WORLD INSIGHT

March 13, 2024
HK Student’s Shocking Arrest: Sweeping National Security Law and Crushing of Free Speech

In March 2023, a Hong Kong student at a Japanese university was arrested for allegedly inciting secession, based on Article 20 and 21 of the Hong Kong national security law, sending shockwaves across Japan and the international community.

By Jin Ishizuka

February 21, 2024
The Deadlock in Myanmar—When Will It End?

On February 1, 2023, the second anniversary of the coup, the State Administration Council (SAC), the top decision-making body of Myanmar’s military regime, announced extending the state of emergency.

By Yoshihiro Nakanishi
February 15, 2024
Britain’s Strategic Move to Join the CPTTP Trade Pact

In March 2023, the 11 member countries of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreed to accept the U.K. as the 12th member.

By Shihoko Goto
February 6, 2024
Why Central American Countries Are Ditching Taiwan in a Flurry

On March 25, 2023, the Foreign Ministry of Honduras announced cutting ties with Taiwan, then announced establishing diplomatic relations with China through a joint communique.

By Chihiro Fueta

January 30, 2024
Tsai’s U.S. Visit: Its Diplomatic Strategy and the Cross-Strait Situation

For the president of Taiwan (Republic of China), which has diplomatic relations with just 13 countries as of May 2023, visits abroad are not that often.

By Rira Momma
December 26, 2023
Indonesia’s Great Expectations Remain Unfulfilled

On May 22, following the closing of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, Indonesia’s major media carried various headlines.

By Koya Jibiki
December 19, 2023
Europe in “Decline” in the Time of the Russian War against Ukraine

The events of February 24, 2022, unrelentingly exposed that, while a typical classic war of aggression had been waged on the twenty-first-century European continent, Europe had no means to stop it.

By Atsuko Higashino
December 13, 2023
Russia’s New Vision: A Break with the “G” Framework

The hostile stance toward the Group of Seven (G7) by today’s Russia is nothing new.

By Hitoshi Omae
December 5, 2023
South Korea’s Yoon Pulls Off Diplomatic Achievements at Hiroshima G7 Summit

“The examples of Ukraine and North Korea have taught us once again that freedom and peace can be maintained only when international norms and the rule of law are upheld.”

By Yoshiyuki Aoki
December 1, 2023
Peacebuilding Expert Explains True Intent of Zelensky’s Haiku-Like Speech in Japan’s Diet

“With experience of running a company, he has the problem-solving skills like a competent consultant.

By Bunshun Online Feature Team
November 27, 2023
No-Show by Zelensky: Brazilian President Lula Caught in the G7 Trap

For Brazil, the G7 Hiroshima Summit ended with bitter results.

By Hidetake Miyamoto
November 22, 2023
India Shows Shrewd Diplomacy Again in Hiroshima

Although this is not the first time for India to be invited to the G7 Summit, never has it shown so much presence.

By Tomomi Asano
November 20, 2023
Taiwan: Can It Keep Generating the Wave of Support?

The Netflix drama Wave Makers, released in late April, became a big hit in Taiwan.

By Koichiro Ishida
November 17, 2023
Approaching China: Europe Takes a Softer Stance Than the U.S.

As it always has been, the G7 has mounting issues to discuss.

By Toru Yoshida
November 15, 2023
China’s Dilemma as a “Responsible Power”

“Gone are the days when a handful of Western countries can just willfully meddle in other countries’ internal affairs and manipulate global affairs.”

By Seiichiro Takeuchi
November 13, 2023
Determination by the Two Leaders Revives Japan-South Korea Mutual Visits

March 2023 will be remembered as a significant milestone in the history of Japan-South Korea diplomatic ties.

By Tetsuya Hakoda
May 1, 2023
Make China Play by the Rules; Could Be Better than Sanctions (#2)

Since 2018, the U.S. has imposed a series of restrictions on China, which has yet to establish its domestic supply capacity for advanced technologies.

By Mariko Watanabe
April 26, 2023
Make China Play by the Rules; Could Be Better than Sanctions (#1)

According to the theory of economic growth, China is still an emerging country and lacks the conditions for becoming a "hegemony."

By Mariko Watanabe
April 21, 2023
Interview with Ambassador Elloumi: TICAD 8 Boosts Japan-Tunisia Relations

The Ambassador to Japan is a one-of-a-kind presence, residing in Japan as the official representative of the country.

By Mohamed Elloumi
April 18, 2023
Japan Works on Treaty towards Ending Plastic Pollution

“I grew up with the sea, and poverty for me was sumptuous; then I lost the sea and found all luxuries grey and poverty unbearable.”

By Takeshi Akahori
April 5, 2023
The Liberal International Order in Turmoil

Russia's invasion of Ukraine shook the liberal international order of the 20th century as well as the confidence-building process in Europe since the end of the Cold War.

By Yuichi Hosoya
March 31, 2023
Indonesia Shows Leadership at G20 Bali Summit

It was the first G20 Summit since Russia launched its attack on Ukraine.

By Masafumi Ishii
March 28, 2023
The Delusional Sense of Crisis and “Solidarity”: Can Xi Face Real-World Challenges? (#2)

Statements on foreign policy in Xi’s speech were mostly filled with the conventional phrases.

By Shin Kawashima
March 23, 2023
The Delusional Sense of Crisis and “Solidarity”: Can Xi Face Real-World Challenges? (#1)

With governance and mobilization extending to every corner of basic society, Xi Jinping’s rule is likened to a dynasty.

By Shin Kawashima
March 17, 2023
President Putin in a Tight Corner—Can Russian Forces Be Revived?

In face of the Ukrainian offensive, the Kremlin seeks to strengthen forces and tighten domestic control by annexing four provinces, declaring martial law, and partial mobilization.

By Shinji Hyodo
March 14, 2023
The Geopolitics of Information Warfare: Decoding Russia’s Disinformation Strategy (#2)

Then, what is the Kremlin’s strategy that these operation activities stem from?

By Tomoko Nagasako
March 9, 2023
The Geopolitics of Information Warfare: Decoding Russia’s Disinformation Strategy (#1)

Using online news and videos, cyber warfare draws in ordinary citizens with the risk of turning them into pawns.

By Tomoko Nagasako
March 6, 2023
Towards the Indo-Pacific Century (#2)

The world war ended, and a new era began—that must have been the honest feeling in Japan and the world a century ago.

By Yuichi Hosoya
March 1, 2023
Towards the Indo-Pacific Century (#1)

The year 2021 dawned with anxiety and uncertainties.

By Yuichi Hosoya
February 24, 2023
Fence-Sitting Indonesia Hosts G20 Summit While Eyeing Ukraine and National Politics

For the Jokowi administration, Indonesia’s G20 presidency is a perfect opportunity for strengthening its domestic political base.

By Jun Honna
February 15, 2023
The Rise of India: Most Populous Country Set for Impressive Growth

The year 2023 may mark the beginning of a major shift in the global economic framework.

By Kentaro Hamada and Shinichiro Murata
February 10, 2023
Japan’s COVID-19 Response as Crisis Management (#2)

In the face of the national crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Abe’s Office took control within the government.

By Yoshiyuki Sagara
February 7, 2023
Japan’s COVID-19 Response as Crisis Management (#1)

The COVID-19 pandemic turned out to be a protracted crisis for Japan.

By Yoshiyuki Sagara
February 2, 2023
Do You Still Dislike America?

Is America in decline? The question has been debated for years.

By Naoyuki Agawa
January 30, 2023
Why a “Dictatorship Nostalgia” Now in the Philippines?

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. won the May 2022 presidential election landslide in the Philippines.

By Wataru Kusaka
January 25, 2023
The Fight against Rinderpest Offers Clues on Conquering Viruses

It appears that realism—a view based on the assumption that states aim to maximize their own national interests in an international community where there is no world government—has never been as useful as it is when looking at the COVID-19 responses of each country.

By Kayo Takuma
January 20, 2023
We Need to Talk Candidly About the Severity of the Security Environment

Conversation with Hideaki Shinoda, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Professor, and Masashi Murano, Hudson Institute Fellow.

By Masashi Murano, Hideaki Shinoda
January 17, 2023
De Facto Embassy in Lithuania Could Trigger Movement to Recognize Name “Taiwan”

On July 20, 2021, Taiwan's foreign minister announced a plan to open the “Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania,” a de facto embassy in one of the three Baltic countries with which Taiwan has no diplomatic relations.

By Akio Yaita
January 12, 2023
Four and a Half Years of Moon Administration That Divided Japan, U.S., and South Korea

South Korea has entered the final stage of the presidential election campaign which will be held in March 2022.

By Ruriko Kubota
January 3, 2023
Middle East Neutral over Ukraine amid Absence of Western Support for Yemen Conflict

The United Arab Emirates and the rest of the Gulf oil-producing countries, which abstained from the United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Russia in April, are reluctant to increase crude oil production further.

By Takuya Murakami
December 28, 2022
How Military-First Knocked Afghanistan into a Downward Spiral, Unable to Stand on Its Feet

A tense atmosphere always accompanied my ride to the Kabul International Airport.

By Reiichiro Takahashi
December 15, 2022
Russia’s “Sphere of Influence” Mirage: Historic View of the Black Sea Region

Since the imperial era, the “sphere of influence” concept has been deeply ingrained in Russia.

By Akitsu Mayuzumi
December 2, 2022
War in Ukraine and the UN: the Realities of International Opinion and Chances of Reform

Is the United Nations (UN) powerless?

By Gakushi Fujiwara
November 18, 2022
Japan’s Role in Global Health Governance in Absence of a Leader

In a multipolar world, health cooperation is increasingly important in fighting the pandemic, especially as the lifting of restrictions in some parts of the world may cause further disparities.

By Kayo Takuma
November 15, 2022
Secessionist Conflicts in the Former Soviet Bloc: The Failure to Find the Solution

The international community has searched for a solution to the secessionist conflicts in the former Soviet bloc that would respect both national self-determination and the existing national borders.

By Kimitaka Matsuzato
November 10, 2022
Can Europe Lead the International Order?: EU Needs to Update Indo-Pacific Strategy

In recent years, Europe has become increasingly committed to the Indo-Pacific.

By Tsuyoshi Goroku and Atsuko Higashino
November 7, 2022
What the West Means to Ukraine

Ukraine’s diplomacy developed in a delicate balance between Russia and the West.

By Hideya Matsuzaki
October 27, 2022
Understanding Afghanistan, the Navel of Eurasia

Following the fall of Kabul, the former Japanese Ambassador to Afghanistan gives an interview for an inside view of the country.

By Hiroshi Takahashi (Interview by Makiko Takita)
October 24, 2022
The U.S. and European Negotiations with Russia and the Puzzling Japanese Diplomacy

Since the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014 and the beginning of the fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed militants and the Ukrainian government, Ukraine has been subject to constant Russian military intervention.

By Atsuko Higashino
October 5, 2022
Nonheroic Peace and Heroic Resistance

There is one thing we can say for certain about the consequence of this war—owing to the experience of united resistance, the Ukrainians will survive as a nation.

By Masayuki Tadokoro
September 27, 2022
Prospects for India’s Economic Expansion in the Indo-Pacific Era

Since Independence, India has consistently maintained a democratic system.

By Makoto Kojima
September 12, 2022
Prompt Evacuation Shows Deepness of China’s Involvement

China’s diplomacy with Afghanistan boils down to two goals—drive the U.S. troops out from its neighbor, Afghanistan, and tame the Taliban to cut off traffic between the Xinjiang Uighurs and other Islamic militants.

By Ryoichi Hamamoto
September 2, 2022
Poking China’s Achilles Heel by Withdrawing Foreign Capital

Against the backdrop of its strengthened national power, China is pursuing a hardline foreign policy.

By Ryoichi Hamamoto
August 30, 2022
India’s Infrastructure Development and Japan’s Cooperation

For India to achieve steady economic growth, infrastructure development is a major challenge.

By Katsuo Matsumoto
July 26, 2022
Australia and “Interdependence Trap” by China: Means of Reducing Trade Reliance on China

China, which has now become the largest trading partner to over 130 nations in the world, is able to exert influence for its own political and strategic interests by using its vast market power.

By Takashi Terada
July 15, 2022
Growing Anti-Kim Jong-un Sentiment in the North

“True North,” an animation film on the political prison camp in North Korea, was released on June 4, 2021.

By Kimikatsu Kinoshita
July 4, 2022
Bidding Farewell to Free Hong Kong

When the national security law for Hong Kong went into effect on June 30, 2020, I contributed a piece in the December 2020 issue of the “Seiron” magazine.

By William Lee
June 16, 2022
Emphasis on Dialogue and Cooperation: ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific

In June 2019, the 34th ASEAN Summit adopted the "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific" (AOIP) as the regional group's vision for the Indo-Pacific.

By Koichi Ishikawa
May 25, 2022
The Meaning of Progress in Indo-Pacific and Quad Collaboration

While the vast area across the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean is being recognized as a unique strategic space, the way of order in this "Indo-Pacific" region has become a major issue for the countries involved.

By Mie Oba
May 3, 2022
China’s Foreign Finance in New Phase: Boosting Investments in Green Belt and Road Initiative

Since 2000, the Chinese government made overseas expansion its national strategy, with the government taking the lead to boost support for related policies.

By Li Lirong
April 11, 2022
Overturning the Misconception on Japan: Interview with Former BOJ Governor Shirakawa

During his tenure, he was criticized for not being aggressive enough on monetary easing.

By Motoyasu Hamajo
November 11, 2021
Caution Required Against China’s Propaganda

From the beginning of this year, the human rights issue concerning the Uyghurs has taken a new turn.

By Afumetto Retepu
September 30, 2021
Readings from Former BOJ Governor Shirakawa’s British Parliament Testimony

Will the U.K. follow Japan into a downward spiral of low growth and low inflation despite continued quantitative easing (QE)?

By Izuru Kato
August 31, 2021
Why a Chinese Invasion of the Pratas Islands Is a Blind Spot in the Controversy over a Taiwan Contingency

The cover of The Economist (May 1 issue) caused a buzz as it depicted U.S. and Chinese military forces heading towards Taiwan on the center of a radar screen.

By Tetsuo Kotani
August 31, 2021
Water Majors Veolia of France Focus on Exploring Water Business in Miyagi Japan

There are global companies in the water business so called water majors. For a long time from the 19th to the 21st century, Veolia Environment , Suez both of France, and Thames Water of the U.K. were the three companies called water majors.

By Kazunari Yoshimura
August 31, 2021
China‘s Plans for Semiconductor Domestic Production Goes Astray! A Flurry of Derailed Projects Casts Dark Clouds

As the Xi Jinping administration intensifies its confrontational stance towards the U.S., it is speeding up domestic production of semiconductors which are “the rice of industry,” in fear of decoupling from the international supply chain.

By Kenji Yuasa
August 31, 2021
From Coffee to Cosmetics. Burgeoning “New Premium Market” in China.

The Chinese consumer market in 2020 was hit hard by negative growth due to the impact of the spread of the new coronavirus infection at the beginning of the year.

By Yutaka Go
August 31, 2021
Southeast Asia: How Will It Survive the Era of US-China Confrontation?

As pandemics reach a climax, a number of phenomena are taking place that will determine the future course of the world. From a geopolitical point of view, the most important of these is the further escalation of tensions between the United States and China.

By Yutaka Iimura,Senior Fellow at GRIPS Alliance,Visiting Professor at National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies,Former Ambassador of Japan to Indonesia and to France

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