[Seminar] The New Order of the Seminar started (17th July 2012)

 On 17th July 2012, the Seminar students elected their new leaders by secret ballot, and then Mr. Yasuki Uchiyama was selected as the 7th Head of the Seminar. In addition, three Vice Heads of the Seminar were chosen: Ms. Mai Uchida, Ms. Minako Ishikawa and Ms. Yui Narikawa. The new Head, Mr. Uchiyama, made a general policy speech and he said that he wished to make the remaining six months of the seminar much better with all the seminar students cooperating. (Yasuki Uchiyama)

2012-07-18
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[Seminar] The all-inclusive lecture by Professor Hasegawa and the special lecture by Mr. Hirabayashi (10th July 2012)

 On 10th Jul 2012, we attended the all-inclusive lecture by Professor Hasegawa. Using their PowerPoint slides made by Yui Narikawa and Moe Kurisu, Professor Hasegawa explained “Globalization and Interdependence” to us. Especially we discussed the issue of national defense in Japan. In the 5th period, we welcomed Mr. Hirabayashi Kunihiko, the Director of UNICEF at the Tokyo office and he delivered us the lecture on “Incredible India”. First of all, he explained the outline of India, especially geographical feature, religion and politics. Then he mentioned the health situation in relation to the issue of the regional and economical gap. Finally he emphasized “Social Exclusion” causes child labor and India should change it into “Social Inclusion”. After the seminar, we had dinner with Professor Hasegawa, Mr. Hirabayashi and his daughter. (Mai Nakasendo)

2012-07-11
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[Balkan] The Current Contributions and Outcomes of JICA to the Balkan States (Professor Kurosawa) (9th July 2012)

 On 9th July 2012, Prof. Satoru Kurosawa, Former Resident Representative of JICA Balkan Office, delivered a lecture on the contributions of JICA to the Balkan States, particularly for the seminar students who will go to the Former Yugoslavia as the study-tour. In his lecture, he explained the current situation in Serbia and the close friendship between Serbia and Japan. First, he referred to Serbian role as a part of Europe, Serbian fame around the world and Yugoslavian religion. Second, he also mentioned the reason why Serbia has got along with Japan. After his presentation, some seminar students who will go to the Former Yugoslavia questioned him on the historical and political issues in the Former Yugoslavia. (Kohei Yokota)

2012-07-10
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[Seminar] Preventive deployments and Traditional Peacekeeping (26th June 2012)

 On June 26th 2012, the Peace Building Group and the Development Economic Group made presentations on the two chapters of “UNDERSTANDING PEACEKEEPING”.
 In the 4th period, the Peace Building Group explained the Chapter 6: Preventive Deployment. First, the Peace Building Group described how to prevent the occurrence of conflict and what tasks are fit for preventive deployments. Also, they mentioned that the primary goal of peace operations is to prevent conflict in the first place. In addition, conflict prevention chain suggested by Ken Menkhaus and the 6 links in this chain were discussed. Second, they talked about the two real cases of preventive deployment: UNPREDEP in Macedonia and EUFOR RD Congo. According to the presenters, the important aspect with the former mission was the president of Macedonia himself made the request to UN for help. Finally, they mentioned that the reason why there are relatively few examples of preventive deployments is due to the five political challenges and dilemmas. They concluded that the attention and intervention by international organizations is needed and the fast response from these organizations is essential.
 In the 5th period, the Development Economic Group presented Chapter 7: Traditional Peacekeeping. First, the Development Economic Group explained the holy trinity: consent, impartiality and minimum use of force. The last conception refers to non-use of force except for self-defense, said Professor Hasegawa. Second, they told that traditional peacekeeping is based on observer mission by the UN. Also, they presented three real cases of traditional peacekeeping missions: UNEF1 in Egypt, UNFICYP in Cyprus and UNMEE in Ethiopia and Eritrea. And finally, Professor Hasegawa mentioned that POC (protection of civilians) originated in R2P (responsibility to protect) is recently focused on. (Minshik KIM)

2012-06-27
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[Seminar] Peace Operations in the 1990 and the Twenty-First Century (19th Jun 2012)

 On 19th June 2012, following presentations made by the Economic Development group, the seminar first discussed how a triple transformation took place in peace operations comprising quantitative, normative and qualitative changes. Following the end of the Cold War, the United Nations began to implement complex operations addressing the causes of intra-state conflicts and transform war-torn societies by fostering human rights and democratic governance. The seminar then studied the recommendations made by the Brahimi Report through improvements in making decisions at UN headquarters and enacting mandates by the Security Council, securing of resources, deploying peacekeepers and carrying out operations robustly. Further reform proposals were presented to the General Assembly by the Secretary-General based on the recommendations of the high level panel on threats and challenges to the international community. The General Assembly then adopted a resolution commonly called the Outcome Document and established a Peacebuilding Commission and a standing police capacity and endorsed the notion of the responsibility to protect (R2P). The United Nations, through adoption of the Capstone Doctrine, also added three principles, credibility, legitimacy and national ownership to its existing principles of consent, impartiality and non-use of force except for self-defense. (Yuna Kitamura)

2012-06-20
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[Seminar] Current Transformation in Myanmar (Ms. Ryoko Iizuka) (29th May 2012)

 On 29th May 2012, in the 4th period, the 4 seminar students: Yuuhi Kawase, Kohei Yokota, Mai Nakasendo and Sayaka Yatabe, made presentations on the Chapter 9 of the “Understanding Global Conflict and Cooperation” written by Joseph Nye Jr. In the final chapter, Joseph Nye Jr. introduces a lot of prospect of the new world order; for instance, World Federalism, Functionalism, Regionalism, Ecologism and Cyber-Feudalism. In addition, Nye also mentioned that there are two conflicting ideas to how conflicts in the future will be formed. One side claims the persistent existence of monopoly by the liberals, and the other claims the revelation of the clash of cultural groups once hindered by conflicts of other nature such as proxy war. Furthermore, Ms. Ryoko Iizuka, the former programme manager of the UNDP Myanmar Office, made an insightful lecture entitled “Current Transformation in Myanmar” in the 5th period. First, she referred to the Myanmar’s transiton from military junta to civilian government (President Thein Sein regime) in terms of politics and economy. In additon, she also pointed out the political issues related to democracy under the President Thein Sein regime: for example, whether the government can pursue true democracy, whether the government can meet people’s needs, and whether the government can manage decentralization or not. Finally, she talked about the four UN strategic priorities: (1) to encourage inclusive growth, (2) to increase equitable access to quality social services, (3) to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change, and (4) to promote good governance and to strengthen democratic institutions and rights. Speaking of good governance, she quoted from the inagural address of President Thein Sein, “The new Government will amend and revoke the existing laws and adopt new laws as necessary to implement the provisions on fundamental rights of citizens or human rights”. (Shogo Yoshida)

2012-05-30
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[Seminar] The Information Revolution and Aristotle’s Theory of Justice (22nd May 2012)

On May 22nd 2012, the Human Rights Group made a presentation on Chapter 8 of the “Understanding Global Conflict and Cooperation: an Introduction to Theory and History” by Joseph Nye, Jr. and David Welch. The presenters, Mr.Yuhi Kawase and Ms.Jieun Park explained the history and the characteristics of the information revolution and the changes that it has brought to politics. Also, they explained why terrorists, NGOs, and multinational corporations have emerged.
That presentation was preceded by comments from Ms.Aimi Ezawa on the balance of power in the region, while Mr.Shogo Yoshida spoke on the global public interest. The class discussed how the “digital divide” can be approached from the international level, state level, and individual level.
On the Justice Group presentation, we watched Michael J. Sandel’s video lecture and we discussed Casey Martin’s case study, using Aristotle’s Theory of Justice. Ms.Akiho Terauchi explained his theory; which designates the most suited thing goes to the most suited person. Determining the purpose of an object is a stating point, according to Aristotle’s Theory of Justice.(Eri Iijima)

2012-05-24
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[Seminar] In the fifth class, we carefully read “International Conflict” Chapter 7 and “Justice” Chapter 4 (15th May 2012)

 On 15th May 2012, in the fifth class, we had two presentations. First, Moe Kurisu and Yui Narikawa spoke on globalization and interdependence. They explained primarily the level of globalization, interdepndence, and how petroleum plays a very important role in the world. In the second presentation, Mai Nakasendo and Sayuri Maruyama talked about the ideologies by two famous philosophers, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Afterwards, we watched a DVD that contained the footage from Michael J Sandel’s class on “the conscription, the mercenary or the vountary” and “surrogate birth”.(Aimi Ezawa)

2012-05-16
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[Seminar] Cold War, Nuclear Weapons and Humanitarian Interventions (8th May 2012)

 On 8th May 2012, the Human Rights Group made a presentation on chapter 5 and chapter 6 of Understanding Global Conflict and Cooperation: an Introduction to Theory and History by Joseph Nye, Jr. and David Welch. The presenters of chapter 5, Yuko Honda and Yuka Narikawa explained the history of The Cold War in terms of 3 stages and the effect of nuclear weapons played in keeping the Cold War from becoming real war. Then, Daiki Kawabe and Mai Kato on behalf of Mai Uchida presented the main theme of Chapter 6 and explained nationalism as the main cause of international disputes. The students then discussed in four groups the implications of external intervention in internal disputes of a sovereign country. (Jieun Park)

2012-05-09
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[Seminar] The third class, carefully read “International Conflicts” Chapter3 and Chapter4 (24th April 2012)

 Today, the third seminar of this year was held in 4th and 5th period. During 4th period, we used “Understanding International Conflicts”. Two members from the Development and Economic group explained chapter 3: Balance of Power and the cause of WWI. In 5th period, another two presenters from the group explained collective security and WWⅡ.(Sayuri Maruyama)

2012-04-25
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[Seminar] The First Class of Hasegawa’s Seminar was held and carefully read “International Conflict” Chapter 2 (10th April 2012)

 Today, the first seminar of this year was held in 4th and 5th period. During 4th period, we had to explain the programs for this year and how to write in process. We believe that the end of the study tour will be during the summer vacation. After that, the research skill improvement program was held. From the program, we learned how to give presentation,discussion and ask good questions.
During 5th period, peace-building groups gave presentations about chapter 2 of “International Dispute”written by Joseph S. Nye Jr.
The presenter explained the cause of conflict in 3 phases; individual,national and international community with the case of war in Iraq. Also, we studied the paradigm of political philosophy through the history of Napoleonic Wars and the Congress of Vienna. (Mai Kato)

2012-04-11
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[Seminar] Exciting Tennis Matches between the Seminar Members — the 3rd day of the Spring Camp (2nd April 2012)

 On 2nd April 2012, all of the seminar students were divided into three groups: the human rights group, the development economics group and the peace-building group, and each group determined their annual plan this year. Through all programs of that training camp, they could image a series of the seminar class and their motivation could be uplifted. After that, they moved to the tennis courts by car, and played tennis. First, they played the one-on-one matches. The most of the games were seesaw game, and Professor Hasegawa was a very good tennis player. At last, Misa Komine won the victory. Moreover, they also played mixed doubles. However they couldn’t finish it because of lack of time. Next, they came back to the hotel again and took their luggage then went to the station. They headed to Shinjuku by bus and they said goodbye.
 The past three days, they had a great time to learn many things and deepened ties with the members of the Hasegawa seminar. (Misa Komine)

2012-04-02
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[Seminar] Insightful Presentations about “The Problems of Philosophy”– the 2nd day of the Spring Camp (1st April 2012)

 On 1st April 2012, all of the seminar students analyzed themselves with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) in the morning. Then they watched the “Justice with Michael Sandel”, and discussed what would be the right thing to do if we had to choose either (1) killing one person to save the other five people or (2) doing nothing. After the lunch, they took some memorial photos in front of the Lake Kawaguchi, and then new sophomores made their presentations about “The Problems of Philosophy”. As the result of their scoring on the presentations, Mai Uchida was awarded the first prize. After the supper, they discussed where to go as their study trip in this summer vacation, yet they couldn’t reach an agreement. Finally, they had a little party. It was a precious time to know each other. (Kohei Yokota)

2012-04-01
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[Seminar] Introduction to the Hasegawa Seminar — the 1st day of the Spring Camp (31st March 2012)

 On 31st March 2012, all of the seminar students and Professor Hasegawa went to Kawaguchiko for training camp. Between 13:00 and 14:00, they checked the time table of the training camp and the annual schedule of the seminar class this year. After that, each section: general affair section, website and minutes section, study trip section, public relations section and class management section, explained their works and introduce themselves. After 16:00, they decided the role of each member dividing into groups. Later, Professor Hasegawa talked on leadership between 17:00 and 17:45. After the supper, Shogo Yoshida and Keiki Takemasa made the presentations on how to write a thesis and to make a presentation. Finally, Professor Hasegawa gave the lecture about “international conflicts”. (Keiki Takemasa)

2012-03-31
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[Seminar] 長谷川ゼミ幹部会 (30th March 2012)

 3月30日に長谷川ゼミの幹部会が開かれ、現ゼミ長の丸山小百合、副ゼミ長の中仙道舞と吉田翔悟に加え、顧問 中本優太と野田悠将が参加した。ここでは、河口湖で3月31日から4月2日まで開かれるゼミ合宿の内容と今後の方向性を協議した。また、中本優太より、2011年度 卒業生を代表して、長谷川先生へ記念品が手渡された。 (野田悠将)

2012-03-30
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[OBOG] Hasegawa Seminar Students Graduate (24th March 2012)

 On 24th March 2012, seven students of the Hasegawa seminar class graduated from the Hosei University. They are: Kanako Sakai, Kotaro Matsuda, Ryosuke Ohyama, Ryota Kimura, Yuho Nakagawa, Yuki Yamazaki and Yuta Nakamoto. Here is a photo of the graduating class after the ceremony. Professor Hasegawa sent his best wishes from Cameroon, Africa, where he was conducting a peacekeeping training course for about 30 police officers from several francophone countries. (Yuta Nakamoto)

2012-03-24
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[Seminar] Study Group on UN Peace Operations (18th February 2012)

 On February 18, 2012, a study group on UN peace operations held its session and heard three speakers: Mr. Hideki Hayashi, Ms. Nadia Wang and Mr. Hiroshi Matsumoto. First, Mr. Hideki Hayashi, captain of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, explained the growing importance of “Protection of Civilians (POC)” in PKO. Through his presentation, I think Japan should participate in POC and do overseas deployment of troops more. However, I understand there are some domestic problems such as constitutional interpretation. Second, Ms. Nadia Wang presented “Climate Change, Global Justice, and Democracy”. She said there were different opinions about the notion of responsibility for global warming or greenhouse gases between developing country and developed one. Professor Hasegawa explained the key phrase which was “common but differentiated responsibility”. Each country has each claim but I felt we should have consciousness for global citizens. Finally, Mr. Hiroshi Matsumoto, worked at Japan Action for Relief Center and Japan Center for Conflict Prevention spoke about Japan’s role in addressing humanitarian and other global issues. He said Japan should become a country which is respected by other countries in the future. To achieve that, Japan should extend helping to the world although Japan is also suffering from the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster of 3.11. (Yasuki Uchiyama and Yui Narikawa)

2012-02-18
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[Seminar] Head and Two Vice-Heads of Hasegawa Seminar Class Elected for the First Half of New Year, 2012 (10th Jan 2012)

 On 10th January 2012, in the last seminar class of the year 2011, there was an election of head and vice-heads of the Prof. Hasegawa seminar class for their term of first six months of 2012. As a result of the voting, Sayuri Maruyama was elected as the Head, and Shogo Yoshida and Mai Nakasendo as the Vice-Heads. The new executive team expressed their appreciation of honor accorded to them. They also pledged to provide good environment for each member of the seminar to be able to contribute to the seminar and to work hard together. (Shogo Yoshida)

2012-01-10
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[Seminar] Critical Issues of Security Sector Reform in South Sudan (January 10th 2012)

 On 10th January 2012, in the final seminar class of the year 2011, Dr. Mark Dowens, an officer in the Center for Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), and Mr. Dylan Hendrickson, King’s College London, delivered us a lecture on the critical issues of Security Sector Reform (SSR) in post-conflict countries. In their lecture, they explained SSR systems with the case in South Sudan. Also some graduate students in the HOSEI University and some undergraduate students in the department of Global Interdisciplinary Studies took part in this class. (Soichiro Hirabayashi)

2012-01-10
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[Seminar]2011年12月20日 長谷川ゼミ忘年会 -2012年に向けて、更なる親交を深める-

 After the seminar on 20th December 2011, Professor Hasegawa and members of the Prof. Hasegawa Seminar gave a year-end party in the Uotami in Iidabashi, Tokyo. In this party, we cheerfully looked back on the affairs this year in our seminar and promoted more deeply mutual friendship among us over a drink. We’re eager to work much harder in a body, so please treat us next year as well as you did this year. (Shogo Yoshida)

2011-12-21
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