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Melbourne Asia Review is a research-based publication of the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne.
Edition 25, March 2026
Varieties of Indigenous knowledges in Asia
INTRODUCTION: Towards more durable peace processes
The need to move from episodic conflict management to more equitable peace processes is more urgent than ever.
Persistent borderland insecurities and the transformation of violence in Waziristan
Waziristan, located along the Afghanistan-Pakistan borderlands, has long been a major epicentre of insurgency and violence.
Minoritised groups and the limits of political transitions in Iran and the Middle East
Political transitions in Iran prioritise regime stability, treating demands from minoritised communities as threats to national integrity.
Against the current: Acehnese women’s experiences of post-conflict transformation
The Indonesian province of Aceh is an example of the possibilities and limits of post-conflict transformation.
Transforming Indigenous forest conflicts in Indonesia through peace-oriented policy infrastructure
Conflict over natural forest resources is worsening in Indonesia, with deforestation and displacement of Indigenous peoples.
Edition 27, September 2026
Conflict transformations in Asia
Afghanistan-Pakistan-India insecurity needs to be understood as an interconnected conflict system
Conflict involving Afghanistan, Pakistan and India is a complex interplay involving interstate rivalries, militant insurgencies, and global power competition.
Expanding armies, shrinking peace: Militarisation in Southeast Asia
Several large Southeast Asian nations are increasing their defence budgets and deepening military ties. What will this mean for conflict resolution?
The Taliban’s madrasas: Institutionalising radicalisation in post-2021 Afghanistan
The Taliban in Afghanistan is establishing thousands of new religious schools, which will likely create a generation susceptible to violent extremism.
China’s mediation in Myanmar: With mind and muscle
China’s mediation in Myanmar indicates a change to China’s foreign policy away from a stated policy of ‘non-interference’.
Reimagining transitional justice through survivor-defined knowledge and action in Nepal
How can Nepal build institutions capable of supporting women survivors of conflict-related sexual violence?
INTERVIEW: ‘People can live normal lives, they can have ambition’
Senior Filipino peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the strengths and weaknesses of the Bangsamoro peace agreement.
Negotiating peace under occupation: The 2016 Afghan Peace Agreement
Peace in Afghanistan is often portrayed as the product of international intervention. But in 2016 Afghan mediators secured a landmark peace agreement.
‘Mapping Futures for Afghanistan’, edited By Arif Saba, Abbas Farasoo, Farkhondeh Akbari and Niamatullah Ibrahimi
This book attempts to keep alive hope of a more stable future through political inclusivity, accountability and respect for human rights.
Governing for Growth: Democracy and Development in Southeast Asia
Special series with Asialink to mark this year’s Southeast Asia Oration
The latest Ear to Asia podcasts
Ear to Asia is a podcast series published by the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne, featuring researchers from Australia, Asia and beyond. Each episode explores political, cultural, and social issues across Asia and the Islamic world, offering accessible insights for academic and general audiences alike.
