Other Publications
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.
Law and International Relations as a Liberal Arts [in Japanese]
AbstractOn February 20, 2024, Law and International Relations as Liberal Arts: Bridges to New Fields of Scholarship, edited by Hitotsubashi Lecture Series on Law and International Relations Editorial Committee, was published. Many researchers belonging to GGR wrote chapters of this book. This series is designed to provide an overview of the field for those interested in law and international relations. While covering the latest research findings and topics in each field, the series also serves to demonstrate the research strength of Hitotsubashi University's Graduate School of Law and the Faculty of Law, as well as to contribute to society. Through this series, readers can acquire basic knowledge of law and international relations necessary for living in today's society.
Analyzing Chinese State Media’s Presence on Spanish-speaking YouTube
AbstractOn February 16, 2024, Freedom House published an article authored by Sascha Hannig Nuñez, a doctoral student in the Graduate School of Law, entitled "Analyzing Chinese State Media’s Presence on Spanish-speaking YouTube." In this paper, Ms. Hannig examines the presence, reach, narratives, and strategies of the Chinese Media Group's (CMG) Spanish-language programs on YouTube, using methodologies including content analysis, based on over 14,000 online videos published since 2016, amid the global expansion of Chinese state media. Through a comparative study of videos released by China Global Television Network (CGTN), Xinhua enespañol, and Hola China, she concludes that their reach and influence are limited. She also notes various strategies such as narrowing down themes, targeting specific audiences, and amplifying narratives of other governments. However, she points out a common emphasis on producing a large amount of content to attract viewers' interest, increase followers, and subtly assert political perspectives.