GGR Issue Briefings / Working Papers
Hasina’s Last Stand: The Quota Movement, Student Uprising, and the Future of Bangladeshi Democracy
AbstractBangladesh has been ruled by Sheikh Hasina for 16 years, during which time the country’s democracy has been undermined by widespread vote rigging, voter intimidation, and violent suppression of the opposition. However, the tide began to turn with the student quota protests and subsequent uprising, which eventually forced Hasina from power and led to the establishment of a military caretaker government. Despite this shift, Bangladesh remains on a quest for democracy, struggling to recover from the long period of Hasina’s undemocratic rule.
Misinformation about Taiwan from Japan: Narrative Analysis and the Formation of New Narratives
AbstractHow should we deal with the growing concern over misinformation and disinformation? This paper examines this issue using misinformation about Taiwan emanating from Japan. The article “90% of Taiwan's Retired Executives Sell Information to China," published by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on February 28, 2023, not only sparked debate in Japan, but also led to the Taiwanese government directly pointing out the inaccuracy of the content. In this report, we first conduct a fact-check of this information and analyze the high probability that it is misinformation. Next, we counter the misinformation through a detailed analysis of the persona of the target of the misinformation and the narrative that the misinformation conveys. This study points out that the disinformation could trigger anti-Taiwan sentiment based on the persona of a 50-year-old married man, a company employee in a managerial position, with a household income of 8.5 million yen, and a Nikkei Shimbun reader. We will formulate counter-narratives from the perspective of the economy, in which the persona has a high interest, and will also touch on points to be considered when diffusing the information. Finally, we conclude that even newspaper articles must be careful about accuracy, pointing out the limitations of this paper.
Empowering Hong Kong: Journey of Community Building and Struggle for Freedom
Abstract*This paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 27, 2024.
Freedom for Hong Kong Begins with Ourselves
Abstract*This paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 21, 2024.
I am a Yangon Citizen Living in Tokyo: Interview with Journalist Yuki Kitazumi
Abstract*This article was written based on the interview conducted on March 11, 2024.
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.
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.
Being Connected from Myanmar: “We Are Still Here”
Abstract*This paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 8, 2024.
Other Publications
Japan’s Accidental Resilience in the Disinformation Age
Call to Action for Georgia’s Stability [in Japanese]
Democracy and Human Rights Program
The Rights of and Obligations towards Future Generations
The Current State of National Security and Digital Platform Regulation [in Japanese]
AbstractIn April, 2024, an article titled "The Current State of National Security and Digital Platform Regulation," authored by Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law, was published in Horitsu Jiho. In this article, Professor Ichihara analyzes how national security threats are triggered on digital platforms and examines digital platform regulations for ensuring security, using the United States as a case study. Professor Ichihara points out that each digital platform is formed based on the attention economy model, wherein emotionally charged content is placed in prominent locations, making it easier for emotional disinformation to spread and for populist politicians to mobilize the masses. She also mentions that with the advent of social media, the impact of digital platforms on international politics has dramatically increased, and explains the threats of influence operations conducted through digital platforms. Furthermore, although it is difficult to assess the appropriateness of temporary regulations, she emphasizes the necessity of unified regulations, including for U.S. platform providers, to stabilize security and international relations.
An Analysis of the Current State of China’s Strategic Nuclear Force Buildup Using Satellite Imagery [in Japanese]
AbstractOn March 4, 2024, a paper co-authored by Professor Nobumasa Akiyama of the Graduate School of Law with others, titled "An Analysis of the Current State of China's Strategic Nuclear Force Buildup Using Satellite Imagery," was published in the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology Open Laboratory for Emergence Strategies (ROLES) of the University of Tokyo. In this paper, they analyze the construction status of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) bases being developed by China in its interior regions, elucidate the progress of these developments, and examine their impact on the global military balance. First, they utilized satellite imagery to analyze the silo construction status in Hami, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. While the analysis did not reveal whether ICBMs were loaded into the silos, it suggested that the development of silo-launch models similar to those of Russia could be inferred. Furthermore, they discussed the potential changes in China's nuclear strategy, suggesting that by the mid-2030s, China might aim for nuclear superiority or at least the establishment of maximum deterrence. Finally, they considered the nuclear posture of China and the military balance between the U.S. and China through five scenarios, emphasizing the importance of establishing arms control measures that institutionalize mutual deterrence even at the regional level.