Publications
Testimony for Resilience: Perspectives of a Karenni Youth on Oppression, Humanitarian Aid, and Diaspora Activism
Abstract* This paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 14, 2024.
Generational Resistance for Democracy: Three Generations’ Resistance Against the Military Junta in Myanmar
Abstract*The paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 11, 2024.
Beyond Borders: The Noto Peninsula Earthquake and the Hongkonger Community’s Response
AbstractThe Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture not only raised sympathy from Hongkongers residing in Japan but also served as a significant test for their longstanding tradition of engaging in charity campaigns. In response to the disaster, the Japan Hongkongers Association promptly initiated a donation campaign to support the affected communities. To maximize outreach and impact, the association promoted the campaign both locally and internationally, employing various strategies, including effective use of social media. Along with the online campaign, some Hongkongers volunteered directly in the affected areas, providing physical and emotional support. The incident has not only heightened awareness and preparedness for future emergencies among the Hongkonger community in Japan but has also tightened their local and global bonds with the Japanese community. These efforts demonstrate solidarity and resilience among the Hongkong diaspora with a deepened sense of community, which will resonate well in the future.
“Hong Kong as an Ambiguous ‘Border'” [in Japanese]
AbstractOn February 15, 2024, an article authored by Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law, "Hong Kong as an Ambiguous 'Border'" was published in the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun. In this article, Professor Ichihara discusses the legal and political challenges facing Hong Kong due to its unique status, using the example of the extradition of pro-democracy activists. She mentions that even after the handover of Hong Kong, Hong Kong residents, who enjoy easy access to the outside world, have been resisting the increased repression by the Hong Kong government under the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, with the 2019 anti-government protests being a symbolic example. She also points out that to suppress the growing anti-government voices, the Chinese Communist Party has expanded the spread of disinformation overseas. Furthermore, Professor Ichihara expresses concern about the Hong Kong government's preparation to enact a new national security law, highlighting the Chinese Communist Party's efforts to expand its influence overseas through Hong Kong's ambiguous border.
China’s YouTube Propaganda in Latin America
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," published in The Diplomat. In this article, Ms. 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, adopt different strategies, limiting their influence on viewers. 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.
“Influence Operations” are Threat to Democratic States [in Japanese]
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.
The Dangers of TikTok, a Pending Debate in Latin America [in Spanish]
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.
An Analysis of Counter-Narratives to Disinformation about the COVID Vaccine
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.
China’s YouTube Propaganda in Latin America
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.
“TikTok’s Impact on Security and the Current State of TikTok Regulations: Cases of the United States and Europe” [in Japanese]
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.