Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies
Thematic Research Clusters
Expanding the scope of interdisciplinary research in Asia
Asian Political Cultures thematic cluster launches
The institute’s second thematic cluster launched in fall 2025. Asian Political Cultures supports the examination of ideas, practices, and experiences that shape politics across Asia. The theme emphasizes the cultural foundations of political life, recognizing that political institutions, movements, and policies are deeply influenced by values, beliefs, social norms, and historical memory.
The cluster’s first activity was to provide funding for scholarly gatherings in Asia in conjunction with partner institutions, and three workshops were chosen for funding: China’s Relations in South Asia at Shanghai International Studies University by Liu Institute core affiliated faculty Joshua Eisenman and Susan Ostermann; Japanese Politics at the Ground Level: Environment and Nation at Sophia University in Tokyo by Liu Institute faculty fellows Amanda Kennell and Julia Thomas; and Christian Churches, Political Culture, and Civil Society in Hong Kong at the University of Tokyo by Liu Institute faculty fellow Victoria Hui.
The launch of the cluster fulfills a specific goal of the Liu Institute’s 2025–29 strategic plan. Additionally, the cluster’s inaugural activities align with the strategic plan’s call to develop reciprocal relationships with partners in Asia.
Three proposals for thematic workshops in Asia were awarded to faculty fellows in response to the inaugural call for proposals.
"China's Relations in South Asia"
Joshua Eisenman, Professor of Politics, Keough School of Global Affairs
"Japanese Politics at the Ground Level: Environment and Nation"
Amanda Kennell, Assistant Professor, East Asian Languages and Cultures
"Christian Churches, Political Culture, and Civil Society in Hong Kong"
Victoria Tin-bor Hui, Associate Professor of Political Science
Justice and Asia cluster supports lightning talks, grants, and Hockx’s farewell address
The institute’s existing thematic cluster, Justice and Asia (J&A), approved six research projects during AY 25–26 and launched a lightning talks event during which five previous J&A grant winners presented. Outgoing Liu Institute Director Michel Hockx delivered the annual Justice and Asia Distinguished Lecture to a full house and a standing ovation. His lecture, “Poetic Justice, Literary Censorship, and Chinese Cultural Policy,” [video link] was based on his new book, Literature and Censorship in Modern China (Routledge 2026).
Established in 2018, the Justice and Asia thematic cluster supports examination of justice in a range of perspectives: social, political, economic, cultural, historical, and linguistic, among others.
The concept of justice resonates strongly with Catholic social teaching and with the values of Asian philosophical and religious traditions. Justice is foundational to integral human development, the guiding principle of the Keough School of Global Affairs.
25-26 Lightning Talk Presenters
“Characterizing the Asia Pacific’s Leadership in Climate Justice Advocacy for Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation”
Elsa Barron, Peace Studies and Political Science PhD student
“Hongkongers in Exile: Resisting Repression from Home Government and Surviving Anti-Immigration in Host Country”
Victoria Hui, Associate Professor of Political Science and Liu Institute Faculty Fellow
“Illustrating Climbing Gold Mountain: An Illustrated History of the Chinese Experience in Montana”
Mark Johnson, Associate Clinical Professor, Institute for Educational Initiatives, and Liu Institute Faculty Fellow
“Exploring ‘Justice’ in Decolonial Activism in Central Asia: Case Studies from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan”
Rustam Mukhamedov, Master of Global Affairs student
“Uncovering the Archive of Indentured Labour: Understanding the Cultural Lives of Chinese and Indian Migrants in 19th Century Guyana”
Helen Quah, English Master of Fine Arts student
2025-26 Justice and Asia Grant Recipients
“Beyond Xenophobia: Gender Polarization and Public Opinion on Foreign Brides in East Asia”
Dahjin Kim, Assistant Professor of Asian Studies and Global Affairs
“Queer Solitude: Justice, Survival, and Queer Becoming in Asia”
Pixie Shen, Philosophy Ph.D. Student
“Failed Container or Container for Failures? The Stigmatization of Vocational School Students in China”
Jiahe Cao, Anthropology Ph.D. Student
“Narrative as Political Agency: Indigenous Visions for Environmental and Recognitional Justice in North Asia”
Aidana Rakhatbekova, International Peace Studies Ph.D. Student
“Freedom under Pressure: Taiwan Religious Groups’ Responses to China’s Unification Threats”
En-Ya Tsai, Sociology Ph.D. Student
“Settler Colonialism, Liberalism, and the Birth of American Jewish Zionism”
Francesca Freeman, History Ph.D. Student