In this podcast episode, Professor Michael Jinghan Zeng discusses his new book Memoirs of a Confucius Institute Director with Dr Brian Wong. The book draws on Professor Zeng’s experience leading the Confucius Institute at Lancaster University from 2019 to 2025. The conversation delves into the myth, controversies and realities of the Confucius Institute, a topic that is highly debated in the West.
Natasha Matloob Research Assistant Natasha Matloob is a researcher and journalist specialising in media, policy, and security studies, with a particular focus on South Asian security, counterterrorism, and human rights. She is currently a Research
Annika Ester Maresia Head of Communications Dr Annika Ester Maresia is the Head of Communications at the Oxford Global Society. A historical linguist by training, she completed her DPhil in 2023 at Jesus College, Oxford,
In recent decades the conflict landscape appears to have changed markedly. Geopolitics are back; there has been an uptick in intra- and inter-state conflicts; there are more and more proxy wars and armed non-state actors; and the multilateral system is less integral to peacemaking efforts than it once was. What does this say about the practice of mediation – is it an outdated tool? Or does it merely need rethinking and refining to make it fit for purpose?
This podcast episode explores the events of July 2025, when Ukraine swiftly passed a law that—under the guise of addressing the issue of missing persons during wartime—introduced far-reaching changes to the country’s anti-corruption framework. The podcast discusses how these amendments undermined the independence of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption agencies and threatened more than a decade of anti-corruption progress.
Counsellors Counsellors advise us on selected strategic issues including brand promotion, funding and expanding connections. Mr Joseph Regan Senior Counsellor Mr Kenny Lam Senior Counsellor