Publications
Global Views of Biden’s Democracy Summit
AbstractIn the Japan section, the author states that the Democracy Summit is coherent with the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision that the administration has been pushing for. Nevertheless, the invitation is sensitive as Tokyo had been advocating for a more inclusive approach, because it aims at consolidating cooperation in the region. The author recommends that the initiative should be followed up by regional meetings in which Japan can reach other nations, even if they weren’t invited.
Japan should use it’s power to revitalize democracy [in Japanese]
AbstractGiven the difficulty of the Myanmar problem, responses should not only be a short-term humanitarian measure but also a long-term democratization strategy, also considering how to mobilize the national army.
Policy Paper: From Democracy Summit to Global Democratic Agenda?
AbstractThis policy brief focuses on how a meaningful participation of Asian, African, and Latin American democracies can best be encouraged and ensured for democratic cooperation, and considering the context of both support for and criticism of these kinds of initiatives.
Japan’s COVID-19 Responses: Issues of Weak Science-Based Governance
AbstractThe author analyzes the reasons for Japan’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic not being as remarkable as the experiences in other Asian democracies, despite its rather stable democracy and contained populism. Trust in information, scientific-based decision-making, overall transparency and policy over the Tokyo Olympics are among the issues covered by the author. On the other hand, citizens’ behavior and the government’s respect for the Rule of Law are remarked as positive.
To Influence Japan, China Tries Subtlety
AbstractThe article touches upon China’s media strategy abroad, by first characterizing the way China attempts to localize its propaganda campaigns abroad, with limited success. It then proceeds to analyze Japan’s relation with Chinese propaganda, stating that this issue has only recently been addressed, and gives examples of how the CCP influences media space in Japan, for example with financial media.
Chinese capital has yet not eroded Chilean democracy [in Spanish]
AbstractArticle about FPP’s publication on corrosive capital in Chile. Hannig is the main source interviewed on the research’s findings.
The value of truth [in Spanish]
AbstractThis article comments on the 2021 Oslo Freedom Forum summit and the topics that were discussed in that meeting, while articulating its importance for Latin America.
“Soft Power and Sharp Power”, “Democratic Peace”, “Civil Society and Global Governance” [in Japanese]
AbstractThe impact of soft power, democracy and civil society on security is analyzed in this article.
The D10 Initiative and Japan: Options for Expanding the Coalition of Democracies
AbstractThe article reviews the merits and disadvantages of D10, which includes the G7 members plus the Indo-Pacific nations of Australia, India, and South Korea. It also reviews Japan’s role within this framework.
The Fairness Trap: Vaccine Reservation Systems and Chaos for the Elderly in Japan
AbstractThe paper addresses the political, technical and design-related issues that the Japanese vaccine distribution system faced, especially for elderly citizens. The author proposes that focusing on individual characteristics rather than fairness would have been better for the performance of the vaccination plan.