Publications

Democracy and Human Rights Program

“Influence Operations” are Threat to Democratic States [in Japanese]

AuthorMaiko Ichihara
DateJanuary 21, 2024

AbstractOn January 21, 2024, an article of Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law, "'Influence Operations' are Threat to Democratic States," was published in the Yomiuri Shimbun. In this article, Professor Ichihara explains that the term "influence operations" may seem irrelevant to daily life, but it is a serious threat. For example, she mentions how China has been trying to influence Japan by spreading disinformation about Japan through various methods, such as calling the treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant "nuclear-contaminated water" and imposing a total embargo on Japanese seafood. She also points out that influence operations are also directed at elections, which are the foundation of democracy, and that Russia's intervention in the U.S. presidential election and China's intervention in Taiwan's presidential election are also carried out using disinformation. In response to the growing threat of influence operations, we must first understand the harmful effects of the attention economy, reduce the influence of disinformation through reliable traditional media, and ensure that the general public is aware of the need to protect democracy from being undermined and to protect democracy supported by true freedom. Professor Ichihara emphasizes that these measures are extremely effective in countering influence operations by authoritarian states.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

The Dangers of TikTok, a Pending Debate in Latin America [in Spanish]

AuthorHANNIG NUÑEZ Sascha
DateFebruary 14, 2024

AbstractOn February 14, 2024, La Tercera published an article authored by Ms. Sascha Hannig Nuñez, a doctoral student in the Graduate School of Law, entitled “The Dangers of TikTok, a Pending Debate in Latin America.” In this article, Ms. Hannig discusses that while India, the United States, New Zealand, and dozens of other countries have restricted the use of TikTok in their countries, TikTok has become very popular in Latin America. The problems it could pose to Latin American societies in the future and the measures that will be required to combat them are analyzed in this article. She first cites three main reasons for the worldwide restrictions on TikTok usage: the Chinese Communist Party's establishment of legal frameworks to utilize TikTok as a defense mechanism; doubts about whether the company adequately manages the content promoted or restricted on TikTok; and concerns regarding the number of underage users on TikTok. In conclusion, Ms. Hannig notes that discussions about regulating TikTok in Latin America are currently limited. However, she emphasizes the need for comprehensive discussions that take into account data protection and the geopolitical shifts each country faces.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

An Analysis of Counter-Narratives to Disinformation about the COVID Vaccine

AuthorRei Kamikawa, Sosei Oi, Tomoya Maeda
DateMay 28, 2024

AbstractThere are growing concerns that one of the contributing factors to the spread of vaccine hesitancy is the dissemination of misinformation on the internet, where unsubstantiated information exchanges take place among individuals often referred to as “naturalists" on social media platforms. To explore potential solutions to the concerns, this paper analyzes the personas targeted by the entities that disseminate disinformation. Subsequently, it examines effective countermeasures for disseminating counter-narratives against disinformation and highlights the concerns and societal considerations in implementing these strategies.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

China’s YouTube Propaganda in Latin America

AuthorHANNIG NUÑEZ Sascha
DateFebruary 13, 2024

AbstractOn February 13, 2024, Sascha Hannig Nuñez, a doctoral student in the Graduate School of Law, authored an article, "China’s YouTube Propaganda in Latin America," which was published in The Diplomat. In this article, Hannig stated that Chinese state media share common objectives and aim to shape public opinion along Beijing's perspective under the guidance of President Xi Jinping. She pointed out that Spanish-language channels operated by the China Media Group, including China Global Television Network (CGTN), Xinhua enespañol, and Hola China (CCTV), adopt different strategies, and their influence on viewers is limited. However, she noted that videos on specific topics attract more attention; for example, those addressing cultural issues or regional crises tend to receive higher viewer engagement.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

“TikTok’s Impact on Security and the Current State of TikTok Regulations: Cases of the United States and Europe” [in Japanese]

AuthorSascha Hannig Nuñez and Maiko Ichihara
DateFebruary 1, 2024

AbstractOn February 1, 2024, Ms. Sascha Hannig Nuñez, a doctoral student in the Graduate School of Law, and Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law co-authored an article, “TikTok's Impact on Security and the Current State of TikTok Regulations: Cases of the United States and Europe,” which was published in the Journal of Law and Information System. In this paper, Ms. Hannig and Professor Ichihara first discussed the role of media and social media platforms in shaping the narrative orchestrated by the Chinese government. They then examined the concerns raised by TikTok from four perspectives: national security concerns, input biases in algorithms and AI, dissemination of misinformation particularly among youth, and democratic considerations. Subsequently, they analyzed the regulations imposed on TikTok in Europe and the United States and concluded by providing recommendations for future actions to be taken in Japan. They emphasized the importance of measures that protect national security and children's rights while eliminating arbitrariness. They highlighted the necessity of conducting analyses of social media platforms, considering the influence of Chinese domestic laws, and implementing legal frameworks to protect privacy rights.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Being Connected from Myanmar: “We Are Still Here”

AuthorSulastri
DateApril 30, 2024

Abstract*This paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 8, 2024.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Challenges in Measures against Digital Influence Operations: Why can’t the EU/US deal with the methods used by China, Russia, and Iran?

AuthorKazuki Ichida
DateApril 15, 2024

AbstractThe digital influence operation measures being undertaken in the EU and the US focus on dealing with disinformation, which in turn includes dealing with foreign interference and major social media platforms. However, the main aim of the CRI (China, Russia, and Iran) operation is to widen the polarization and distrust that already exist within their counterparts, and the use of disinformation and major social media platforms is only one of the ways to do so. The effectiveness of EU and US measures is limited in scope because the CRI can use other options to circumvent them. Since the attacker's goal is to divide the target country and spread distrust, it is essential for the defender to have an overarching understanding of the domestic situation in order to conduct research and to cope with the influence operation. However, surveys and research often involve case studies, and the overall picture is rarely examined, so effective findings are scarce. Current countermeasures, which are symptomatic treatments lacking a holistic picture, tend to fall into alarmism that issues indiscriminate warnings, and as a result, may deepen polarization and distrust. It is important to prioritize the understanding and sharing of the big picture in countermeasures against digital influence operations.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Reflections of a Myanmar Activist: Navigating Struggles and Fostering Resilience in Japan for the Homeland

AuthorHnin Htet Htet Aung
DateApril 12, 2024

Abstract*The paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 1, 2024.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Hong Kong Activism from the Perspective of Journalism and Cultural Ideas

AuthorSulastri
DateMarch 28, 2024

Abstract*This paper was written based on an interview conducted on February 27, 2024.

Democracy and Human Rights Program

Freedom of Party Formation through the Constitutions of Thailand

AuthorParin Jaruthavee
DateMarch 22, 2024

AbstractThe freedom of party formation is fundamental to democratic values but is often overlooked in Thailand. Contrary to its intended purpose of safeguarding rights and freedoms, the Thai constitution inadvertently impedes these very principles. By imposing stringent requirements for party formation and facilitating easier dissolution, the constitution not only imposes burdens on political parties but also restricts the freedom to establish them. Such constraints significantly undermine Thai citizens’ political participation and representation. Furthermore, the ease of party dissolution manipulates Thailand’s political context, and is often used as a strategic chess piece in the broader political game. This dynamic further complicates the political landscape in Thailand and highlights the need for constitutional reform to truly reflect the voice of the people.