Publications
Visualizing Record China Discourse through Exponential Family Embeddings
AbstractThis paper employs exponential family embeddings, a Bayesian machine learning method, to analyze the discourse in articles published by Record China. Specifically, it estimates the meaning of words in Record China articles by using exponential family embeddings. As a result of the estimation, this paper quantitatively reveals China's argument that Chinese democracy is superior and the discourse that the U.S. is a threat. If the amount of data is expanded in the future, it will be possible to visualize changes in Record China's discourse and differences between this discourse and that of the Japanese media in general. (The content of this article is solely the opinion of the author and has nothing to do with dip Corporation, to which the author belongs.)
Motherhood in Activism: A Dialogue with a Myanmar Activist Living in Japan
Abstract* This paper was written based on an interview conducted on February 22, 2024.
Japan and South Korea should also support Refugees in Asia [in Japanese]
AbstractOn August 6, 2023, The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun published an article authored by Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law, titled " Japan and South Korea should also support Refugees in Asia." The article outlines the stance that Japan and South Korea should take in response to the large number of refugees in Asia, comparable to or even exceeding that in Ukraine. Professor Ichihara first explains the number of refugees equal to or surpassing that of Ukraine in Afghanistan and Syria, and subsequently analyzes why these occurrences remain underreported. The professor highlights the difference in clarity between the situation of sovereignty violation depicted in the Ukrainian invasion, and the seemingly sovereignty-unrelated emergence of refugees stemming from internal political situations in the other two countries. Furthermore, the article argues that the distinction between good and evil is sharply delineated in the context of Ukraine, whereas in other cases, the challenge lies in framing actions within a good-versus-evil paradigm. Lastly, Professor Ichihara emphasizes the imperative for collaboration and support in terms of objective and reputable humanitarian aid within Asia, urging the governments of Japan and South Korea to contribute to refugee assistance efforts.
China–Georgia Relations: A New Move on the Chessboard?
AbstractOn January 14, 2024, a high-level delegation from Georgia’s ruling party visited China to bolster ties related to the Middle Corridor Initiative, connecting China and Europe. Georgia support this initiative due to obstacles in the northern route via Russia caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. China has been active in Georgia through investments and participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. The visit follows a Strategic Partnership Statement signed in 2023, marking a significant milestone. However, the specifics of the partnership remain vague, and Georgia's foreign policy priorities primarily focus on relations with Russia and Western allies. The statement aims to deepen political, economic, and cultural ties, but its practical outcomes are uncertain. Consideration of other regional players like Russia, the United States, and Turkey is crucial, given their historical interests in the Caucasus region. Georgia's pivot towards China represents a shift in its foreign policy approach, but its impact on bilateral relations remains uncertain amidst the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Caucasus.
Analyzing Record China through the Structural Topic Model
AbstractThis paper uses text data from Record China to analyze which discourses its operators try to spread. Through the analysis, it is found that although the site has the name Record China, many of the articles are related to the negative aspects of Japan-ROK (Republic of Korea) relations. Specifically, articles related to South Korea's criticism of Japan or South Korea’s behaviors over the comfort women issue and the Rising Sun Flag are observed. In addition, regarding China-related coverage, articles that emphasize China's influence in international cooperation and its economic and technological prowess are seen. This seems to be an attempt to show that China is on an equal footing with the U.S. or has even surpassed it. It can be said to be credible, since Maiko Ichihara (Hitotsubashi University) demonstrated the same thing in her past research using different methods and data. It is important to emphasize, however, that this article is limited in the strength of its evidence because the analysis uses the articles of only a single media outlet over two years. For example, it is not clear whether the trends identified in the analysis are found only in Record China, or whether they are discourses that can be found in other Japanese-language media as well. Additional data can clarify this uncertainty in the future.
An Overview of Attribution in Cyberspace Influence Operations
AbstractWho is behind the influence operations that are extending the battlefield to social media, and what are their intentions? This paper outlines attribution in cyberspace influence operations and discusses ways to uncover it. As well as presenting concepts, analysis cycles, and models of attribution, the paper puts the models into practice in a campaign conducted just prior to the 2023 G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting. It also discusses the limitations of attribution using information sources closed to cyberspace in terms of estimating intent, obtaining data, and identifying true senders.
The Transformation of International Politics as Seen in False Information and Narratives about Israel and Hamas [in Japanese]
AbstractOn December 8, 2023, the Foresight published an article by Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law titled "The Transformation of International Politics as Seen in False Information and Narratives about Israel and Hamas.” In this article, Professor Ichihara pointed out that misinformation and disinformation surrounding Israel and Hamas are widespread and that actors at various levels, including governments, political parties, trolls, and conspiracy theorists, distort the information space and have an impact that cannot be ignored. She explained the mechanism of the spread of disinformation using the attention economy model, in which content that attracts people's attention and appeals to their emotions rather than to the truth or quality of information is spread, and such emotionally appealing false content is spread on the Internet at an astonishing rate. While the need for fact-checking and media literacy education has been pointed out, she discusses the limitations of the effectiveness of fact-checking and media literacy education, given that the speed at which disinformation appears greatly exceeds the speed of fact-checking, that actors who seek to manipulate people's emotions and behavior do not necessarily spread only disinformation, and that actors who engage in influence operations launder information. Finally, she emphasized the need for an analytical framework to understand and analyze international politics shaped by people driven by emotions and information in an era when not only military power but also information and various types of actors, not only state parties, have influence.
How Disinformation Erodes the World’s Largest Democracy
AbstractIndia, despite being the world’s largest democracy, is facing a significant disinformation crisis, with a surge in fake news reported during the early pandemic period. Recently, over half the population has been exposed to disinformation, amplified by the country’s vast internet user base. The proliferation of fake news is significantly driven by right-wing influencers, supported by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who use digital platforms to spread divisive narratives and target political opponents. This has not only heightened domestic tensions, especially hatred against the religious minorities, but also undermined democracy in India. Despite certain countermeasures by fact-checkers and the government, the challenge of combating disinformation in India remains formidable.
Fragmented Voices: The Struggle for Democracy in Hong Kong and Abroad
AbstractThe situation in Hong Kong has worsened with increasing repressive actions by the local authority against activists, extending beyond local borders to target Hong Kongers abroad. This crackdown represents a significant erosion of freedoms and democratic values, as evidenced by arrests of activists and supporters, and the extended enforcement of laws overseas. The dire state of affairs is reflected in Hong Kong’s declining rankings in global indices for press freedom and democracy, alongside a notable rise in emigration. However, as time progresses, the Hong Kong diaspora is experiencing a transformation in its identity shaped by each individual’s personal journey in the new surroundings, with a shifting sense of community as well as divergence in responses to the situation back home. This challenge highlights broader themes of political repression, migration, identity, and the enduring quest for freedom and democracy.
Myanmar Issue at Crossroads for Solution [in Japanese]
AbstractOn November 12, 2023, the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun published an article authored by Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law entitled "Myanmar Issue at Crossroads for Solution. The article focuses on the civil war in Myanmar, which continues without support or attention from the rest of the world, despite concerns that the world situation may become unstable due to serious conflicts breaking out simultaneously, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing struggle between the Islamic organization Hamas against Israel. Professor Ichihara noted that the the National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic minorities continue to resist the army, which staged a coup and took over the government in 2021, in various parts of the country, and that the future of the Operation 1027, which was launched in the northeastern area, will determine the future course of the conflict. In addition, she stated that many of the displaced people born as a result of the fighting in the northeast are facing severe food shortages. She stressed that even under these circumstances, the international community has not provided substantial assistance and that Japan, as a major power in Asia, should take the lead in resolving the Myanmar issue to prevent further civilian casualties.