1997

191, Dec. 1997: Global governance: Some reflections (E), R. Imai

In today's world an increasing number of problems affect every nation. It is difficult for the present international system, which is based on the concept of the nation-state as the chief actor in relations between states, to deal effectively with these. The term "global governance" has become popular as the international community searches for ways to solve problems such as nuclear proliferation and damage to the environment. Ryukichi Imai looks at some of these issues and suggests that a new international order at a higher level than that of national governments is needed if we are to find adequate solutions to the many problems facing the modern world.

187, Dec. 1997: In Pursuit of Universal Values (J,E), K. Tanaka

Human rights derive from the common humanity of all people and are universal, says Keijiro Tanaka. Only democratic systems of government embodying constitutional liberalism can safeguard the freedoms and rights of their citizens, and the spread of democracy offers the best chance for ensuring a peaceful world. However, individual rights must be balanced by individual responsibilities, and Tanaka argues for codifying these in a document similar to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. "Asian values" emphasize the obligations of individuals, but do not have the same universal quality as human rights, says Tanaka, because they can be used for both good and evil. The world must find a new equilibrium between rights and responsibilities to meet the circumstances of this global age.

182, June 1997: Energy issues in Asia for the 21st century (E), R. Imai

This paper combines and revises two papers, one written for the Twenty-Sixth Pugwash Workshop, Study on Nuclear Forces, that was held in Geneva on 8-9 February 1997, and one written for Harvard University's Center for Science and International Affairs/Japan Atomic Industrial Forum joint seminar on the future of nuclear issues, held in Boston on 24-25 February in Geneva, Cambridge, MA, and Washington, DC in the same month. Some new data about China's nuclear energy programs has been added, as well as information on some of the rapid changes that have taken place in Tokyo since the workshop. Ryukichi Imai is a professor of social sciences at Kyorin University, Tokyo, and distinguished research fellow at IIPS. He was Japan's ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva from 1982 to 1986.

180, Dec. 1997: Cyberspace and Virtual Diplomacy: The End of the Nation-State? (J,E) R. Hosoya

As the twenty-first century approaches, the world is dealing with profound changes, not least of which is the information revolution brought about by advances in computer technology and the development of the Internet. Ryuhei Hosoya focuses on the implications that the information revolution, and in particular the expansion of cyberspace, will have for the long-term development of the world political system, and how the nation-state, national governments, and the conduct of diplomacy, may be affected in the future. He suggests that cyberspace will come to provide the main platform for social activity between humans, in the process rendering territorial borders meaningless, and, through vastly improved communications, increasing the power of corporations, NGOs, and individuals in relation to the state.

179, July 1997: China's Accession to the WTO (J,E), T. Shindo

China's accession to the WTO holds great significance for the international community, says Tatsuhiro Shindo. If China can be brought into the fold, not only will the multilateral free trade structure that the WTO aims to establish be strengthened, but the stability of the international community as a whole will be enhanced. But China, once accepted, must do its part to assure others that it will abide by common international rules and change its economy to more closely fit with free market principles. Shindo is a senior research fellow at IIPS who has been seconded from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

176, Mar. 1997: National Identity and Ethnic-Religious Conflicts (Conference Report)

175, Mar. 1997: Asia-Pacific Cooperation and Japan, US, and China (Conference Report)

172, May. 1997: Security in Southeast Asia and the role of japan(E) M. Hashimoto

The arms proliferation process under way in Southeast Asia is not an arms race, says Motohide Hashimoto. However, it is vitally important to strengthen relations of trust between countries in the region to avoid instability. Confidence-building measures are crucial, and Japan should utilize its relationship of growing interdependence with Asia-Pacific countries to propose measures that would ensure stability in the region. At the same time, Japan must thoroughly support American efforts at stabilizing the region and encourage America's presence in Asia-Pacific.

166, Feb. 1997: Tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the security of the Asia-Pacific region (J,E) T. ShimauchiBack issues and subscriptions of policy papers are available.
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1998

219, December 1998: Transforming the global order for the 21st century(J/E,),Discussion paper

210, November. 1998: Kanryometrics: Sekection, Evaluation, and Aspiration in the Japanese Bureaucracy (E,),Kei Yamane

215, August. 1998: Nuclear weapons and nuclear energy:Past and future (E,),R.Imai

IIPS Distinguished Research Fellow Ryukichi Imai traces the development of nuclear power over the last fifty years. He says that since the early stages of its development, our views about nuclear power have undergone considerable change, particularly in relation to doctrines about its use, and the merits and demerits of nuclear energy. The recent actions taken by India and Pakistan in conducting nuclear tests have changed the nuclear landscape considerably. Imai says that although these tests have renewed public interest in nuclear issues, there has been a disconcerting loss of interest in the process of disarmament. He urges the international community in general and the Japanese government in particular, to take concrete steps toward the worldwide elimination of nuclear weapons.

213, July. 1998: Globalization and the transformation of the world order:Report of a study group (E,),R.Hosoya

This is a collection of reports from a study group which met for discussions at IIPS during the period April 1997 through March 1998. Chaired by Ambassador Ryukichi Imai and coordinated by IIPS Senior Research Fellow Ryuhei Hosoya, this was an interdisciplinary group comprising leading Japanese international relations theorists as well as a number of experts from academia, government, journalism and nongovernment organizations. Together, the group addressed the general theme of "Globalization and the Transformation of the World Order." The first section of the collection reviews the latest trends in international relations theory. The second section takes up developments in the areas of security, nuclear arms control, the world trade regime, the international financial market, energy, population and the environment. In the third section, an attempt is made to synthesize observations and insights made in the meetings within a new conceptual framework.

212, June. 1998: Political Crisis needs courage (E,),Y.Nakasone

On the occasion of his eightieth birthday, former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone looks back over fifty years of political life. His passion for politics and his commitment to international cooperation for world peace and stability undiminished, Nakasone takes a critical look at current happenings-the G8 summit, Japanese domestic politics, the financial crisis in East Asia. The Japanese government has to deal with difficult issues in both domestic politics and internationally, and must have the courage to take decisive, effective action, he says. The Hashimoto government has displayed significant endurance and managed to steer its course adroitly around various obstacles, but now Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto needs to hammer out his own initiatives, seize the opportunity to lead his government from the front, and show the quality of his leadership. This article first appeared as "Crushing political crisis impossible without courage," in the Daily Yomiuri, 25 May 1998, p.8.

211, May. 1998: Population, energy, and environment: Can Asia keep them in balance in the coming century? (E), R. Imai

Asian countries face immense economic, social and environmental pressures in the future as their populations increase, their citizens enjoy and demand higher standards of living, and the need for more energy sources rises. Even if optimistic projections for population growth are used, it is readily apparent that energy needs will not be met in the next century, barring some technological breakthrough. This is why nuclear energy is the only reasonable alternative for Asian countries. But this must be balanced among the various countries to fit with their unique energy programs and requirements. There are many hurdles to creating a regional nuclear energy program, however, and this fact tempers any optimism over seeing an Asia-wide cooperative nuclear regime take shape.