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[Myanmar] Meeting with members of Democratic Party and Democratic –Peace Party of Myanmar

On 25th August, the Hosei study group met with U Thu Wai, Chairman of the Democratic Party, Dr. Than Nyein and Dr. Win Naing of the National Democratic Force and U Myo Nyunt of the Democratic & Peace Party.
They explained the current political situation in Myanmar and confirmed that a real change was taking place. President Thein Sein wans implementing a number of political reform measures such as freedom of press and foreign investment. They also explained about changes proposed in the electoral law in order to achieved proportional representation. Concerning the economy, they informed the student that the government would like to introduce a free market economic system, including Myanmar and foreign joint investment and business ventures. According to U Myo Nyunt, the government and minority ethnic rebel groups were reaching peace agreements. Ms. Kameyama asked if any of the political parties was bringing up the young generation into their leadership positions. Dr. Than Nyein responded and agreed to the necessity to give more opportunities to young people.(Kotaro Takahashi)

2012-08-25

[Myanmar] UNICEF Yangon Office Representative Mr. Ramesh Shrestha(24th Aug 2012)

On 24th Aug 2012, the Myanmar study tour group and Professor Hasegawa visited UNICEF Yangon office, and had an unforgettable briefing by Mr. Ramesh Shrestha, who is the representative of UNICEF Yangon. Mr. Ramesh Shrestha started his lecture by introducing recent transition of measures such as Media law, Labor law, and so on. In particular, he explained how the relationship between government and armed groups had been changed. Then, he talked about the economic situation of Myanmar. Some countries like South Korea and China have started to invest in Myanmar because there are natural resources. However, there are three issues. First, electricity supply is not adequate for business. Second, investment law has some problems. Third, infrastructure hasn’t been prepared. Furthermore, he explained UN position. UNICEF is working for providing basic human needs to people. They are constructing primary schools, providing stationary supplies. In addition, they are providing people with access to safe drinking water. After his lecture, he responded to some questions and comments from the students. (Shohei Suzuki)

2012-08-24

United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime Myanmar Country Manager Mr. Jason Eligh Briefs Hosei Students

On 24th Aug 2012, the Myanmar study tour group visited UNODC Myanmar office and received an informative lecture by Mr. Jason Eligh, the UNODC country manager. UNODC was established to deal with 4 area issues; Drugs, Crime, Corruption and Terrorism. Myanmar is the second largest opium poppy grower country next to Afghanistan, accounting for 23 percent of the opium poppy cultivation worldwide in 2011.
　The Myanmar government also recognizes the serious drug problem. UNODC Myanmar office has been assisting the Myanmar government in eradicating opium poppy production. With the aim of it, UNODC started 3 new projects in Shan State from 2011: Alternative development, Sustainable livelihoods and Food security. UNODC also cooperates with local NGOs, civil society organizations and other UN agencies such as World Food Programme. (Mai Nakasendo)

2012-08-24

[Balkan] Briefing by EULEX Kosovo (24th August 2012)

　On 24th August, the six students of the Hasegawa seminar visited the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) office in Kosovo, and received an informative briefing from Mr. William Romans, the Human Rights Expert of EULEX Kosovo. Mr. Romans started by providing an outline of the history of Kosovo and the reason why EULEX takes some actions in Kosovo. Then, he explained the details of the EULEX missions in Kosovo. The main mission is to assist and support the rule of law institutions and judicial authorities in law enforcement in Kosovo. Also EULEX also takes actions in developing Kosovo police, fighting corruption and serious crime. After his presentation, he responded to some questions and comments from the students. (Sayuri Maruyama)

2012-08-24

[Myanmar]Briefing by Japanese Embassy Staff(23 Aug 2012)

On 23rd August, the Hosei University group met with Messrs. Nishikuramori and Watanabe. Mr. Nishikuramori analyzed in detail the content of political reform carried out by President Thein Sein and how the democratization process was proceeding. He also explained the critical role played by Aung San Suu Kyi as a member of the parliament. Secondly, Mr. Watanabe pointed out a great deal of risk which foreign companies would encounter when they engage in business in Myanmar. Only few Japanese firms had started their productive activities. There are many challenges for any company to undertake business in Myanmar. (Yuna Kodatsu)

2012-08-23

[Balkan] Briefing by IOM Kosovo (23th August 2012)

　On 23th August 2012, the Balkan study tour members visited IOM office after having received a briefing from UNHCR office in Kosovo. At the beginning, Mr. Sheremet Kukaj, National Operations Officer and Ms. Alessia Schiavon, Beautiful Kosovo Project Manager gave us an overview of IOM activities in Kosovo. IOM Kosovo through AVRR Programme aims to promote sustainable voluntary return and reintegration of Kosovars, returning from different Western European countries through measures to improve economic prospects for both the returnees and members of the receiving communities, thereby enhancing the capacity of return communities to continue to attract, absorb and retain returning migrants and other displaced people and to prevent further out – migration. Thanks to “Beautiful Kosovo” Project, IOM contributes to poverty reduction through the enhancement of economic opportunities for Kosovo population, especially marginalized groups, in line with National Strategies. At the end, they responded to some questions related to voluntary return, reasons of migration, and support to the minorities in Kosovo. (Daiki Kawabe)

2012-08-23

[Balkan] Briefing by UNHCR Kosovo office (23th August 2012)

　On 23th August 2012, the Balkan study tour group visited UNHCR office in Kosovo as the first briefing visit on this study tour. Mr. Vuger, Ms. Toki and Mr.Okawa were working in the profession unit of the UNHCR Kosovo. They delivered an imformative briefing for us. At the beginning of the presentaion, Ms. Hinako Toki introduced the overview of UNHCR activities at Pristina, the capital city of Kosovo. Then Mr.Vuger explained what happened in Kosovo and the details of UNHCR mission. The mission supports four types of people: Refugee, Stateless person, Asylum Seekers and Returnees. To solve these issues UNHCR are conducting many interviews and try to improve the living environment. Also they support minority people in Kosovo. After the conclusion of his lecture, Mr.Yuger responded questions and answers from students. (Kohei Yokota)

2012-08-23

[Myanmar] JETRO Yangonn Office Senior Adviser Mr. Yamaguchi Tetsu(22nd Aug 2012)

On 22nd Aug 2012, the Myanmar study tour group and Professor Hasegawa visited JETRO Yangon office, and had beneficial time by getting receiving a briefing from Mr. Tetsu Yamaguchi, the Senior Adviser of JETRO Yangon. First of all, Mr. Yamaguchi informed us about his extensive experience in the field of trade, commerce and investment banking. He then explained the overall economic and political situation of Myanmar. Nowadays Myanmar is getting attention from all over the world due to its untouched natural resources such as natural gas and petroleum compared to the other East Asian countries. Myanmar is having difficulty in providing electricity to the general public. Mr. Yamaguchi pointed out that to increase the source of electrical power in Myanmar will be the key factor for the encouragement of foreign business expansion in Myanmar as well as for the development of Myanmar itself. In addition, Mr. Yamaguchi explained the education system in Myanmar especially about its high literacy level of English among non-English speaking East Asian countries due to their opportunity to study in monastery. Finally, he mentioned that the presidential election in 2015 has an enormous impact on the future of Myanmar. After the conclusion of his presentation, he responded to questions and comments from the students. (Jieun Park)

2012-08-22

[Seminar] The New Order of the Seminar started (17th July 2012)

　On 17th July 2012, the Seminar students elected their new leaders by secret ballot, and then Mr. Yasuki Uchiyama was selected as the 7th Head of the Seminar. In addition, three Vice Heads of the Seminar were chosen: Ms. Mai Uchida, Ms. Minako Ishikawa and Ms. Yui Narikawa. The new Head, Mr. Uchiyama, made a general policy speech and he said that he wished to make the remaining six months of the seminar much better with all the seminar students cooperating. (Yasuki Uchiyama)

2012-07-18

[IntOrg] End-of-Semester Lecture (Professor Hasegawa) (11th July 2012)

　On 11th July 2012, in his the end-of-semester lecture, Professor Hasegawa reviewed first the changing roles of international organizations.Then he introduced the theories of Functionalism and Neo-Functionalism developed by David Mitrany and Ernst Haas respectively. Second he reviewed the birth and growth of international organization. He explained the causes for and lessons learned from the collapse of the League of Nation. Professor Hasegawa then presented a practical overview of the key issues arising in the relationship between international law and national law. Most of the countries accorded the highest authority to their national constitutions and tried to accommodate international treaties into their domestic legal system once their legislatures have ratified them. Professor Hasegawa explained the differences in how respective countries have dealt with the international legal agreements. In case of Japan, its constitution in article 98 stipulates the following: (1) this Constitution shall be the supreme law of the nation and no law, ordinance, imperial rescript or other act of government or part thereof, contrary to the provisions hereof, shall have legal force or validity; (2) the treaties concluded by Japan and established laws of nations shall be faithfully observed. Finally professor Hasegawa explained the need for the Japanese to play a more active role in international organizations. (Yuhi Kawase)

2012-07-12

[Seminar] The all-inclusive lecture by Professor Hasegawa and the special lecture by Mr. Hirabayashi (10th July 2012)

　On 10th Jul 2012, we attended the all-inclusive lecture by Professor Hasegawa. Using their PowerPoint slides made by Yui Narikawa and Moe Kurisu, Professor Hasegawa explained “Globalization and Interdependence” to us. Especially we discussed the issue of national defense in Japan. In the 5th period, we welcomed Mr. Hirabayashi Kunihiko, the Director of UNICEF at the Tokyo office and he delivered us the lecture on “Incredible India”. First of all, he explained the outline of India, especially geographical feature, religion and politics. Then he mentioned the health situation in relation to the issue of the regional and economical gap. Finally he emphasized “Social Exclusion” causes child labor and India should change it into “Social Inclusion”. After the seminar, we had dinner with Professor Hasegawa, Mr. Hirabayashi and his daughter. (Mai Nakasendo)

2012-07-11

[Balkan] The Current Contributions and Outcomes of JICA to the Balkan States (Professor Kurosawa) (9th July 2012)

　On 9th July 2012, Prof. Satoru Kurosawa, Former Resident Representative of JICA Balkan Office, delivered a lecture on the contributions of JICA to the Balkan States, particularly for the seminar students who will go to the Former Yugoslavia as the study-tour. In his lecture, he explained the current situation in Serbia and the close friendship between Serbia and Japan. First, he referred to Serbian role as a part of Europe, Serbian fame around the world and Yugoslavian religion. Second, he also mentioned the reason why Serbia has got along with Japan. After his presentation, some seminar students who will go to the Former Yugoslavia questioned him on the historical and political issues in the Former Yugoslavia. (Kohei Yokota)

2012-07-10

[IntOrg] Changing Roles of NATO (Director Mr. Yoshizaki) (4th July 2012)

　On 4th July 2012, Mr. Tomonori Yoshizaki, Director of the Security Studies Department of the National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) of the Ministry of Defense, delivered a lecture on the evolving roles of international organizations from the viewpoint of collective security. First, he explained the collective security mechanism and three criteria of effective collective security, namely certainly, utility and inclusivity. Secondly, he provided a detailed explanation about the origin, growth and transformation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). As its mission goal, NATO started with the collective defense of the North Atlantic region during the Cold War. It then transformed itself with the expansion of its membership from 12 to 28 countries many of which are from the Eastern Europe and with the addition of providing security to not only its members but also countries suffering from humanitarian and other crisis. Professor Yoshizaki noted in summary that NATO had acquired a strategic nature in its crisis management by undertaking military interventions of coercive diplomacy and adopting a comprehensive approach aimed at protecting civilians in crisis, stabilization and security sector reform. The areas and countries in which NATO has undertaken military operations included Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Libya. Professor Yoshizaki also explained the difference between Libyan and Syrian situations and the implications of the establishment of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). (Yuko Honda)

2012-07-05

[Diplomacy] Acting Ambassador and Minister Plenipotentiary of The Republic of Cameroon in Tokyo had a Dialogue with Hosei Students (3rd July 2012)

　On 3rd July 2012, Dr. Appolinaire Essomba, Acting Ambassador and Minister Plenipotentiary of The Republic of Cameroon in Tokyo, gave a lecture about the Republic of Cameroon to students of Hosei University. First of all, Dr. Essomba mentioned that there are many people in Cameroon each with different religious, racial and ethnic background. Although they live under different circumstances, they live in harmony and peace in Cameroon. He also said that Cameroon tries to cooperate with other international countries. When Cameroon had a territorial dispute with Nigeria, Cameroon managed to solve this problem in a peaceful way. They did not resort to an armed conflict. At last, Dr. Essomba said, it is more important rather to cooperate with other countries than to solve problems by force in today’s global society. (Mai Uchida)

2012-07-04

[NEWS] Fifteen Timorese Students Interacted with the Hasegawa Seminar Students (28th June 2012)

　On 28th June 2012, the fifteen Timorese students visited the Hosei University and the Hasegawa seminar students welcomed them. Upon arrival of the Timorese students at Hosei University, five Hasegawa seminar students guided them around the Ichigaya campus. After the campus tour, the Hasegawa seminar students numbering sixteen and the Timorese students had an informative discussion following opening remarks made by H.E. Mr. Isilio Antonio de Fatima Coelho da Silva, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Japan and Professor Hasegawa. Finally, both Timorese and Hosei students exchanged their views and built their friendship over informal dinner. (Sayuri Maruyama)

2012-06-28

[NEWS] Professor Hasegawa Appointed Member of ACUNS Board of Directors

　As former graduate student of Professor Hasegawa, I am pleased to inform you that he has been appointed as a member of the Board of Diectors of the Academic Council on United Nations System (ACUNS) for a period of three years. Please see the ACUNS website http://acuns.org/acuns-board-of-directors/ about other members of the Board and ACUNS activities. (Asami Ikeda)

2012-06-28

[Seminar] Preventive deployments and Traditional Peacekeeping (26th June 2012)

　On June 26th 2012, the Peace Building Group and the Development Economic Group made presentations on the two chapters of “UNDERSTANDING PEACEKEEPING”.
　In the 4th period, the Peace Building Group explained the Chapter 6: Preventive Deployment. First, the Peace Building Group described how to prevent the occurrence of conflict and what tasks are fit for preventive deployments. Also, they mentioned that the primary goal of peace operations is to prevent conflict in the first place. In addition, conflict prevention chain suggested by Ken Menkhaus and the 6 links in this chain were discussed. Second, they talked about the two real cases of preventive deployment: UNPREDEP in Macedonia and EUFOR RD Congo. According to the presenters, the important aspect with the former mission was the president of Macedonia himself made the request to UN for help. Finally, they mentioned that the reason why there are relatively few examples of preventive deployments is due to the five political challenges and dilemmas. They concluded that the attention and intervention by international organizations is needed and the fast response from these organizations is essential.
　In the 5th period, the Development Economic Group presented Chapter 7: Traditional Peacekeeping. First, the Development Economic Group explained the holy trinity: consent, impartiality and minimum use of force. The last conception refers to non-use of force except for self-defense, said Professor Hasegawa. Second, they told that traditional peacekeeping is based on observer mission by the UN. Also, they presented three real cases of traditional peacekeeping missions: UNEF1 in Egypt, UNFICYP in Cyprus and UNMEE in Ethiopia and Eritrea. And finally, Professor Hasegawa mentioned that POC (protection of civilians) originated in R2P (responsibility to protect) is recently focused on. (Minshik KIM)

2012-06-27

[Diplomacy] The World Bank in the Multi-Polar Economy (Mr. Kazushige Taniguchi, Special Representative from Japan for The World Bank) (19th June 2012)

　On June 19th 2012, Mr. Kazushige Taniguchi, Special Representative from Japan for The World Bank visited Hosei University and delivered a lecture on The World Bank in The Multi-Polar Economy. First, he insisted on the Developing Countries’ Rising Role and background of developing countries. Although developing countries are playing a key role in the global growth, those countries still have some issues. For example, high percentage of population without access to electricity, excessive numbers of deaths of female population and children under the age of five and high emission of CO2. Second, he made statements on Japanese economy and population. Total Population of Japan has been continuously decreasing since 2005, the year which the peak of the Japanese population was at and GDP of Japan is not growing after the collapse of Japan’s economic bubble. Finally, Mr. Taniguch explained general description of The World Bank. He said that The World Bank is the largest international development financial institution in the world and provides long-term development assistance to developing countries by cooperating with The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in comparing countries. He also explained about “World Bank/International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings” that is to be held in Japan this year. (Minako Ishikawa)

2012-06-20

[Seminar] Peace Operations in the 1990 and the Twenty-First Century (19th Jun 2012)

　On 19th June 2012, following presentations made by the Economic Development group, the seminar first discussed how a triple transformation took place in peace operations comprising quantitative, normative and qualitative changes. Following the end of the Cold War, the United Nations began to implement complex operations addressing the causes of intra-state conflicts and transform war-torn societies by fostering human rights and democratic governance. The seminar then studied the recommendations made by the Brahimi Report through improvements in making decisions at UN headquarters and enacting mandates by the Security Council, securing of resources, deploying peacekeepers and carrying out operations robustly. Further reform proposals were presented to the General Assembly by the Secretary-General based on the recommendations of the high level panel on threats and challenges to the international community. The General Assembly then adopted a resolution commonly called the Outcome Document and established a Peacebuilding Commission and a standing police capacity and endorsed the notion of the responsibility to protect (R2P). The United Nations, through adoption of the Capstone Doctrine, also added three principles, credibility, legitimacy and national ownership to its existing principles of consent, impartiality and non-use of force except for self-defense. (Yuna Kitamura)

2012-06-20

[Diplomacy] Liberalism and International Political Economy (Professor Hasegawa) (12th June 2012)

　On 12th June 2012, Professor Hasegawa delivered a lecture on liberalism and international political economy. Adam Smith claimed that wealth of nation increases if economic activities are left to the invisible hand. David Ricardo said that the theory of comparative advantage explains the benefit of free trade. They insisted that a government should leave men and their activities alone and not to regulate them. Liberalism has three variations. It is market, institutional and republican liberalism. Interdependence makes nation states to seek stability and peace while international organizations set norms and rules to enable states to cooperate. Secondly, Professor Hasegawa explained the Neo-liberalism. The market should function without government intervention. Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan are the ones who carried this out. By various systems such as GATT or WTO, the doctrine advocating global free market gained strength. Then John Williamson made the Washington consensus which called for restructuring, deregulation, tax reform, tariff abolition, free capital movement, etc. Thirdly, Professor Hasegawa explained the implications of financial crises that took place during the last two decades The Asian Financial Crisis started in Thailand and spread to Indonesia, South Korea and other parts of Asia and Russia in late 1990s. This was a sudden loss of confidence in national currencies of these countries. The world financial crisis that continues up to today began by the extension of excess subprime loans in 2007. Finally, he explained the nature and extent of the current European sovereign debt crisis. Many European countries are suffering from enormous debts from huge public expenditure and capital shortage in banks. The amount of public expenditures has been kept relatively low in comparison with other advanced countries. The number of public servants in Japan is less than almost all other industrialized countries of Europe and North America. Japanese banks which had most serious problem in the 1990s now have low loan deposit ratios and stronger a capital liquidity position than European banks. But, the level of Japan`s government and public sector debt is excessively high at about twice the amount of Japan’s gross domestic product. The public debt has to be curtailed lest it would eventually impact the national solvency. (Daiki Kawabe)

2012-06-13

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