Publications

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Bolstering Japan’s Foreign Policy Image: Inside Kishida’s Human Rights Diplomacy

AuthorICHIHARA Maiko
DateFeb. 4, 2022

AbstractThis articles examines background forces and challenges in Kishida administration's human rights diplomacy.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

The Stratified International Order and Japan [in Japanese]

AuthorICHIHARA Maiko、SAITO Kosuke、SAHASHI Ryo、SUZUKI Sanae、TANAKA Junko
DateFebruary 2022

AbstractAs the US and China hold different views of order, and as confrontation becomes more structured, the diplomatic arena over human rights, democracy, economic security and other issues is expanding. Japan must boldly enter and act in this new arena of debate.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Commitment to Democracy must Remain Independent of Geopolitics

AuthorICHIHARA Maiko
DateDec. 18, 2021

AbstractThe author first discusses anti-democratic measures taken by nations in the context of preventing COVID-19 outbreaks in their territory, but also to get a tighter grip over their population, even limiting freedom of speech.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Japan should be a guardian of freedom and democracy in Asia: The direction of our foreign and security policy [in Japanese]

AuthorICHIHARA Maiko
DateDecember 9th, 2021

AbstractFor the sake of its own security, Japan must become a guardian of liberal democratic values.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Global Views of Biden’s Democracy Summit

AuthorBROWN Frances Z., ICHIHARA Maiko; et al.
DateDec. 6, 2021

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.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Japan should use it’s power to revitalize democracy [in Japanese]

AuthorICHIHARA, Maiko
DateNovember 25th, 2021

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.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Policy Paper: From Democracy Summit to Global Democratic Agenda?

AuthorYOUNGS Richard; ICHIHARA Maiko; et al.
DateNov. 23, 2021

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.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Japan’s COVID-19 Responses: Issues of Weak Science-Based Governance

AuthorICHIHARA Maiko
DateOct. 31, 2021

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.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

To Influence Japan, China Tries Subtlety

AuthorNIVEN Timothy; ICHIHARA Maiko
DateOct. 2021

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.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Chinese capital has yet not eroded Chilean democracy [in Spanish]

DateOct. 18, 2021

AbstractArticle about FPP’s publication on corrosive capital in Chile. Hannig is the main source interviewed on the research’s findings.