YASUHIRO NAKASONE, Chairman

The period since the end of the Cold War has been one in which the global situation has undergone great change, and forecasting the future has become significantly more difficult.

During this “era of dispersion,” which has involved a search for identity in which the forces pulling us outward seem stronger than those pulling us inward, the Institute for International Policy Studies has subjected the crucial issues confronting the international community to close examination from an independent standpoint, and has offered creative and constructive proposals—both to Japan, regarding its future course, and to the world. In the future as well, we intend to maintain a long-term, global outlook as we proceed with our research; to bring together the wisest heads from Japan and overseas in our capacity as an open international research institute; and to continue conducting policy research and issuing recommendations—all with a view to making a contribution to the establishment of greater peace and prosperity for Japan and the world.

I hope that I can count on your strong support for our activities striving for peace and prosperity—both in Japan and throughout the world.

We live today in an era of major change. As globalization and increased fluidity of movement have confronted the international community with new issues in the security and economic spheres, the problem of global warming has also come to light. Here in Japan, too, drastic measures are required to deal with numerous issues such as social security, as we face the reality of our aging population and declining birthrate.

Under these circumstances, it is now more important than ever that private think tanks be actively engaged in issuing policy proposals from an independent standpoint, as this is vital to the process of formulating and promoting the policies necessary to achieve peace and prosperity for Japan and the world. Since its foundation, the Institute for International Policy Studies has been actively conducting research and issuing recommendations on a wide range of issues. However, in light of current domestic and international problems, I believe that from now on we must attempt to step up our efforts even further. I hope that I can count on your support and cooperation.