apinitiative

Robust vaccine supply chain is key to ending the pandemic by SAGARA Yoshiyuki

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Robust vaccine supply chain is key to ending the pandemic by SAGARA Yoshiyuki Read More »

A Chinese invasion of Taiwan: Why Japan should prepare for the worst by OUE Sadamasa

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

A Chinese invasion of Taiwan: Why Japan should prepare for the worst by OUE Sadamasa Read More »

COVID-19 shows that Japan needs to rebuild its infectious diseases strategy by SUZUKI Kazuto

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

COVID-19 shows that Japan needs to rebuild its infectious diseases strategy by SUZUKI Kazuto Read More »

How Japan can avoid losing out on the world stage by FUNABASHI Yoichi, HOSOYA Yuichi and JIMBO Ken

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

How Japan can avoid losing out on the world stage by FUNABASHI Yoichi, HOSOYA Yuichi and JIMBO Ken Read More »

TOGASHI Mariko selected as 2nd API Matsumoto-Samata Fellow to be dispatched to UK’s IISS

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) is pleased to announce that TOGASHI Mariko has been selected as the second API Matsumoto-Samata Fellow. Ms. Togashi will be sent to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in the UK as a Research Fellow. The API Matsumoto-Samata Fellowship is a program at API that aims to send young researchers …

TOGASHI Mariko selected as 2nd API Matsumoto-Samata Fellow to be dispatched to UK’s IISS Read More »

Managing the U.S. and China: Japan’s best way forward by FUNABASHI Yoichi, HOSOYA Yuichi and JIMBO Ken

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Managing the U.S. and China: Japan’s best way forward by FUNABASHI Yoichi, HOSOYA Yuichi and JIMBO Ken Read More »

What the evolving international order means for Japan by FUNABASHI Yoichi, HOSOYA Yuichi and JIMBO Ken

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

What the evolving international order means for Japan by FUNABASHI Yoichi, HOSOYA Yuichi and JIMBO Ken Read More »

API Symposium on Geoeconomics

【Added on June 22, 2021】The full script of Ambassador Blackwill’s keynote speech is available here. The recorded video can be viewed below. Today, it has increasingly become important for us to remember a tradition that stretches back to the founding of our nations – “the systematic use of economic instruments to accomplish geopolitical objectives.” We …

API Symposium on Geoeconomics Read More »

China’s maritime policies need a considered response from Japan by MASUO T. Chisako

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

China’s maritime policies need a considered response from Japan by MASUO T. Chisako Read More »

Countering China’s threat to the Senkakus requires a full rethink of operations by OYA Shin

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Countering China’s threat to the Senkakus requires a full rethink of operations by OYA Shin Read More »

Chairman Funabashi featured in the Global Technology Governance Summit (GTGS)

Dr. FUNABASHI Yoichi, Chairman of Asia Pacific Initiative, participated in the Global Technology Governance Summit (GTGS) organized by the World Economic Forum on April 6-7, 2021. Chairman Funabashi moderated the panel session entitled “Leading Industry Transformation” on April 7, 2021, attended by Jim Hagemann Snabe, Chairman, Siemens AG; Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister of Serbia, Office …

Chairman Funabashi featured in the Global Technology Governance Summit (GTGS) Read More »

How Japan should deal with China’s new coast guard law by TAKEI Tomohisa

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

How Japan should deal with China’s new coast guard law by TAKEI Tomohisa Read More »

China’s ambiguous coast guard law a challenge for Japan by TSURUTA Jun

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

China’s ambiguous coast guard law a challenge for Japan by TSURUTA Jun Read More »

API Senior Research Fellow OYA Shin featured in Atlantic Council webinar on “Enhancing US-Japan Cooperation on Global Supply Chains”

API Senior Research Fellow OYA Shin participated as a panelist in a webinar entitled “Enhancing US-Japan Cooperation on Global Supply Chains”. The webinar was organized by the Atlantic Council on March 30, 2021. It discussed how Japan and the US can deepen cooperation on global supply chains following the Biden administration’s issuance of the Executive …

API Senior Research Fellow OYA Shin featured in Atlantic Council webinar on “Enhancing US-Japan Cooperation on Global Supply Chains” Read More »

National consensus needed on the role of Self-Defense Forces in emergencies by OUE Sadamasa

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

National consensus needed on the role of Self-Defense Forces in emergencies by OUE Sadamasa Read More »

Japan needs a stronger crisis review system by SAGARA Yoshiyuki, MUKOYAMA Jun and SHIBATA Narumi

“API Geo-Economic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geo-economic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Japan needs a stronger crisis review system by SAGARA Yoshiyuki, MUKOYAMA Jun and SHIBATA Narumi Read More »

The need to deepen fusion with Australia, Japan’s second ally by FUNABASHI Yoichi

“API Geo-Economic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geo-economic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

The need to deepen fusion with Australia, Japan’s second ally by FUNABASHI Yoichi Read More »

Japan’s lack of preparedness: Lessons from Fukushima and COVID-19 by SUZUKI Kazuto

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Japan’s lack of preparedness: Lessons from Fukushima and COVID-19 by SUZUKI Kazuto Read More »

API co-hosted online event “The Fukushima Disaster 10 Years On: Lessons to Never Forget” joined by Dr. Funabashi, Professor Suzuki and Mr. Shiozaki

Asia Pacific Initiative (API), in partnership with Asia Society, held an online event on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, titled “The Fukushima Disaster 10 Years On: Lessons to Never Forget,” joined by Dr. Funabashi, Professor Suzuki and Mr. Shiozaki.     Discussion with Daniel Russel, Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy at the Asia Society …

API co-hosted online event “The Fukushima Disaster 10 Years On: Lessons to Never Forget” joined by Dr. Funabashi, Professor Suzuki and Mr. Shiozaki Read More »

Chairman Funabashi publishes Meltdown: Inside the Fukushima Nuclear Crisis

On March 2, 2021, Asia Pacific Initiative chairman FUNABASHI Yoichi published Meltdown: Inside the Fukushima Nuclear Crisis with Brookings Institution Press. Providing an unrivaled chronological account of the human struggle to contain man-made technology that was overwhelmed by nature, this book aims to give insights into why Japan’s decision-making process within the first two weeks …

Chairman Funabashi publishes Meltdown: Inside the Fukushima Nuclear Crisis Read More »

Protecting democracy in a free and open Indo-Pacific by HOSOYA Yuichi

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Protecting democracy in a free and open Indo-Pacific by HOSOYA Yuichi Read More »

How to deal with China’s economic statecraft by OYA Shin

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

How to deal with China’s economic statecraft by OYA Shin Read More »

Digital network building in the Pacific by MURAI Jun

“API GeoEconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Digital network building in the Pacific by MURAI Jun Read More »

Australia and Japan’s alliance can beat China’s interdependence trap by TERADA Takashi

“API GeoEconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Australia and Japan’s alliance can beat China’s interdependence trap by TERADA Takashi Read More »

What has Japan’s Governance Learned from the Fukushima Nuclear Accident and the COVID-19 pandemic?

It’s been almost ten years since the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, which was triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. In 2012, the Rebuild Japan Initiative Foundation, the predecessor of the Asia-Pacific Initiative (API), released the Report of the “Independent Investigation Commission on the Fukushima Nuclear Accident,” from an independent, …

What has Japan’s Governance Learned from the Fukushima Nuclear Accident and the COVID-19 pandemic? Read More »

The 10-Year Investigation Commission on the Fukushima Nuclear Accident publishes final report on lessons learned since the disaster

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) published “The 10-year Investigation Commission on the Fukushima Nuclear Accident: Final Report” (Japanese) on February 19, 2021. Why did we produce this report? Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in 2011, Rebuild Japan Initiative (later Asia Pacific Initiative) set up the Independent Investigation Commission on the Fukushima Nuclear Accident to investigate …

The 10-Year Investigation Commission on the Fukushima Nuclear Accident publishes final report on lessons learned since the disaster Read More »

What is needed to bring back freedom of movement by SAGARA Yoshiyuki

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

What is needed to bring back freedom of movement by SAGARA Yoshiyuki Read More »

Public investment in vaccine development is crucial for Japan’s future by SUZUKI Yasuhiro

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Public investment in vaccine development is crucial for Japan’s future by SUZUKI Yasuhiro Read More »

It’s time to reduce the world’s trade dependence on China by OYA Shin

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

It’s time to reduce the world’s trade dependence on China by OYA Shin Read More »

UMADA Takaaki published Implementing the Future

On January 24th, 2021, UMADA Takaaki, Chair of API’s Social Implementation of Technology project, published Mirai wo Jisso Suru [Implementing the Future] with Eiji Press in Japanese. This book provides the result of studies and interviews collected by API’s working group on Japan’s “social implementation” – or the diffusion of technology – conducted from April …

UMADA Takaaki published Implementing the Future Read More »

How Japan can help the U.K. meet its China challenge by KOSHINO Yuka

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

How Japan can help the U.K. meet its China challenge by KOSHINO Yuka Read More »

Why a new Asia policy is needed under Biden by FUNABASHI Yoichi

“API Geo-Economic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geo-economic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Why a new Asia policy is needed under Biden by FUNABASHI Yoichi Read More »

How Japan can lead a free and open Indo-Pacific by HOSOYA Yuichi

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

How Japan can lead a free and open Indo-Pacific by HOSOYA Yuichi Read More »

English version of “The Independent Investigation Commission on the Japanese Government’s Response to COVID-19: Report on Best Practices and Lessons Learned” now available on API’s website

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) is pleased to announce that it has made the English version of “The Independent Investigation Commission on the Japanese Government’s Response to COVID-19: Report on Best Practices and Lessons Learned” public on its website. Please click here to download the report. < About “The Independent Investigation Commission on the Japanese Government’s …

English version of “The Independent Investigation Commission on the Japanese Government’s Response to COVID-19: Report on Best Practices and Lessons Learned” now available on API’s website Read More »

The need to digitalize Japanese society as a whole by MUKOYAMA Jun

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

The need to digitalize Japanese society as a whole by MUKOYAMA Jun Read More »

How Japan can become a data powerhouse by MUKOYAMA Jun

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

How Japan can become a data powerhouse by MUKOYAMA Jun Read More »

Prof. SUZUKI Kazuto joins API as Senior Consulting Fellow

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) is pleased to announce that Dr. SUZUKI Kazuto, Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo, joined our institution on January 1, 2021, as Senior Consulting Fellow. < Profile of Prof. SUZUKI Kazuto> SUZUKI Kazuto is Professor of Science and Technology …

Prof. SUZUKI Kazuto joins API as Senior Consulting Fellow Read More »

The lessons from East Asia’s coronavirus successes by ABE Keishi

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

The lessons from East Asia’s coronavirus successes by ABE Keishi Read More »

API Privacy Policy Update

Please be aware that, in order to improve our website, Asia Pacific Initiative (API) has updated the Privacy Policy as follows: <Details of the update> “5. To analyze and track users’ use of API’s website through Google Analytics” is added in “Purpose of Using Personal Information”. <Link to the updated Privacy Policy> https://apinitiative.org/en/privacypolicy/ We are …

API Privacy Policy Update Read More »

How to adapt to Biden’s trade and climate policies by OYA Shin

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

How to adapt to Biden’s trade and climate policies by OYA Shin Read More »

Can Japan keep up in the 21st-century space race? by OUE Sadamasa

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Can Japan keep up in the 21st-century space race? by OUE Sadamasa Read More »

API Senior Consulting Fellow OYA Shin featured in IFRI video conference on “Rethinking Economic Security in the (Post) COVID-19 World”

The French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) organized a video conference entitled “Rethinking Economic Security in the (Post) COVID-19 World” on December 8, 2020. API Senior Consulting Fellow OYA Shin participated in this seminar as a panelist. The panel was moderated by Dr. Françoise Nicolas (Director, Center for Asian Studies, IFRI) and OYA Shin was …

API Senior Consulting Fellow OYA Shin featured in IFRI video conference on “Rethinking Economic Security in the (Post) COVID-19 World” Read More »

Asia Pacific Initiative Forum 2020 Virtual Event

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) held the Asia Pacific Initiative Forum (APIF) 2020 as a virtual event broadcasting from Yokohama on December 4-5th, 2020. APIF is an invite-only forum which aims to look forward 30 years into the future of Asia and create a new innovative ecosystem together with business leaders mainly from Japan, India, and …

Asia Pacific Initiative Forum 2020 Virtual Event Read More »

Why China is eager to promote atomic energy by SHIBATA Narumi

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Why China is eager to promote atomic energy by SHIBATA Narumi Read More »

MURAI Jun, Dean of API Institute of Geoeconomic Studies, Awarded C&C Prize

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) is pleased to announce that Prof. MURAI Jun, Dean of API Institute of Geoeconomic Studies and API Senior Fellow, was awarded this year’s C&C Prize. The C&C Prize was conferred to Dean Murai for his Pioneering Contributions to Society in Building and Developing the Internet in Japan. For details, please refer …

MURAI Jun, Dean of API Institute of Geoeconomic Studies, Awarded C&C Prize Read More »

Why the West continues to get China’s future wrong by TOKUCHI Tatsuhito

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Why the West continues to get China’s future wrong by TOKUCHI Tatsuhito Read More »

Undersea internet cables offer more resilient connection by MURAI Jun

“API GeoEconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Undersea internet cables offer more resilient connection by MURAI Jun Read More »

API Fellow SAGARA Yoshiyuki presented at The 21st Century Public Policy Institute, Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)

On November 20, 2020, Mr. SAGARA Yoshiyuki, Fellow at Asia Pacific Initiative (API), made a presentation at the Research Group on the International Order in the Post-COVID-19 Era at The 21st Century Public Policy Institute of Keidanren. He explained the Japanese Government’s response to COVID-19 and its future challenges, based on API’s research that was …

API Fellow SAGARA Yoshiyuki presented at The 21st Century Public Policy Institute, Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) Read More »

How Tokyo can navigate the Japan-U.S.-China trap by FUNABASHI Yoichi

“API Geo-Economic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geo-economic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

How Tokyo can navigate the Japan-U.S.-China trap by FUNABASHI Yoichi Read More »

Chairman Funabashi featured in Johns Hopkins & T-20 virtual conference on “East Asia and the Post-COVID World”

On November 11, Dr. FUNABASHI Yoichi, Chairman of Asia Pacific Initiative, was featured in a panel on “Panel III: East Asia and the Post-COVID World” as part of the Johns Hopkins University SAIS Reischauer Center’s virtual conference with the T-20 Global Think Tank Summit. This conference on “COVID-19, East Asia, and the Global Response” considered …

Chairman Funabashi featured in Johns Hopkins & T-20 virtual conference on “East Asia and the Post-COVID World” Read More »

Research Director Hosoya presented at online event hosted by Japanese-German Center Berlin

On November 10, Research Director Hosoya joined the “After the U.S. elections: What Germany and Japan Should Do to Safeguard the International Order” online event, hosted by the Japanese-German Center Berlin, and spoke about Japan and Germany’s role in protecting the liberal international order. Research Director Hosoya delivered a message about the possibility of cooperation …

Research Director Hosoya presented at online event hosted by Japanese-German Center Berlin Read More »

The danger lurking behind the U.S.’s reciprocity policy by OYA Shin

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

The danger lurking behind the U.S.’s reciprocity policy by OYA Shin Read More »

国際政治論壇レビュー(2020年11月)

2020年11月4日   国際政治論壇レビュー(2020年10月) API 研究主幹・慶應義塾大学法学部教授 細谷雄一   【概観】 アメリカ大統領選挙も終盤に入ったこの1ヵ月は、ジョー・バイデン民主党候補への支持の拡大と、新型コロナウイルスに感染したドナルド・トランプ共和党現大統領への攻撃とが顕著であった。全国レベルでの世論支持率では7%ポイントほどのリードを保ったまま11月3日の投票日を迎えたが、この大統領選挙は歴史的で画期的なものになるだろうという論評が多く見られた。その結果次第で、アメリカのデモクラシー、さらにはアメリカが擁護してきたリベラルな国際秩序が音を立てて崩れ落ちる可能性が指摘されているのだ。 アメリカ大統領選挙の結果は、アメリカ国民に影響を及ぼすのみならず、国際社会の将来や、米中関係の趨勢にも巨大な衝撃を与える。それゆえ、中国やヨーロッパなどでも、アメリカ大統領選挙の趨勢に多大な関心が寄せられている。とりわけ対米関係を急速に悪化させている中国では、さまざまな角度からアメリカの政治や外交に関する論評がなされている。それらを概観することで、米中関係の今後についての理解を深めることができるはずだ。 以下、10月以降のアメリカ国内での論壇の動向を中心に見ていくことにしたい。   1. 支持を拡大するバイデン候補 バイデン候補は、着実に支持を拡大し、とりわけ6つの接戦州でも優位に選挙戦を進めている。また、共和党の牙城であったテキサス州でも、のきなみ世論調査での支持率で共和党のトランプ大統領を民主党のバイデン候補が上回る数字を見せている。しかしながら、4年前の大統領選挙では、世論調査で優位にあったヒラリー・クリントン民主党候補が、得票数で勝利しながらも、選挙人の数で大差をつけられてトランプ共和党候補に敗れる波瀾があったために、民主党陣営は手を緩めることなく接戦州での選挙活動を展開している。 接戦州の中でもとりわけ注目されているのが、フロリダ州とペンシルバニア州である。バイデン候補はフロリダの地元紙に寄稿して、自らが「フロリダ州民だ」と宣伝し、有権者の心を掴もうとしている(1-①)。フロリダの選挙人の数は29人であり、カリフォルニア州、テキサス州に次いで、ニューヨークと並び3番目に大きな数となっている。もしもバイデン候補が、テキサス州とフロリダ州で勝利を収めれば、選挙人の数が過半数を超えるのは確実となり、バイデン氏の勝利となるであろう。最後までフロリダ州での両者の支持率が接戦となっており、手が抜けない戦いとなっている。 あわせて、バイデン氏はキリスト教右派の票獲得のために、キリスト教福音派系の新聞にも寄稿している(1-②)。民主党に比べて、共和党の方が宗教保守派の幅広い支持を得ており、とりわけマイク・ペンス副大統領は自らが福音派であり、宗教色が強い。中道穏健派のバイデンとしては、大統領選挙の勝利のためには宗教保守派の票も幅広く獲得する必要がある。 他方で、「アメリカ第一主義」を掲げて、アメリカの国際的関与の縮小を欲するトランプ大統領に対しては、軍関係者などの安全保障コミュニティから厳しい批判の声が上がっている。それゆえ、4年前にもまして、そのような安全保障コミュニティからは、共和党候補であるトランプ氏を批判する声明が民主・共和の両党の支持者の双方から数多く見られる(1-⑤、⑥)。 バイデン候補は、元来の共和党支持の国際主義者や軍関係者の支持を得ると同時に、バーニー・サンダーズ氏やエリザベス・ウォーレン氏のような民主党左派の支持も得る必要があるために、選挙戦では明確な主張を避けて、むしろ曖昧で包摂的な立場を示す傾向が強い。それは、言い換えれば自らの主張が明瞭ではないために、勝利した場合でも政権運営はさまざまな困難に直面するであろう。それゆえ、トランプ批判に集中する姿勢や、民主党内左派に引きずられる傾向などに対する懸念も見られる(1-⑧、⑨)。   2. トランプ政権4年間の総決算 2020年の大統領選挙は、特異な性格や、非伝統的な対外政策を示してきたトランプ政権の4年間の政権運営に対する「信任投票」としての性質が強い。1年前には、アメリカ経済の好景気が手伝って、トランプ大統領の再選の可能性が高いという予想が多かった。ところが、2020年1月以降の、新型コロナウルスの感染拡大に際して、トランプ大統領がその脅威を過小評価していたことが批判され、また都市封鎖などの理由からアメリカ経済も急速に悪化して、それと平行してトランプ候補とバイデン候補の世論調査での支持率が逆転した。それゆえ、バイデン候補が有利に選挙戦を進めているというよりも、むしろトランプ大統領の政策のパフォーマンスへの不満がうっ積して、岩盤支持層を超えた中間層の支持が離れていった様子がうかがえる。たとえば、4年前の大統領選挙では、早い段階で大統領選挙予備選から撤退して、その後トランプ候補への支持を表明して、政権移行準備チームの責任者まで務めたクリス・クリスティ前ニュージャージー州知事も、今回の選挙戦では次第にトランプ大統領から距離を置くようになった様子が見られる(2-④)。 他方で、共和党系のコラムニストのヒュー・ヒューイットのように、むしろ4年間のトランプ政権の政策を高く評価して、引き続きトランプ政権が政権運営をできるように投票を求める声もある(2-①)。外交政策に関しては、対中強硬路線へと転換したトランプ政権の実績を大きな成果とみなす見解も見られる。とはいえ、4年前の大統領選挙のときに比較しても、トランプ政権四年間の実績を高く評価する声は多くはない。コロナ禍での景気の後退がその直接的な影響であろう。トランプ大統領の姪であり、2020年に『世界で最も危険な男』と題するトランプ批判の書籍を刊行した心理学者であるメアリー・トランプ氏は、トランプ氏が精神的に大きな問題を抱えており大統領職には相応しくない旨、批判的に論じている(2-③)。とはいえ、そのような批判もトランプ大統領を支持する岩盤支持層への影響は小さいであろう。   3. アメリカン・デモクラシーの崩壊? 2020年の大統領選挙において、従来とは異なる新しい要因が大きな争点となっている。それは、トランプ大統領が権威主義的な体制を好むような発言をしばしば示しており、他方でリベラル・デモクラシーに対する否定的な態度を見せることで、アメリカのデモクラシーが深刻な危機に直面する懸念があることだ。 具体的には、アメリカ政治において二極化があまりにも進行してしまったことで、トランプ支持層とバイデン支持層の間で、大統領選挙後の和解がほとんど不可能とみられていることだ。郵便投票の開票については、各州により選挙法が異なっており、結果が判明するまで大きな時間の差が生じることになる。2000年の大統領選挙では、フロリダ州の票の集計作業をめぐり大きな混乱が見られたが、それが今回の大統領選挙では大半の州で見られることになるかもしれない。 そのことは、アメリカのデモクラシーに関して、世界中でのそのイメージ悪化に繋がるであろう。そうなれば、世界中で民主主義への信頼が低下して、権威主義体制を志向する動きが見られるかもしれない。ジョージ・W・ブッシュ大統領のスピーチ・ライターであったデイヴィッド・フラムは、共和党の支持者の間で、法の支配を軽視して、選挙結果について受け入れられないとするような怒りが浮上することを懸念する(3-①)。今回の大統領選挙は、それゆえ、投票日前よりもむしろそのあとの動向に注目が集まり、懸念が示されるという珍しい傾向が見られるのだ。 また、たとえトランプ氏が大統領選挙で敗北しても、「トランプ主義」の影響はその後も長く残ることを指摘する論考も見られる(3-②)。若者の間で民主主義への信頼は低下して(3-③)、アメリカ国内における民主主義的な規範の後退が加速するかもしれない。それだけではない。4年前の大統領選挙では、ロシアからのサイバー攻撃による外国からの世論操作と選挙介入が指摘されており、今回もロシアやイランからのそのような影響力工作(influence operation)が予期されている(3-⑥)。アメリカのデモクラシーは国内外からの深刻な脅威に直面し、大きく動揺している。大統領選挙後に、その結果に不満を持つ勢力による暴動や掠奪が発生すれば、そのことは世界に報じられて、民主主義体制への信頼も大きく崩壊するであろう。   4. アメリカ外交と緊張が高まる米中関係 アメリカ大統領選挙は、新型コロナウイルスの感染拡大による経済的および社会的混乱の中で行われている。それだけではなく、米中間の摩擦と対立が深刻な危機をもたらしており、さらには中台関係も緊張を高めている。 イギリスの『フィナンシャル・タイムズ』紙のコラムニスト、マーティン・ウルフは、今回の選挙の結果によって、アメリカの世界における地位が危機に瀕すると予期している(4-①)。アメリカは現在、世界最大の新型コロナウイルスの感染者と死者を計上しており、国内社会は混乱と不安で覆われている。そのような社会的および経済的困難が、大統領選挙の結果による政治的混乱と結合することで、アメリカは深刻な危機に直面するかも知れない。そうなれば、よりいっそう中国は、台湾問題などをめぐり攻勢に出てくるだろう。 バイデン候補が勝利すれば、再び同盟国との関係を強化して、日米同盟も安定的に発展することが期待されている(4-⑤)。日米同盟は、アメリカの同盟網の中で、トランプ政権下でも安定的に堅持され、発展してきた例外的な同盟といえる。しかしながら、アメリカの東アジアへの関与が低下したり、兵力を削減したりする結果となれば、そのことは地域の不安定化に繋がるはずである。とりわけ、最近になって緊張が高まってきた台湾をめぐる米中対立は、どちらの候補が勝利しても大きく改善される見通しはない。アメリカの外交専門家の間では、民主化が進む台湾に対してより積極的に関与する必要性が指摘されており、米台関係は次の政権の対外政策の一つの試金石となるであろう(4-④)。   5. 反米姿勢を強める中国 米中関係の悪化が止まることがない理由は、米中の双方にある。トランプ政権ではポンペオ国務長官が今年7月23日の演説で、激しく中国の指導者と政治体制を批判したことを一つの頂点として、対中批判の演説や声明が続いている。他方で中国は、そのようなアメリカが現在衰退しつつあり、さらにはコロナ禍と政治の二極化でよりいっそう混乱を極めていると考えている。 ラッシュ・ドシの論考によれば、中国政府は2016年を転換点としてアメリカが衰退軌道に入ったとみており、コロナ禍の下での感染拡大はさらにその傾向を加速しているとみなしている(5-①)。そのような認識は、中国の共産党に近い新聞で繰り返し論じられている。また、中国国内では、アメリカがトランプ政権のもとでの攻撃的な対外政策によって、国際社会のなかで孤立を深めて多くの主要国との関係を悪化させていると視ている(5-②、③)。コロナ禍で対外情報があまり入ってこなくなったことや、中国共産党のメディアに対する締め付けが厳しくなったことから、メディアの論調はアメリカ批判と、中国共産党の政治指導への賛美の色合いが強くなっている(5-⑥)。 とりわけ、この期間の中国における対米関係関連の報道で目立っているのは、ポンペオ国務長官への過剰に厳しい批判である。トランプ大統領が再選される可能性も考慮して、トランプ氏個人への批判はほとんど見られない。中国としては、トランプ大統領が再選された後には、より親中的な国務長官が就任することを求めている様子がうかがえる。依然として米中関係を安定化させたいという強い意向は、国際派で親米派の朱峰南京大学教授の米中関係の将来に関する悲観的な論考の中にも見ることができる(5-⑦)。 他方で、尖閣諸島周辺での公船の活動を活発化させている一方で、菅義偉総理の外遊に関する記事では批判的な論調は見られず、習近平主席訪日を引き続き視野に入れて対日関係を安定させたい意向がうかがえる(5-⑧)。領土問題をめぐる強硬路線と、外交関係改善へ向けた協調路線と、同時並行で今後も進んで行くことであろう。   【主な論文・記事】 1.アメリカ大統領選挙の動向 ―民主党陣営 ① Joe Biden, “There’s a smarter way to …

国際政治論壇レビュー(2020年11月) Read More »

What China’s ‘dual circulation’ strategy means for the world by OYA Shin

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

What China’s ‘dual circulation’ strategy means for the world by OYA Shin Read More »

Designing a vision for Japan’s green recovery by SHIBATA Narumi

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Designing a vision for Japan’s green recovery by SHIBATA Narumi Read More »

API Senior Consulting Fellow OYA featured in Technology Alliance Project webinar

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS), a US think tank, organized a virtual event entitled “Virtual Report Launch: Common Code: An Alliance Framework for Democratic Technology Policy” on October 21, 2020. API Senior Consulting Fellow OYA Shin participated in this seminar as a panelist. This Technology Alliance project is a joint collaboration between …

API Senior Consulting Fellow OYA featured in Technology Alliance Project webinar Read More »

Harnessing technology key to winning race against COVID-19 by MUKOYAMA Jun

“API Geoeconomic Briefing” is a weekly analysis of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in the post-pandemic world. The briefing is written by experts at Asia Pacific Initiative (API) and includes an assessment of burgeoning trends in international politics and economics and the possible impact on Japan’s national interests and strategic response. (Editor-in-chief: Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, …

Harnessing technology key to winning race against COVID-19 by MUKOYAMA Jun Read More »

API and Brookings Institution co-hosted webinar “Liberal order undone? Japan’s leadership role after Prime Minister Abe”

Asia Pacific Initiative (API), in partnership with the Brookings Institution in Washington, held an online event on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, titled “Liberal order undone? Japan’s leadership role after Prime Minister Abe” Dr FUNABASHI Yoichi (Chairman, Asia Pacific Initiative) and Professor HOSOYA Yuichi (Research Director, Asia Pacific Initiative/Professor, Keio University) joined the panel discussion alongside …

API and Brookings Institution co-hosted webinar “Liberal order undone? Japan’s leadership role after Prime Minister Abe” Read More »