25 years of research work in the Himalayan region. Learn more about her recent trip to Nepal with the Sajag-Nepal Project.
GreenTech Asia Grows with the Help of Current and Former SPPGA Students
By David Deen (MPPGA, Class of 2023) Students from the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) are playing a key role in defining Canada’s relationships in Asia. Graduates are working in influential positions within public and private sector organizations on both sides of the Pacific. At the forefront is Green Technology Asia Pte […]
KPP Plays Key Role in Launch of Korea Study Group in Federal Parliament
The Knowledge Partnership Program (KPP) played a pivotal role in the launch of the Korea study group in the Canadian Parliament. In 2022, the KPP took a new initiative on parliamentary diplomacy and organized two KPP-Parliamentarian Delegation Visits to South Korea (in April and September), led by SPPGA Professor Kyung-Ae Park. Following the visits, the […]
Dr. Pitman Potter Appointed to the Order of Canada
SPPGA commemorates Dr. Pitman B. Potter for his appointment to the Order of Canada
Call for Applications: IAR Research Travel Grant
The grant will award $1000 to successful applicants who plan to travel for field work.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: Trade Focus to Split in 2023 Between Indo-Pacific, U.S.
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell comments on trade negotiations with India, Indonesia, and ASEAN as part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Canada’s Asian Engagement Sharpens Regional Security Focus
Prof. Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discusses political governance in the Indo-Pacific, particularly recent leadership changes in Japan and South Korea.
Prof. Paul Evans: Canada Firmly Dips Its Toe in Indo-Pacific Waters
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans writes an article on Canada’s long-waited Indo-Pacific Strategy and how it will advance Canada’s relationships with its allies and partners.
Prof. Hugh Gusterson: What Commentators Get Wrong (and Right) About North Korea
Prof. Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA; Anthropology) writes an article about the ‘unfair portrayals’ of North Korea and its implications for policy and security.
Prof. Julian Dierkes: Mongolians Brave the Cold to Decry Corruption
SPPGA Prof. Julian Dierkes comments on the anti-corruption protests in Mongolia and the consequences of leaderless movements.
Prof. Julian Dierkes: Mass Protests in Mongolia Decry ‘Coal Mafia,’ Corruption
SPPGA Prof. Julian Dierkes writes an article on mass protests in Mongolia due to recent revelations about coal mining corruption.
Prof. Vina Nadjibulla: Canada Rethinks Its Relationship with China
SPPGA Adjunct Prof. Vina Nadjibulla speaks in a podcast about Canada’s new Indo-Pacific strategy and what it means for Canada’s relationship with China.
News Compilation: China’s Zero-COVID Policy
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discusses civil unrest in China as a result of the country’s zero-COVID approach.
Prof. Paul Evans: Families with a Proud Legacy in China
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans and his book “Engaging China” are referenced in an article about the legacy of Canadian missionaries and the importance of Canada’s relations with China.
Former IAR Fellow Aim Sinpeng: Women Politicians in Southeast Asia Face Abuse
Former IAR Fellow Aim Sinpeng writes an article about the rise of violence towards female politicians and activists in Southeast Asia.
Prof. Paul Evans: Canada Reacts to Alleged Chinese Political Interference
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans comments on the allegations of China’s involvement in Canadian politics.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Vancouver Critical Mineral Firms Caught in Chinese Investments
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) acknowledges Canada’s abrupt change in direction on Chinese investments in Canadian critical-mineral exploration.
IAR Fellow Sun Ryung Park and Prof. Yves Tiberghien: The Indo Pacific’s Green Industrial Policy Race
IAR Fellow Sun Ryung Park and Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discuss the race for green innovation and policy among Indo-Pacific nations.
Prof. Paul Evans: Canada and China – Looking to The Future
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans discusses Canada and China’s economic relations as China soars to become the world’s most powerful economy.
Prof. Julian Dierkes: Mongolia is Keen to Distance Itself from Moscow and Beijing
SPPGA Prof. Julian Dierkes writes an article about Mongolia’s desire to be independent of its neighbouring countries, China and Russia.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: The BRICS Countries: Where Next and What Impact on the Global Economy?
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell is cited in an article on the BRICS countries: Where next and what impact on the global economy?
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Ploughshares and Swords: India’s Nuclear Program in the Global Cold War
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the book’s useful connection to India’s nuclear program literature and how it powerfully undercovers its importance.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: How China Lost its Wolf Pack
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell discusses the abandonment of the Brazil, India and China (BIC) alliance at the WTO and its impacts on China.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Analysts Say China on Track to Meet Carbon Targets Despite Challenges
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) speaks in a video interview on China’s progress towards meeting carbon targets.
KPP Organized a High-level Discussion on the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Korean Peninsula
The Knowledge Partnership Program (KPP) organized, on September 15, 2022, a panel discussion on Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) and the Korean Peninsula at the Annual Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity.
Prof. Vina Nadjibulla: China, SCO, and Central Asia
SPPGA Prof. Nadjibulla comments on the recent participation of China in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and its role in Central Asia.
Prof. Sheryl Lightfoot: Genuine Truth and Reconciliation Requires Legislative Reform
Prof. Sheryl Lightfoot (SPPGA; Political Science; First Nations & Indigenous Studies) advocates for legislative reform to bring about meaningful reconciliation.
SPPGA Releases 2021-2022 Annual Report
Learn more about the major research, achievements, and programming of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2021-22 annual report.
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen: The Historical Role of Cities in Recursively Shaping Global Food Systems – Southeast Asia
Read her book chapter about urban agglomerations in Southeast Asia and their role in shaping, and being shaped by, global food systems.
Prof. Paul Evans: Canadian Universities & China: Research Collaborations in Question
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans outlines the major dimensions between Canadian institutions and connections with China at the research level.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: India Playing its Own Taiwan Card on China
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) highlights the current economic position of India in South China Sea disputes and explains the urgency for India to pursue trade and people-to-people ties with Taiwan.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Taiwan is An Opportunity For Indian Foreign Policy
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) co-writes an article on the lack of action made by India to further socio-economic relations with Taiwan.
Prof. Hugh Gusterson: The US Hasn’t Been a Responsible Nuke Power. But It Can Help North Korea Be One
Prof. Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA; Anthropology) explains the concept of “nuclear orientalism” in an article about North Korea’s ownership of nuclear weapons.
MPPGA Alumni Remy Hellstern and Daniel Park: Leveraging Blockchain-Based Archival Solutions for Sensitive Documentation
MPPGA Alumni Remy Hellstern and Daniel C. Park publish a paper about how Blockchain-based archival solutions can be used to document human rights violations.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Ex-Vancouver Newspaper Editor of Sing Tao On Hong Kong’s Wanted List
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) comments about an ex-Vancouver journalist, Victor Ho, being put on Hong Kong’s wanted list.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Calls Grow for Ottawa to Support B.C. Journalist on Hong Kong’s ‘Wanted’ List
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discusses the growing demand for Ottawa to support a B.C. journalist who was recently put on a “wanted” list by the Hong Kong government.
The Institute of Asian Research Fellows Program 2022/23 – Call for Applications
UBC graduate students, apply now to the IAR Fellows Program. The program brings together UBC grad students with an interest in advancing research that addresses a broad range of issues — particularly those with relevance to policy or global affairs.
Prof. Julian Dierkes: Why Was the UN Secretary General Planting Trees in Mongolia?
SPPGA Prof. Julian Dierkes discusses the UN Secretary General’s recent visit in Mongolia.
News Compilation: Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s Assassination
UBC Centre for Japanese Research Director, Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.); comments on Shinzo Abe’s assassination.
Prof. Julian Dierkes: Mongolia’s Prime Minister Wants to Transform the Country. That Means Looking Beyond Russia and China
SPPGA Prof. Julian Dierkes is quoted in an article about Mongolia’s foreign relations outside of Russia and China.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Pelosi’s Visit Could Derail US-China Compromise Over Taiwan
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discusses how Pelosi’s visit in Taipei could derail US-China’s agreement over Taiwan.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: The Impact of Shinzo Abe on Japan and on the Emergence of Japan in the Indo-Pacific
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discusses Shinzo Abe’s impact on Japanese foreign policy.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: Canadian Pulse Producers Eye Improving Trade with India as Hefty Tariff Suspension Extended
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell discusses opportunities for strengthening agricultural trade between Canada and India.
IAR Fellow Orkhon Gantogtokh: Mongolia’s Paradoxical Education Problem
IAR Fellow Orkhon Gantogtokh provides insight on Mongolia’s paradoxical education problem.
IAR Fellow Christina Dasom Song and Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Domestic Realities Constrain Yoon’s Foreign Policy Rebalancing
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate and Political Science prof.) and IAR Fellow Christina Dasom Song (CKR) discuss South Korea’s foreign policy and relations with the US, Japan, and China.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien and Fuma Aoki: Is Japan Ready to Reopen its Borders?
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) and Konwakai Research Assistant (CJR) Fuma Aoki discuss the ongoing COVID-19 border rules in Japan.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Japan’s Former PM Shinzo Abe Assassinated
Yves Tiberghien (Centre for Japanese Research Director; Political Science prof.) is interviewed by CBC News about the assignation of Shinzo Abe, Japan’s former PM.
SPPGA Welcomes Assistant Professor Juliet Lu – Q&A
Dr. Juliet Lu, Assistant Professor in Environmental Governance and Business, joins SPPGA and the Department of Forest Resources Management. Learn more about her research and policy engagement in this interview.
2022 Global Policy Project Symposium
Leading up to their graduation, MPPGA students from the class of 2022 presented their policy findings at the annual Global Policy Project Symposium held by the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.
SPPGA Affiliates Appointed to Indo-Pacific Advisory Committee
Three members of the SPPGA community were appointed by the Government of Canada to the newly established Indo-Pacific Advisory Committee.
MPPGA Alumnus Darren Touch: Dominic Barton Tapped to Advise Canada on Indo-Pacific Strategy
MPPGA Alumnus Darren Touch was recently appointed to the Government of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Advisory Committee along with former Ambassador Dominic Barton.
MPPGA Students: A Comparative Analysis of One Health Policies in Asia
MPPGA students Benedetta Beltramo, Soumya Kolluru, Lisa Slager, and Lindsey Wall published a report on One Health Commission exploring the implementation of One Health in jurisdictions in Asia to find ‘good practices’ that can inspire, inform, strengthen, and accelerate One Health policy implementation in British Columbia, Canada.
Manimugdha Sharma: How History Made Prithviraj Chauhan the ‘Last Hindu Emperor’
IAR Fellow, Manimugdha Sharma writes about historical figure Prithviraj Chauhan and his legacy as the ‘Last Hindu Emperor’ of Delhi.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: The Impact of China’s Trade Policies on Global Development
Prof. Kristen Hopewell analyses U.S.-China trade relations and how this is impacting agriculture and fisheries subsidies for other developing nations.
Manimugdha Sharma: The Mughal-Rajput Ties that gave India its Taj Mahal
Institute of Asian Research Fellow, Manimugdha Sharma writes about the Indo-Mughal history and origins of the Taj Mahal.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: Did Canada Just Get Snubbed?
Prof. Kristen Hopewell is quoted in an article discussing Canada-US relations within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework trade deal.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell and Prof. Yves Tiberghien: China will See Canada’s Huawei, ZTE Bans as ‘A Slap in the Face,’ Experts Warn
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell and Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) comment on Canada and China’s relationship following Canada’s ban on Huawei and ZTE.
Prof. Paul Evans: Huawei 5G Ban puts UBC Research Partnerships in the Spotlight
Prof. Paul Evans discusses Canada-China relations in the wake of a ban placed by the federal government on companies, Huawei and ZTE, from working on Canada’s 5G wireless networks.
Call for Applications: 2022 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs welcomes applicants interested in applying for the prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.