apinitiative

Ensuring Japan’s future as a strategic partner of the U.S. 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, …

Ensuring Japan’s future as a strategic partner of the U.S. by HOSOYA Yuichi Read More »

Establishing resistance to overseas influence 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, …

Establishing resistance to overseas influence by OYA Shin Read More »

API Senior Consulting Fellow OYA discussed how to strengthen the global supply chains in the post-corona period

On September 23, 2020, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted a virtual event about strengthening global supply chains. From API, Mr. OYA Shin, Senior Consulting Fellow, participated in this event as a panelist. Alongside Ms. Nazak Nikakhtar (US Department of Commerce, Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis), John Murphy (US Chamber of …

API Senior Consulting Fellow OYA discussed how to strengthen the global supply chains in the post-corona period Read More »

When international students pose a very real risk by TERAOKA Ayumi

“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, …

When international students pose a very real risk by TERAOKA Ayumi Read More »

All-out effort needed to learn successful virus response by FUNABASHI Yoichi and 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, …

All-out effort needed to learn successful virus response by FUNABASHI Yoichi and HOSOYA Yuichi Read More »

A supersurveillance society and its impact on democracy by FUNABASHI Yoichi and 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, …

A supersurveillance society and its impact on democracy by FUNABASHI Yoichi and HOSOYA Yuichi Read More »

Neither U.S. nor China will lead post-coronavirus order by FUNABASHI Yoichi and 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, …

Neither U.S. nor China will lead post-coronavirus order by FUNABASHI Yoichi and HOSOYA Yuichi Read More »

The search for a leader in the post-coronavirus new order by FUNABASHI Yoichi and 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, …

The search for a leader in the post-coronavirus new order by FUNABASHI Yoichi and HOSOYA Yuichi Read More »

How to reopen national borders 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, …

How to reopen national borders by SAGARA Yoshiyuki Read More »

Prof. HOSOYA Yuichi appointed Managing Director and Research Director

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) is pleased to announce that Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, Professor of International Politics at Keio University and API’s Senior Consulting Fellow, has been appointed API’s Managing Director and Research Director. Prof. HOSOYA will play a central role in API’s research activities and will also be part of the management team.   Profile …

Prof. HOSOYA Yuichi appointed Managing Director and Research Director Read More »

Reconsidering post-coronavirus China investment strategies 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, …

Reconsidering post-coronavirus China investment strategies by TOKUCHI Tatsuhito Read More »

It’s time to rethink the Japan-U.S. alliance 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, …

It’s time to rethink the Japan-U.S. alliance by OUE Sadamasa Read More »

国際政治論壇レビュー(2020年8月)

2020年8月5日   国際政治論壇レビュー(2020年8月) アジア・パシフィック・イニシアティブ(API) 上席研究員・慶應義塾大学法学部教授 細谷雄一 アジア・パシフィック・イニシアティブ(API) リサーチ・アシスタント   松田拓也   【概観】 米中関係は現在悪化の一途を辿り、改善のための道筋が見えない。コロナ危機は公衆衛生や医療上の危機であるとともに、国家間関係の対立を深める効果ももたらしている。中国の強硬な姿勢がよりいっそう顕著となり、それは多くの諸国との摩擦を増大させる結果となった。 2020年6月30日、香港では国家安全維持法が施行された。これにより、北京による香港における統制がいっそう強化され、自由が大幅に制限されることになる。国際社会はそれに失望し、さまざまな批判が見られた。アメリカのみならず、イギリスでも中国に対する警戒感が高まり、対中政策が大きく転換している。香港問題はまた、台湾に対しても暗い影を落とす。そして、台湾をめぐる問題は西太平洋の海洋安全保障の問題にも直結し、日本の安全保障にも大きな影響を与えうる。そのようななかで7月13日に、ポンペオ国務長官が南シナ海における中国の膨張主義的な行動を強く非難したことが、大きく注目された(2-①)。 このように米中対立が激化する一方で、その構図にアメリカ大統領選という新たな変数も加わりつつある。とりわけアメリカの論壇では、11月の大統領選挙を強く意識するものが目立った。他方、このような米中対立を、アメリカの視点のみではなく、中国やヨーロッパ、オーストラリアなどからの視点を理解することも重要だ。ヨーロッパやオーストラリアでも、これまでの対中関与政策を大きく転換するような動向が見られた。 以下、香港、台湾、海洋安全保障という、米中対立における三つの主要な舞台に注目して、この一ヵ月で見られた重要な論考を紹介していきたい。   1.ポンペオ国務長官演説の衝撃 最近の米中対立を考える上でのもっとも重要な動きは、マイク・ポンペオ国務長官がカリフォルニアのニクソン大統領図書館で行った、対中政策に関する演説である(1-①)。これは、ニクソン大統領による米中和解の帰結した実現した対中関与路線が、大きな転換点に来たことを意味する。すなわち、ここでポンペイ長官は中国の政策ではなくて、中国共産党体制そのものを問題の根元と位置付けて、否定しているのである。いわば、レジーム・チェンジ(体制転換)の発想といえる。 それに対して、中国政府は厳しい批判を展開した。王毅外相はアメリカが関係悪化の原因を創っていると激しく非難した(1-⑥)。中国政府内では、トランプ大統領やポンペオ国務長官の中国批判が、大統領選挙を意識した国内政局的な理由と認識している。 アメリカ国内では、世論も全般的に対中強硬論に傾斜している傾向が見られながらも、ポンペオ長官の演説に対しては批判的な見解が主流だ(1-⑦、1-⑧)。ブルッキングス研究所のトマス・ライトが論じるように、そのようなポンペオ長官の主張は、たとえそれが一部の支持を集めたとしても、それを実行するための十分な手段があるわけではない。確かに、中国共産党体制を打倒することも、そのための国際的な連携を求めることも、あまり現実的とはいえない。 ただし、このようなポンペイ長官の演説のまえに、ロバート・オブライエン大統領補佐官、クリストファー・レイFBI長官、そしてウィリアム・バー司法長官と、中国批判の演説が続いていることにも留意しなければならない(1-②、1-③、1-④)。これらが意味することは、アメリカ国内で中国人政府関係者や、彼らが指示を出す学生たちが、違法な手段でワクチン開発の情報などの知的財産侵害というスパイ活動を行っていることへの反発である。そのような行動への非難を繰り返しアメリカ政府は発しており、それでもそれを慎まなかった結果が、ヒューストン総領事館の閉鎖の決定である。   2. 香港・台湾・海洋安全保障 今月は従来よりもいっそう、アメリカ大統領選を強く意識し、トランプ政権の中国政策を批評する論考が目立った。そのようななかでも、香港、台湾、海洋安全保障という三つの領域が、もっとも注目される動向であった。 アジアの安全保障が専門のザック・クーパーは、トランプ政権が5月に発表した「中華人民共和国への戦略的アプローチ」と題する文書を丁寧に分析している(2ー⑧)。さらに、米民主党系の新アメリカ安全保障センター(CNAS)所長リチャード・フォンテインと副所長でバイデン副大統領の国家安全保障担当次席補佐官を務めたエリー・ラトナーは、米中対立の経済関係の緊密性などを含めた米ソ冷戦との違いを明示し、米中関係を「新たな戦争」と描写している(1-⑬)。トランプ政権で国家安全保障担当補佐官を務めたジョン・ボルトンの回顧録も大統領選を意識したものとして、日本でも大きく報道された。この回顧録の分析の決定版とも言えるのが、米国の国際政治学の大家の一人であるコロンビア大学教授ロバート・ジャービスの論考である(4-①)。 他方で、米民主党バイデン候補の外交姿勢を批判する論考も出ている。共和党系の外交安全保障政策専門家のコリー・シャーキーは、トランプ政権とは一線を画しつつも、バイデンが湾岸戦争に反対したことなどを引き合いに出し、彼が軍事力行使に関して、一貫性のある哲学を持っていない点を批判した(1-⑮)。さらに『ウォール・ストリート・ジャーナル』紙の保守系コラムニストのウォルター・ラッセル・ミードは、バイデンが現在の中国やロシアとの競合などの問題の要因をトランプ政権下での米国の指導力の欠如に見出している楽観的な見方に対して警鐘を鳴らした(1-⑯)。現在の国際政治を取り巻く問題のすべての問題の根元をトランプ大統領だと捉えると、本質を見誤ると指摘する。 香港をめぐる問題などと関連して、中国の膨張主義的な行動に対してアメリカが厳しい姿勢で臨む必要性を強調する見解が多く見られた。例えば、ポンペオ国務長官が南シナ海における中国の拡張主義的行動に対して発表した7月13日の声明は、大きな注目を浴びた(2-①)。この声明の中で、中国の南シナ海での現状変更は違法だと断定し、南シナ海を中国の支配下に置かせない強いアメリカの意志を明らかにした。さらに、インド太平洋安全保障問題担当国防次官補代理のデイビッド・ヘルビー氏は香港の英字紙に寄稿し、香港における国家安全維持法の施行を、法の支配を土台とする国際秩序への挑戦と捉えて強く非難し、改めて同盟国や友好国との協力関係の強化の重要性を強調している(2-②)。 アメリカのアジア専門家の多くが、香港などにおける中国の強硬姿勢に警戒感を抱いている。現在はともにジョージタウン大学で教え、アメリカ政府の対アジア政策担当者として要職を歴任したマイケル・グリーンとエヴァン・メデイロスは、香港の次に、台湾に対しても中国政府が同じような強硬姿勢を取る可能性を指摘する(2-⑤)。台湾有事への備えの必要性を強調しながら、香港そして台湾の問題がアジアにおけるアメリカの安全保障上の利益に与える深刻な影響への危機感を滲ませている。さらに、このような中国の強硬な姿勢は各国の中国への経済的依存を問い直すだけでなく、インド太平洋諸国の間で相互協力を促進する契機となり得るとの指摘もある(2-③)。 中国のこのような現在の強硬路線が、コロナ危機で突然浮上したものではなく、むしろそれ以前から続いてきた政策の延長だと位置付ける論考もある。中国の領土紛争などに詳しいテイラー・フラベル、マサチューセッツ工科大学(MIT)教授は、南シナ海などでの中国の強硬姿勢は、コロナ禍に乗じた行動ではなく、従来の戦略のあくまで延長にあると説明する(2-⑨、2-⑩)。さらに、インドとの国境での衝突も、中国の内政上の配慮から強硬姿勢をとった。中国がすでにコロナ禍以前より経済的に疲弊しており、コロナ危機でその傾向は加速していると主張する論考(2-⑥)もある。     【主な論文・記事】 1.ポンペオ国務長官演説の衝撃 ① Michael R. Pompeo, “Communist China and the Free World’s Future”, Speech by Secretary of States at Richard Nixon Presidential Library …

国際政治論壇レビュー(2020年8月) Read More »

Coping with China’s economic threat 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, …

Coping with China’s economic threat by OYA Shin Read More »

Japan in a post-coronavirus world by ISOBE Koichi

“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 in a post-coronavirus world by ISOBE Koichi Read More »

Inaugural Symposium of Policy Entrepreneur’s Platform (PEP)

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) organized a symposium called “Zooming PEP 2020 – Policy Entrepreneurs’ Platform: opening the door” in Tokyo on 15th July 2020. It was held to commemorate the launch of API’s new initiative: The Policy Entrepreneur’s Platform (PEP). The day began by a core panel discussing the concept of policy entrepreneurship and then …

Inaugural Symposium of Policy Entrepreneur’s Platform (PEP) Read More »

国際政治論壇レビュー(2020年7月)

2020年7月8日   国際政治論壇レビュー(2020年7月) アジア・パシフィック・イニシアティブ(API) 上席研究員・慶應義塾大学法学部教授 細谷雄一 アジア・パシフィック・イニシアティブ(API) リサーチ・アシスタント   松田拓也   【概観】 米中対立が熾烈化する国際情勢 COVID-19の感染者数が急増し国際秩序が大きく動揺するなかで、米中対立がよりいっそう熾烈化している。それは、相当程度に深刻なレベルに達している。 グローバルなパンデミックには、グローバルな国際協調が不可欠である。2009年に新型インフルエンザの感染が拡大した際には、アメリカのバラク・オバマ大統領と中国の胡錦濤総書記は迅速に国際的な連携の必要を説き、国連やWHOを通じた国際協調により感染拡大を一定程度抑制することを成功させた。それとは対照的に、現在では米中関係で連携と結束を示す機運が見られない。とりわけトランプ米大統領は自国中心主義的な対外姿勢をむしろ強めており、WHOからの脱退も宣言し、そのことが主要な国際組織を通じた協調が大きく後退する要因ともなっている。 このようにして、コロナ危機はアメリカの世界でのリーダーシップとその役割を見直さねばならないような転機となりつつある。それゆえ、国際論壇でもそのような国際秩序の行方、アメリカの役割、そして中国の影響力拡大を問う論考が数多く見られた。 以下では、そのような論考の中から、とりわけ国際的に注目を集めているものに限定して紹介していきたい。   ポストコロナの世界秩序 はたして、ポストコロナの世界秩序はどのようなものになるのであろうか。とりわけ注目すべきは、米中関係の今後を検討した論考が数多く見られることである。 今後の世界秩序が、米中関係によって大きく左右される点についてはおおよそ共通の見解が見られる。まず、オバマ政権での国務次官補として東アジアを担当したカート・キャンベルは、ラッシュ・ドーシとの共著論文のなかで、英米の力の関係が逆転した1956年のスエズ危機の歴史的事例をアナロジーとして、コロナ危機の最中に中国が積極的に国際公共財を提供する姿勢を示すことでアメリカのリーダーシップに対抗し、場合によっては両国の力関係が大きく逆転するきっかけとなり得ると警鐘を鳴らす(1-①)。これは、民主党政権が成立した際には、アメリカの世界的な指導力を再建する必要があると説くマニフェストともいえる。 クーリーとネクソンの共著論文は、コロナ危機によってアメリカなどの自由民主主義体制の諸国がこれまで構築してきた国際秩序が崩れて、「国際公共財の管理」そのものが大国間競合の舞台となっている実態が露わになったことに注目する(1-③)。これはまた、アメリカの覇権に支えられた秩序が終焉を迎えていることを説く論考でもある。他方で、マコーミック、ルフティッグ、カニンガムによる共著論文は、国力の源泉が経済的強靭性であることを指摘して、アメリカの国家戦略における経済の重要性を改めて確認することで注目を集めた(1-⑤)。   アメリカの対外政策 このようにポストコロナの世界秩序が米中関係の動向に大きな影響を受けているなかで、アメリカの国際的な地位や、その対外政策が今後どのように変容していくかを論じた論考が数多く見られた。 冷戦後のアメリカの介入主義的な対外政策に批判的で、より抑制的な政策の必要を主張するのは、ハーバード大学教授のスティーブン・ウォルトである(2-⑤)。このような主張は、学術的な言論空間のみならず、一般論壇でも存在感を高まっており、現実の政治にも浸透していく可能性がある。換言すれば、アメリカの国力の限界からも、対外関与を無限に拡大することへの強い抵抗が幅広く見られる。 アメリカの対外政策に関する論考は、従来のような積極的なアメリカの対外関与を求める論考と、むしろより抑制的な対外政策、あるいは対外関与からの撤退を求める論考と、その主張が大きく分かれている。アメリカの軍事的優位性の減退を懸念する論考も注目を集めた(2-③)。 他方で、コロナ危機はこれまでにもまして、アメリカの対外関与において軍事力が果たす役割を見直すことを求める気運が高まっている。例えば、経済安全保障や地経学への関心が高まる中で、ゲーツ元国防長官は過度な軍事力への依存に警鐘を鳴らした(2-①)。これは、軍事力以外の手段を用いてアメリカが影響力を確保することを説くものでもある。   中国は次の世界のリーダーになり得るのか それでは、アメリカの優越的な国際的地位を脅かす中国は、今後アメリカに代わって世界のリーダーとなるのであろうか。 外交評論家のウォルター・ラッセル・ミードや、国際政治学者のマシュー・クローニングは、コロナ危機はむしろ中国の脆弱性を露呈させたと主張し、民主主義国家の優位性を強調した(3-①、3-⑩)。2月半ば頃までは、比較的中国のコロナ対策、さらには権威主義体制の迅速な対応に対して、比較的高い評価が見られた。しかしながら、それ以降はむしろ、中国の国内問題の深刻化や、景気の後退の長期的な影響に対して、悲観的な論調が多く見られるようになった。 他方、アメリカの戦略史が専門のハル・ブランズは、中国がこれを好機として、自由で開かれた国際秩序を弱体化させる方向へと動いていくことを予測する(3-②)。事実として、米民主党系の安全保障の専門家で元国防次官補のフローノイの論文が示すように、コロナ禍のなかでむしろ西太平洋における中国の海洋軍事行動は活発化し、膨張主義的な行動が顕著となった(3-⑧)。フローノイは、バイデン政権が成立した場合は、高い地位で政権入りすることが想定されている。さらに、中国の海洋戦略に詳しいトシ・ヨシハラは、現在、日中間での海軍力のパワー・バランスが崩れつつある厳しい現実を明らかにし、その論考は注目を集めた(3-⑤)。中国の海軍力が確実に増強されている現実を、直視せねばならない。それはまた、尖閣諸島の問題を内包する東シナ海において、今後より一層顕著となるであろう。 米中間の大国間競合はコロナ危機以前から注目されていたが、そのような動きが加速して、よりいっそう対立の側面が色濃くなったことで、世界秩序がよりいっそう不安定で不透明になりつつある。最近の国際論壇でもそのような現実を反映した論考が数多く見られたが、依然として米中間のパワー・バランスの今後の見通しについては、見解が大きく分かれた状況となっている。現段階では、アメリカの指導力の終焉を論じるのも、中国が世界秩序を管理する時代が到来すると論じるのも、時期尚早なのであろう。     【主な論文・記事】 1.ポストコロナの世界秩序 ① Kurt M. Campbell and Rush Doshi, “The Coronavirus Could Reshape Global Or-der: China Is Manoeuvering for International …

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Internet holds the key to the post-coronavirus era 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, …

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API announces partnership with CNAS and MERICS on Technology Alliance Project

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) in the US and the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) in Germany as part of CNAS’s Technology Alliance Project. The Technology Alliance Project aims to achieve broad coordination and collaboration among like-minded nations to protect …

API announces partnership with CNAS and MERICS on Technology Alliance Project Read More »

API establishes “API Institute of Geoeconomic Studies”; Prof MURAI Jun joins API as Dean of the API Institute of Geoeconomic Studies and API Senior Fellow

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) is pleased to announce the establishment of the “API Institute of Geoeconomic Studies” on April 1, 2020, with Prof MURAI Jun, Distinguished Professor of KEIO University, joining API as Dean of the new institute and API Senior Fellow.   <API Institute of Geoeconomic Studies> In recent years, globalization has suffered major …

API establishes “API Institute of Geoeconomic Studies”; Prof MURAI Jun joins API as Dean of the API Institute of Geoeconomic Studies and API Senior Fellow Read More »

Prof. HOSOYA Yuichi joins API as Senior Consulting Fellow

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) is pleased to announce that Dr. HOSOYA Yuichi, professor of international politics at Keio University, joined our institution on April 1, 2020, as Senior Consulting Fellow. Prof. Hosoya will engage in research and other activities at API in support of our core missions.   <Profile of Prof. HOSOYA Yuichi> HOSOYA Yuichi …

Prof. HOSOYA Yuichi joins API as Senior Consulting Fellow Read More »

Chairman Funabashi publishes What Is Geoeconomics?

On February 20th, 2020, Asia Pacific Initiative chairman FUNABASHI Yoichi published What Is Geoeconomics? (Bunshun Shinsho). The book defines geoeconomics as the use of economics by states for geopolitical purposes, and identifies four types of “mega-geoeconomics” that represent long-term, structural geoeconomic challenges that exist in an age of geoeconomics which began with the US-China trade …

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“The Crisis of Liberal Internationalism: Japan and the World Order” was published by Brookings Institution Press

“The Crisis of Liberal Internationalism: Japan and the World Order” was published by Brookings Institution Press on February 4, 2020. The book has been released as part of Asia Pacific Initiative’s Liberal International Order project, which has examined how Japan may protect the liberal international order and what obstacles it may confront in such efforts. …

“The Crisis of Liberal Internationalism: Japan and the World Order” was published by Brookings Institution Press Read More »

Yuka Koshino selected as API’s Matsumoto-Samata Fellow and dispatched to UK’s IISS

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) is pleased to announce that Yuka Koshino has been selected as API’s Matsumoto-Samata Fellow1/, and has been sent to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in the UK as a Research Fellow2/. 1/ The Matsumoto-Samata Fellowship is an API program aiming to send young researchers to foreign think tanks to …

Yuka Koshino selected as API’s Matsumoto-Samata Fellow and dispatched to UK’s IISS Read More »

Dr Makio Miyagawa joins API as APIF President and API Senior Fellow

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) is pleased to announce that Dr Makio Miyagawa, the former Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, joined our institution on January 1, 2020, as APIF President and API Senior Fellow. APIF stands for “Asia Pacific Initiative Forum” (See below for details).   <Profile of Dr Makio Miyagawa> Dr Miyagawa held successive positions …

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Inaugural Asia Pacific Initiative Forum (APIF) in Yokohama

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) held its inaugural Asia Pacific Initiative Forum (APIF) in Yokohama December 6-8th, 2019. 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 from Japan, India, and the ASEAN countries. We seek to become …

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AP Initiative Chairman delivers 2019 Alastair Buchan Lecture at IISS Annual Dinner

AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi delivered the 2019 Alastair Buchan Lecture at the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Annual Dinner on November 13, 2019. Dr. Funabashi’s speech, titled “We are all small countries now,” examined issues currently facing Japan on the global stage. Dr. Funabashi argued that the United States under President Donald Trump has …

AP Initiative Chairman delivers 2019 Alastair Buchan Lecture at IISS Annual Dinner Read More »

API-University of Tokyo joint Symposium on Policy –Entrepreneurship in Japan

On September 9 2019, Asia Pacific Initiative held a symposium co-hosted with the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Public Policy (GrasPP). The symposium titled “Society Driven Public Policy : The Policy Community and Public Careers in search of Japan’s Alternative Solutions” featured discussions surrounding “policy-entrepreneurship in Japan.” The symposium welcomed leading politician Shinjiro KOIZUMI …

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AP Initiative Chairman contributes op-ed for FT on Japan-South Korea relations

AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi contributed an op-ed for The Financial Times titled “Japan-South Korea tensions challenge postwar order,” first published online on August 29, 2019. In the piece, Dr. Funabashi discusses the recent tensions between Japan and South Korea. While arguing that Japan must treat South Korea as a partner and commit to transparently …

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The front-line of Operation Tomodachi will be published soon

AP Initiative will publish The front-line of Operation Tomodachi ── Lessons Learned from the Fukushima Nuclear Accident for Improving Japan-U.S. Cooperation in August, 2019. The book, written by AP Initiative Senior Fellow Koichi Isobe, will be published from Sairyu-sya in Japanese. The author, describes how Japan and U.S. worked hands in hands to deals with …

The front-line of Operation Tomodachi will be published soon Read More »

Reinventing Japan Event – Sustainable Tourism in Japan: Beyond Numbers

Tourism in Japan is growing faster than anywhere else in the world. The number of international visitors to Japan has more than tripled since the start of the decade, hitting 31 million last year. And the numbers are expected to continue rising as the country hosts two of the world’s largest events – the 2019 …

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API round-table welcomed former PBOC Governor Dr. Zhou Xiaochuan as keynote speaker

Asia Pacific Initiative (API) hosted a round-table titled “Fueling Global Growth: Trade, Investment and Financial Cooperation in Asia” at Hotel Okura Tokyo on May 27th, 2019. The event, organized in collaboration with the research institute of the Boao Forum for Asia and Caixin Media, China’s most influential financial media group, was mediated by China-based API …

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“What is a Think Tank? : An Era of Policy Entrepreneurship” was published by Chuokoron-shinsha

AP Initiative published “What is a Think Tank? : An Era of Policy Entrepreneurship” on March 25, 2019. This book, written by AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi in Japanese, describes the history and changing dynamics of think tanks, with a particular focus on U.S. think tanks. Based on interviews to distinguished global think tankers and …

“What is a Think Tank? : An Era of Policy Entrepreneurship” was published by Chuokoron-shinsha Read More »

Japanese Report on U.S.-Japan Economic Cooperation

Asia Pacific Initiative has produced a shortened Japanese version of “The Article II Mandate: Forging a Stronger Economic Alliance between the United States and Japan.” The original English report was jointly written with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank. The report recommends that the United States and Japan strengthen …

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Senior Consulting Fellow Oya participated in a Brookings Institution event on Asia’s connectivity

On Feburary 11, 2019, the Brookings Institution held an event titled “Japan’s role in Asia’s connectivity: Infrastructure finance and digital governance” in Washington, D.C. After a keynote address on Japan’s goals and policies to advance Asian connectivity by Kohei Toyoda, director for international coordination for the Trade Policy Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, …

Senior Consulting Fellow Oya participated in a Brookings Institution event on Asia’s connectivity Read More »

AP Initiative Chairman’s op-ed on think tanks published in Project Syndicate

AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi has written an opinion-editorial on “The Think-Tank Dilemma” for Project Syndicate, published on January 21, 2019. In this article, Dr. Funabashi argues that think tanks must double down on their core purpose of validating evidence-based policymaking. He looks at how think tanks face challenges from new competitors such as for-profit …

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Interview with Chairman Funabashi published in Korean newspaper

On January 16, 2019, Korean newspaper media group Maekyung interviewed AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi about the international situation in East Asia. In his remarks, Dr. Funabashi argued that South Korea’s foreign policy is overly focused on North Korea, in which he pointed out the difficulty in solving North Korea related problems with only a …

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Announcing a New Partnership with Tokyo Review

The Asia Pacific Initiative is delighted to announce a new partnership with Tokyo Review, a budding and exciting non-profit publishing platform for academics, journalists, researchers and beyond to write in-depth and evidence-based articles on issues related to Japan. We will work closely with the Tokyo Review team by offering operational support to promote shared values …

Announcing a New Partnership with Tokyo Review Read More »

Interview with Chairman Yoichi Funabashi published in the Chosun Ilbo

On January 7, 2019, major South Korean newspaper The Chosun Ilbo published an interview with AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi, in which he discussed the outlook for this year in international affairs. In particular, Funabashi predicted that developments surrounding President Trump, such as the Trump-Russia investigation, would continue to pull international affairs in different directions. …

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Senior Consulting Fellow Oya participated in a CSIS event on Strengthening U.S.-Japan Economic Cooperation

On December 3, 2018, the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) held an event on strengthening U.S.-Japan economic cooperation in Washington, D.C. Asia Pacific Initiative and CSIS have been involved in a joint research project on this theme, and recently launched the resulting report, The Article II Mandate: Forging a Stronger Economic Alliance between …

Senior Consulting Fellow Oya participated in a CSIS event on Strengthening U.S.-Japan Economic Cooperation Read More »

Asia Pacific Initiative Launch a New Report on U.S.-Japan Economic Cooperation

On November 29, 2018, Asia Pacific Initiative held a launch event for their report, The Article II Mandate: Forging a Stronger Economic Alliance between the United States and Japan, which was jointly written with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank. Over 70 policymakers, business executives, military personnel and diplomats …

Asia Pacific Initiative Launch a New Report on U.S.-Japan Economic Cooperation Read More »

AP Initiative Chairman wrote an op-ed about China for The Washington Post

AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi wrote an op-ed, “Japan must ponder the risks of closer ties with China” for The Washington Post, published on October 27, 2018. In this article, Dr. Funabashi analyzes the risks to Japan’s foreign policy after Prime Minister Abe’s head of state summit with President Xi Jinping of China on Friday …

AP Initiative Chairman wrote an op-ed about China for The Washington Post Read More »

AP Initiative Chairman participated in the Kan’ichi Asakawa Memorial Symposium

Dr. Yoichi Funabashi, Chairman of the AP Initiative, participated in the Kan’ichi Asakawa Memorial Symposium on the 20th October, held by the International House of Japan. Dr. Kan’ichi Asakawa (1873–1948) was the first Japanese professor at Yale University and dedicated his life to research in history and the promotion of peace. In commemoration of the …

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AP Initiative Chairman participated in the G1 Global Conference and the 2018 GZERO Summit

Dr. Yoichi Funabashi, Chairman of the AP Initiative, participated in the G1 Global Conference on the 14th October and more recently, the GZERO Summit on 17th October. Both were summits in which experts, academics and public intellectuals came together to discuss pressing global and regional challenges. At the G1 Global Conference, held at GLOBIS University, …

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Japan to Take Lead in Fourth Industrial Revolution, Opens Emerging Technology Policy Centre in Tokyo

The World Economic Forum opened the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Japan to create new technology policies that benefit all in partnership with METI and API on 2 July 2018 Founding centre partners from Hitachi, Horiba, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings, Salesforce, Sompo Holdings and Suntory Holdings take part in launch The centre will initially focus …

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JASTJ interviewed Chairman Yoichi Funabashi about the Fukushima Nuclear Accident

AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi was interviewed by the Japanese Association of Science and Technology Journalists (JASTJ). The interview, published on June 26th, 2018, compares the three major investigation efforts on the accidents at the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Funabashi discussed with JASTJ about the findings and the lessons drawn from the projects …

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AP Initiative Chairman’s op-ed published in The New York Times

AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi wrote an op-ed, “How Japan Might Lose Out in the Korea Talks” for The New York Times, published on June 11, 2018. In this article, Dr. Funabashi analyzes the risks to Japan and regional geopolitics from the summit meeting between Trump and Kim, which will be held on the day …

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AP Initiative’s book, Japan’s Population Implosion: The 50 Million Shock, was highly appraised in a book review by Tokyo Review

AP Initiative’s Japan’s Population Implosion: The 50 Million Shock (Palgrave Macmillan, December 30, 2017) was highly appraised in a book review by Tokyo Review. Tokyo Review is a collaborative website for young academics, journalists, and researchers working on issues related to Japanese politics, economics and, society. Jonathan Webb, the author of this book review, is …

AP Initiative’s book, Japan’s Population Implosion: The 50 Million Shock, was highly appraised in a book review by Tokyo Review Read More »

Chairman Funabashi’s Speech on “Geopolitics, Populism, and the Media”

AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi gave a lecture on the theme of “Geopolitics, Populism, and the Media” at an event hosted by the Japan Press Research Institute on March 30, 2018. In his lecture, Dr. Funabashi began by discussing the foundations of the post-World War II international system, professing his deep fear that the world …

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Senior Research Fellow Kato joined a tabletop exercise (TTX) to credible North Korean provocations

Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA held a tabletop exercise (TTX) On February 14-16, 2018, in Tokyo, with experienced Japanese, South Korean, and American military, security, intelligence, and diplomatic officials to explore trilateral responses to credible North Korean provocations. AP Initiative Senior Research Fellow Yoichi Kato joined it, and wrote final report with Admiral Michael McDevitt. * …

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AP Initiative Chairman Funabashi’s “The North Korea Problem” appeared in the June edition of Ushio.

Chairman Yoichi Funabashi’s essay “The North Korea Problem: Let’s Aim for Peace even if it is ‘Dirty Peace’” was the lead article for the June special edition of the monthly magazine Ushio. In this essay, Chairman Yoichi Funabashi claimed that ① North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made the decision on the North Korea-United States summit …

AP Initiative Chairman Funabashi’s “The North Korea Problem” appeared in the June edition of Ushio. Read More »

Senior Research Fellow Kato appeared as a panelist at a symposium with Sheila A. Smith

On Saturday, April 7, AP Initiative Senior Research Fellow Yoichi Kato appeared as a panelist at “A Talk with Sheila Smith – The Past, Present and Future of US-China-Japan Trilateral Relations.” Dr. Sheila A. Smith is Senior Fellow for Japan Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. The symposium, which took place at the International …

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The Chinese version of AP Initiative Chairman Funabashi’s book, “Managing the Dollar,” was published in China

The Chinese version of “Managing the Dollar” written by Yoichi Funabashi was published by CITIC Press in China. “Managing the Dollar” was published by Asahi Shimbun in 1988, when Chairman Funabashi was a journalist at the Asahi Shimbun. The book revealed the behind-the-scenes international currency diplomacy from the Plaza Accord, agreed upon by the G5 …

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“Reinventing Japan: New Directions in Global Leadership,” the English version of “Galapagos Cool,” was published by Praeger

“Reinventing Japan: New Directions in Global Leadership,”published by Praeger on March 31, 2018. This is the English companion volume to “Galapagos Cool,” which was published in Japanese by Toyo Keizai, Inc. in 2017. Both books were the product of an almost two-year project, entitled “Why Japan Matters,” which looked at how Japan could contribute more to …

“Reinventing Japan: New Directions in Global Leadership,” the English version of “Galapagos Cool,” was published by Praeger Read More »

AP Initiative Senior Research Fellow Kato appeared as a panelist at a conference of NCAFP in NY

AP Initiative Senior Research Fellow Yoichi Kato appeared as a panelist at “U.S.-Japan-Russia Trilateral Conference,” held by the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP), an American think tank, in New York on March 14-15, 2018. He participated in the public event “Cooperation or Competition in Northeast Asia? : Perspective from the U.S., Japan, and …

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AP Initiative Chairman’s op-ed published in The Washington Post

AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi wrote an op-ed, “In America’s absence, Japan takes the lead on Asian free trade” for The Washington Post, published on February 22, 2018. In this article, Dr. Funabashi analyzes the significance of Japanese leadership on TPP 11. He depicts how a new regional order in the form of pan-Asianism is …

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AP Initiative Chairman appeared as a moderator at a commemorative symposium for publishing Dr. Graham T. Allison’s book

AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi appeared as a moderator at a commemorative symposium for publishing the Japanese version of Dr. Graham T. Allison’s book, “Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap?” on February 9, 2018. Dr. Graham T. Allison is professor and was the dean at the John F. Kennedy School of …

AP Initiative Chairman appeared as a moderator at a commemorative symposium for publishing Dr. Graham T. Allison’s book Read More »

AP Initiative Chairman spoke at a session of the World Economic Forum 2018

AP Initiative Chairman Yoichi Funabashi spoke at a panel of the 2018 World Economic Forum in Davos, “Nuclear Threats to International Security,” as a panelist. He discussed with the other speakers the increasing number of nuclear states and the threat of “first use” of nuclear weapons, which are dual global risks on the rise, and …

AP Initiative Chairman spoke at a session of the World Economic Forum 2018 Read More »

AP Initiative Research Associate Harry Dempsey’s op-ed published in East Asia Forum

AP Initiative Research Associate Harry Dempsey wrote an op-ed, “Will Trump snap Japan’s tenuous tightrope?” for East Asia Forum, published on January 20, 2017. In this article, Mr. Dempsey explains Japan’s recent attempts to diversify its foreign policy and sets out two big challenges for Japan’s international relations on the horizon in 2018. He suggests …

AP Initiative Research Associate Harry Dempsey’s op-ed published in East Asia Forum Read More »