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[Seminar] The Information Revolution and Aristotle’s Theory of Justice (22nd May 2012)

On May 22nd 2012, the Human Rights Group made a presentation on Chapter 8 of the “Understanding Global Conflict and Cooperation: an Introduction to Theory and History” by Joseph Nye, Jr. and David Welch. The presenters, Mr.Yuhi Kawase and Ms.Jieun Park explained the history and the characteristics of the information revolution and the changes that it has brought to politics. Also, they explained why terrorists, NGOs, and multinational corporations have emerged.
That presentation was preceded by comments from Ms.Aimi Ezawa on the balance of power in the region, while Mr.Shogo Yoshida spoke on the global public interest. The class discussed how the “digital divide” can be approached from the international level, state level, and individual level.
On the Justice Group presentation, we watched Michael J. Sandel’s video lecture and we discussed Casey Martin’s case study, using Aristotle’s Theory of Justice. Ms.Akiho Terauchi explained his theory; which designates the most suited thing goes to the most suited person. Determining the purpose of an object is a stating point, according to Aristotle’s Theory of Justice.(Eri Iijima)

2012-05-24

[Diplomacy] The United Nations’ role on diplomacy (Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Former Under-Secretary-General of the UN) (22th May 2012)

　On May, 22, 2012, Mr. Akashi, former Undersecretary-General of the United Nations, visited Hosei University and gave a lecture on the United Nations in relation to its current challenges and interventions. Though the UN is carrying out on an intervention in Syria, – through ex-Secretary-General Kofi Anann’s mediation and its truce-monitoring mission, anti-government groups are claiming that current intervention by the UN is insufficient and calling for further UN involvement in Syria. But it is impossible to answer such a call. There are two reasons why the UN is unable to do so. First, the system of the Security Council. The existence of veto, held by five permanent members, is a cause of difficulty in decision making. This prerogative for the five is important in keeping powerful nations engaged in the UN. Second the interest of each member state that has a strong influence on the UN and its decision making. The UN is in some dilemma, having learned from failures in intervention in the past. A new notion was proclaimed in the Outcome Document adopted in 2005 as “the responsibility to protect”. At present, the UN is in a major transition from absolute state sovereignty to the implementation of trans-national human rights. The system of the Security Council and the divergent state interests prevent the UN from living up to the high expectation of the UN charter. On the other hand, member states can reach agreement when find a mutual interest to do so. So the key for greater efficiency of the UN is for the member states explore and reach more compromises in their struggle for interest harmonization, in order to better manage the UN. (Yuka Narikawa)

2012-05-23

[IntOrg] UN Security Council Reform (Mr.Umid and Professor Hasegawa) (16th May 2012)

　On 16th May 2012, Mr. Makhmudov Umid, a graduate student from Hosei University, made a presentation on the implications of the Security Council reform. One of the reasons why the Security Council needs reform is that the number of permanent members and non-permanent members are not sufficient to reflect the present condition of the world. Japan has attempted to be a permanent member along with India, Brazil and Germany. The failure of UN members to reach a consensus is their preoccupation with their national interests. According to Mr. Umid, Japan has diplomatic disputes with China, Russia, South Korea and so on. The Japanese tasks for the future are to take a leadership on the world stage, to resolve the disputes with the permanent members and to actively grapple with the reform of the Security Council.

　Professor Hasegawa then explained in detail the reform process which started in September 2003 when Kofi Atta Annan, the Secretary-General of the UN at the time, proposed the establishment of a High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change. Since its establishment in November, the Panel addressed three questions: (1) “what is the new threat that the international society faces?” (2) “what can be taken as a group against the new threats?” and (3) “how should the structure of the UN be reformed?” With regard to the Security Council, the Panel considered imperative to increase its effectiveness and credibility by bringing into the Security Council those countries that contribute most in terms of decision making and resources. The Secretary-General reflecting the recommendations of the Panel then presented in his report, “In Larger Freedom”, two Models A and B. Professor Hasegawa also explained other suggestions and proposals made by Group of Four, Consensus Group, African Union, the United States and the LDCs. Intensive and extensive negotiations took place in 2005 but due to the lack of a promising prospect for adoption of any of the proposal, no voting took place on them and the Security Council reform was abandoned temporarily. Professor Hasegawa noted that the Secretary-General’s proposal reflected the rationale for a more effective way to manage the international security, while the member states pursued primarily their immediate national interest. The Westphalia world of anarchy still prevailed and the era of effective global governance was yet to come. (Yui Narikawa)

2012-05-17

[Seminar] In the fifth class, we carefully read “International Conflict” Chapter 7 and “Justice” Chapter 4 (15th May 2012)

　On 15th May 2012, in the fifth class, we had two presentations. First, Moe Kurisu and Yui Narikawa spoke on globalization and interdependence. They explained primarily the level of globalization, interdepndence, and how petroleum plays a very important role in the world. In the second presentation, Mai Nakasendo and Sayuri Maruyama talked about the ideologies by two famous philosophers, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Afterwards, we watched a DVD that contained the footage from Michael J Sandel’s class on “the conscription, the mercenary or the vountary” and “surrogate birth”.(Aimi Ezawa)

2012-05-16

[IntOrg] The Function of International Labor Organization as an international organization (Professor Yozo Yokota) (9th May 2012)

　On 9th May 2012, Professor Yozo Yokota visited Hosei Universiy and delivered a lecture on International Labour Organisation as a unique international organization. First, he explained the history, role and importance of the International Labor Organization (ILO). Second, he noted the tripartite system of representation and decision making, the role for international standards setting and the supervisory function as the key roles played by ILO. Finally, Professor Yokota said that the ILO was a model of other International organizations. However, he also mentioned that it was required to reflect the changes taking place in its works. (Minako Ishikawa)

2012-05-10

[Seminar] Cold War, Nuclear Weapons and Humanitarian Interventions (8th May 2012)

　On 8th May 2012, the Human Rights Group made a presentation on chapter 5 and chapter 6 of Understanding Global Conflict and Cooperation: an Introduction to Theory and History by Joseph Nye, Jr. and David Welch. The presenters of chapter 5, Yuko Honda and Yuka Narikawa explained the history of The Cold War in terms of 3 stages and the effect of nuclear weapons played in keeping the Cold War from becoming real war. Then, Daiki Kawabe and Mai Kato on behalf of Mai Uchida presented the main theme of Chapter 6 and explained nationalism as the main cause of international disputes. The students then discussed in four groups the implications of external intervention in internal disputes of a sovereign country. (Jieun Park)

2012-05-09

[Diplomacy] Ambassador of Ireland Holds Dialogue with Hosei Students (8th May 2012)

　In this opening speech, Professor Katsuya Hirose, Dean, Faculty of Law welcomed the Ireland ambassador. In delivering his keynote speech, Ambassador John Neary provided first basic information on historical developments particularly those that took place after independence in 1922. Emphasizing its foreign policy of neutrality, he explained the Irish foreign policy centering the United Nations and participated in UN peacekeeping operations. Ireland had a strong commitment to a rules-based international order. In spite of its challenging economic situation at home, Ireland continues to spend about 0.52 percent of its gross domestic product for ODA activities with a particular focus on newly independent countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The Irish ambassador also explained the relationship between Ireland and Great Britain and mentioned the successful outcome of diplomatic negotiations between the two countries concerning Northern Ireland. In addition, he mentioned Ireland’s economic, social and cultural ties with Japan. Following the Ambassador’s presentation, Professor Mikiko Eto, Head of Department of Political Science, commented Ireland’s high status in human development index (HDI), democracy ranking and freedom index. Finally, Hosei University students asked questions to Ambassador concerning the neutrality policy, causes of conflict in Northern Ireland, ODA and other issues. (Yuko Honda)

2012-05-08

[IntOrg] New International Organizational Structure in Post-W.W.II (Professor Hasegawa) (25th April 2012)

　On 25th April 2012, Professor Hasegawa gave a lecture on the causes of First and Second World War and the changes incorporated in the principles, purposes and role of the international organizations. Firstly he explained that the failure of the collective security system adopted by the League of Nations is the lesson from its collapse. He then referred to various chapters and articles of the United Nations Charter. He also referred to several international conferences that prepared the establishment of the United Nations system and the Bretton Woods institutions. Professor Hasegawa explained three reforms adopted in 2005, such as the upgrading of the Human Rights Council and the International Peacebuilding Commission. He also mentioned key contributions made by Secretary-General particularly Boutros-Ghali and Kofi Annan under whom Professor Hasegawa served in peacekeeping missions from early 1990’s to 2006. (Sayaka Yatabe)

2012-04-29

[Diplomacy] Japanese Security Policy and Public Diplomacy (Mr. Shigeki Takizaki) (24th April 2012)

　On 24th April 2012, Mr, Shigeki Takizaki, Director, Personnel Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made a lecture about “Japanese Security Policy” and “Public　Diplomacy”. First, he explained about the “Japanese security policy”. After explaining what is national security and the security environment of Japan which has remained unstable even after the Cold War finished, he demonstrated Japan’s three-layered security policy. The first one is to protect itself by its own efforts such as the Self-Defense Forces. The second is to strengthen Japan-US security arrangements. The last one is to contribute to global security by sending SDF to UN peacekeeping operations, working active at various international organizations such as the UN etc. Second, he explained about “public diplomacy”. It is diplomacy which works directly upon individuals and the public opinion abroad to increase a national interest and to achieve diplomatic purpose. It is getting more important because the public opinion today mobilizes a government especially in democratic society. However, it is difficult for the public diplomacy to achieve something beyond real diplomatic policy or what a country really is. Finally he showed Japanese public diplomacy to the US through his experiences such as JET(Japan Exchange and Teaching) programme and the centennial of gift of cherry trees from Japan to US. (Yui Narikawa)

2012-04-25

[Seminar] The third class, carefully read “International Conflicts” Chapter3 and Chapter4 (24th April 2012)

　Today, the third seminar of this year was held in 4th and 5th period. During 4th period, we used “Understanding International Conflicts”. Two members from the Development and Economic group explained chapter 3: Balance of Power and the cause of WWI. In 5th period, another two presenters from the group explained collective security and WWⅡ.(Sayuri Maruyama)

2012-04-25

[IntOrg] Implications of international laws and treaties to sovereign nation states and the collapse of the League of Nations (Professor Hasegawa) (18th April 2012)

　On 18th April 2012, Professor Hasegawa made a detailed comparative analysis of the legal implications of international laws and treaties for sovereign nation states. He explained the legal status of an international organization and the relationship between an international law and a national law and noted the superior position given to either national or international laws by respective countries. In his lecture today, Professor Hasegawa also identified the three causal factors for the birth of an international organization. Particularly, he indicated that the desire to avoid any recurrence of war was one of the main reasons to create an international organization. He then explained how the League of Nations was established and identified lessons learned from its collapse. (Risa Kato)

2012-04-19

[Diplomacy] Comprehensive Foreign Policy and Diplomacy – theory and practice (Professor Hasegawa) (April 17th 2012)

　On April 17th 2012, Professor Hasegawa lectured on Diplomacy theory and practice. First, he explained the difference between nation country and state. It is important to understand Sovereignty and Control. Second, he lectured in the diplomatic method. He referred to the origin of diplomacy and development. As an example, he used the thoughts of Thomas Hobbes, Rousseau and Carl Schmitt. Third, he explained modern diplomacy. He explained Mixture of ideology. He said that if mixture of ideology occurs, double diplomacy will break out. After that, he showed us video clip about the World War II in order to discuss why Japan started the Pacific War. Finally, he compared the main point of realism which faces the problem of Dilemma of a security with Neo-realism which assumes objective society. (Yuhi Kawase)

2012-04-17

[IntOrg] International Organizations -Their Birth and Growth- (Professor Hasegawa)(11th April 2012)

　On 11th April 2012, in his first lecture on international organizations, Professor Hasegawa first explained the purpose of the class and its annual plan. He emphasized the importance of being consciously aware of how the birth and roles of the international organizations are viewed from different perspectives. First, he explained about the definitions of “International Organizations” which consists of a narrow sense and a wide sense. He examined the causes and structures of various international organizations including inter-governmental organizations (IGO), civil society organizations (CSO) and non-governmental organizations (NGO). Secondly, he explained the roles and functions of these international organizations. Thirdly, he provided an overview of how the international organizations increased their number and roles in the Westphalia world that has been dominated by sovereign nation states as main actors. In doing so, he referred to differences that existed about “nation” or “country” and “states”. (Misa Komine)

2012-04-12

[Seminar] The First Class of Hasegawa’s Seminar was held and carefully read “International Conflict” Chapter 2 (10th April 2012)

　Today, the first seminar of this year was held in 4th and 5th period. During 4th period, we had to explain the programs for this year and how to write in process. We believe that the end of the study tour will be during the summer vacation. After that, the research skill improvement program was held. From the program, we learned how to give presentation,discussion and ask good questions.
During 5th period, peace-building groups gave presentations about chapter 2 of “International Dispute”written by Joseph S. Nye Jr.
The presenter explained the cause of conflict in 3 phases; individual,national and international community with the case of war in Iraq. Also, we studied the paradigm of political philosophy through the history of Napoleonic Wars and the Congress of Vienna. (Mai Kato)

2012-04-11

[Diplomacy] Comprehensive Foreign Policy and Diplomacy – Theory and Practice (Professor Hasegawa) (April 10th, 2012)

　On April 10th, 2012, Professor Hasegawa started his lecture on Sogo Gaiko Koza (Comprehensive Foreign Policy and Diplomacy). First, he explained the synthesis on foreign policy, paradigm shift and method of evaluation. He explained how any particular paradigm affects the perception of events by people. As an example, he referred to the changing views of Japanese people about the launchings of ballistic missiles by North Korea over the past several years. Second, he explained various forms of diplomacy practiced by nation states, their governments and citizens and the difference in how diplomacy has been conducted by authoritarian and democratic countries. He referred to the problem created for the Government of Japan by the unintended outcome of the visit of former Prime Minister Hatoyama to Iran. In addition, he explained the importance of knowing the partners and adversaries as well as oneself in diplomacy and negotiations as explained by Sun Tzu and Mitoji Yabunaka. Third, he explained the implications of the Westphalia order and sovereignty of state. Finally, he mentioned the main elements of theories of realism, liberalism and constructivism in explaining international relations, including the term of “security dilemma”. (Yasuki Uchiyama)

2012-04-11

[Seminar] Exciting Tennis Matches between the Seminar Members — the 3rd day of the Spring Camp (2nd April 2012)

　On 2nd April 2012, all of the seminar students were divided into three groups: the human rights group, the development economics group and the peace-building group, and each group determined their annual plan this year. Through all programs of that training camp, they could image a series of the seminar class and their motivation could be uplifted. After that, they moved to the tennis courts by car, and played tennis. First, they played the one-on-one matches. The most of the games were seesaw game, and Professor Hasegawa was a very good tennis player. At last, Misa Komine won the victory. Moreover, they also played mixed doubles. However they couldn’t finish it because of lack of time. Next, they came back to the hotel again and took their luggage then went to the station. They headed to Shinjuku by bus and they said goodbye.
　The past three days, they had a great time to learn many things and deepened ties with the members of the Hasegawa seminar. (Misa Komine)

2012-04-02

[Seminar] Insightful Presentations about “The Problems of Philosophy”– the 2nd day of the Spring Camp (1st April 2012)

　On 1st April 2012, all of the seminar students analyzed themselves with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) in the morning. Then they watched the “Justice with Michael Sandel”, and discussed what would be the right thing to do if we had to choose either (1) killing one person to save the other five people or (2) doing nothing. After the lunch, they took some memorial photos in front of the Lake Kawaguchi, and then new sophomores made their presentations about “The Problems of Philosophy”. As the result of their scoring on the presentations, Mai Uchida was awarded the first prize. After the supper, they discussed where to go as their study trip in this summer vacation, yet they couldn’t reach an agreement. Finally, they had a little party. It was a precious time to know each other. (Kohei Yokota)

2012-04-01

[Seminar] Introduction to the Hasegawa Seminar — the 1st day of the Spring Camp (31st March 2012)

　On 31st March 2012, all of the seminar students and Professor Hasegawa went to Kawaguchiko for training camp. Between 13:00 and 14:00, they checked the time table of the training camp and the annual schedule of the seminar class this year. After that, each section: general affair section, website and minutes section, study trip section, public relations section and class management section, explained their works and introduce themselves. After 16:00, they decided the role of each member dividing into groups. Later, Professor Hasegawa talked on leadership between 17:00 and 17:45. After the supper, Shogo Yoshida and Keiki Takemasa made the presentations on how to write a thesis and to make a presentation. Finally, Professor Hasegawa gave the lecture about “international conflicts”. (Keiki Takemasa)

2012-03-31

[Seminar] 長谷川ゼミ幹部会 (30th March 2012)

　3月30日に長谷川ゼミの幹部会が開かれ、現ゼミ長の丸山小百合、副ゼミ長の中仙道舞と吉田翔悟に加え、顧問中本優太と野田悠将が参加した。ここでは、河口湖で3月31日から4月2日まで開かれるゼミ合宿の内容と今後の方向性を協議した。また、中本優太より、2011年度卒業生を代表して、長谷川先生へ記念品が手渡された。 (野田悠将)

2012-03-30

[NEWS] Peacekeeping Training Held in Yaoundé, Cameroon (25th March 2012)

　With the financial support of Japan, the Ecole Internationale des Forces de Securité (EIFORCES) of the Government of Cameroon organized a peacekeeping training course from 19 to 30 March 2012 at the Palais des Congress in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The peacekeeping seminar was formally opened in the presence of Cameroonese Secretary of State in charge of Gendarmerie Jean-Baptiste Bokam, Japanese Ambassador Tsutomu Arai and American Deputy Chief of Mission Lisa Peterson. General Mohammadou Hamadicko of Cameroon, in his capacity as Director of EIFORCES, oversaw the content of the course and suitability to the African context of peacekeeping operations. The team of trainers from Japan, Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa and UN International Mediator Ms. Michiko Kuroda was joined by Mr. Saif Malik of the United Nations Mission in Darfur and Mr. Hillel Loew, Peacekeeping Analyst. [……]

2012-03-25

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