International Security and Global Governence
GIGA students (or English-speaking students) are welcome to join the seminar. The main working language in this seminar is Japanese. However, students are also encouraged to make presentations, join discussions, and write reports in English (in a semi-bilingual environment). Be aware that a basic understanding of the Japanese language will be recommended to participate fully in this seminar.
The seminar "International Security and Global Governance" (A-type/4 credits) aims to enhance the understanding of contemporary international politics and security in the world through examining theories, policy frameworks, and practices. Students must pursue their research agenda proactively, participate in the crisis simulation exercise, contribute to group work, and write a term research paper.
The international system has undergone significant changes. Twenty years ago (around 2003), when the United States was recognized as a “unipolar moment,” the main subjects of international security were interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq and international coordination on counter-terrorism. Globalization and deepening economic interdependence created notions for regional integration in Europe and Asia.
However, with the global shift in power distribution, the United States no longer maintains a unipolar structure. The rise of China challenges the existing region and global order. The Middle East is in a mess. The momentum of European integration has largely waned due to, but not limited to, Brexit. Geopolitical and historical tensions still linger in Northeast Asia.
We are now entering an era where we must change the prism/framework of looking into the world and regional affairs. Examples include: 1) from US-centric power and order to multi-actor equilibrium, 2) from traditional deterrence to multi-layered anti-access and denial, 3) from ‘legacy’ military capability to high-tech, cyber, and space technologies, 4) from liberal international order to non-liberal state capitalism, 5) redefinition of ‘global commons’ (maritime order, cyber and space). This seminar will grapple squarely with emerging agendas that we face after the 2020s.
Below are examples of themes for the ‘group work’ for this semester:
The rise of China and the change of international system
North Korea’s nuclear and missile developments
Current trends of international terrorism
The agenda for peace-building