[IntOrg] International Public Service System (Professor Hasegawa) (30th May 2012)

 On 30th May 2012, Professor Hasegawa spoke on the international civil service system centered the United Nations common system. First, he explained how the international civil service emerged with the establishment of the League of Nations. The system was designed to enable international civil servants to maintain their highest standard, independence and impartiality. The Noblemaire Principle was established to provide the best working conditions and compensations to recruit most qualified personnel. Secondly, he explained the structure of United Nations secretariat consisting of the Secretary-General and his staff, including seven different kinds of contracts given to staff and personnel such as regular staff and technical cooperation personnel, etc. He noted dramatic increase in the ratio of women in staff composition as a result of gender equality policy adopted in the 1990’s. Finally, Professor Hasegawa talked about the recruitment criteria particularly competencies, academic qualification, professional expertise and proficiency in working languages. English has become the common language for use in most of the international organizations while French or Spanish is used as the second language.(Daiki Kawabe)

2012-05-31
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[Diplomacy] Japanese UN diplomacy on human rights (Mr. Akio Miyajima) (29th May 2012)

 On May 29th, 2012, Mr. Akio Miyajima, Deputy Director-General, Foreign Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited our University and gave a lecture in the Diplomacy class on Japanese UN diplomacy on human rights. First, he outlined basic concept of human rights and shared the class with recent news reports and focused on the history of human rights, important advancements and setbacks including genocides, after the WWII. Second, he explained on UN’s effort on human rights, its achievements as well as limits. He cited important UN agreements including UN Charter and World Declaration on human rights. He also talked about the new concept of “Responsibility to Protect.(R2P)”When human rights of civilians are not by their government, who should protect them? What is the responsibility of international community? Finally, he explained on Japanese diplomacy on human right and emphasized that Japan basically relies on “dialogue and cooperation”approach and has employed “human security” as important implementing perspective. He talked about efforts on UN human rights resolution. He distributed copy of Statement by Mr.Yamane, Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs at Human Rights Council High-level segment in Geneva which highlighted Japanese efforts on human rights both at international level and at home. (Risa Kato)

2012-05-30
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[IntOrg] Financial Basis and Resource in International Organizations (Ms. Akari Kano) (23rd May 2012)

 Today, Ms. Akari Kano gave students a lecture about the financial basis and resource in international organizations. The UN budget is determined in accordance to the principle of equal sovereignty. Member nations pursue their own interests, so the budget is said to have a political aspect. The UN has been operating on a smaller budget than generally believed. Recently, the UN came to deal with non-traditional security issues, so the budget has been increasing. There are some committees in the UN related to the budget, and they support the General Assembly. Financial resources of the UN are various. Commonly known are the expenses shared by member states of which Japan is the second largest. A share of expenses will be assessed by a certain equation, and this has been in line with world affairs. The UN is faced with financial difficulties because member nations do not pay their share of expenses. The US is falling behind payments totaling four hundred million. There are various reasons why member nations do not pay their share of expenses. Introducing international solidarity tax may be mentioned as a means to solve this matter. Japan has played an important role in the UN finance. However, Japan should not only make a financial contribution, but should also take leadership in terms of other areas. (Moe Kurisu)

2012-05-24
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[Diplomacy] The United Nations’ role on diplomacy (Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Former Under-Secretary-General of the UN) (22th May 2012)

 On May, 22, 2012, Mr. Akashi, former Undersecretary-General of the United Nations, visited Hosei University and gave a lecture on the United Nations in relation to its current challenges and interventions. Though the UN is carrying out on an intervention in Syria, – through ex-Secretary-General Kofi Anann’s mediation and its truce-monitoring mission, anti-government groups are claiming that current intervention by the UN is insufficient and calling for further UN involvement in Syria. But it is impossible to answer such a call. There are two reasons why the UN is unable to do so. First, the system of the Security Council. The existence of veto, held by five permanent members, is a cause of difficulty in decision making. This prerogative for the five is important in keeping powerful nations engaged in the UN. Second the interest of each member state that has a strong influence on the UN and its decision making. The UN is in some dilemma, having learned from failures in intervention in the past. A new notion was proclaimed in the Outcome Document adopted in 2005 as “the responsibility to protect”. At present, the UN is in a major transition from absolute state sovereignty to the implementation of trans-national human rights. The system of the Security Council and the divergent state interests prevent the UN from living up to the high expectation of the UN charter. On the other hand, member states can reach agreement when find a mutual interest to do so. So the key for greater efficiency of the UN is for the member states explore and reach more compromises in their struggle for interest harmonization, in order to better manage the UN. (Yuka Narikawa)

2012-05-23
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[IntOrg] UN Security Council Reform (Mr.Umid and Professor Hasegawa) (16th May 2012)

 On 16th May 2012, Mr. Makhmudov Umid, a graduate student from Hosei University, made a presentation on the implications of the Security Council reform. One of the reasons why the Security Council needs reform is that the number of permanent members and non-permanent members are not sufficient to reflect the present condition of the world. Japan has attempted to be a permanent member along with India, Brazil and Germany. The failure of UN members to reach a consensus is their preoccupation with their national interests. According to Mr. Umid, Japan has diplomatic disputes with China, Russia, South Korea and so on. The Japanese tasks for the future are to take a leadership on the world stage, to resolve the disputes with the permanent members and to actively grapple with the reform of the Security Council.

 Professor Hasegawa then explained in detail the reform process which started in September 2003 when Kofi Atta Annan, the Secretary-General of the UN at the time, proposed the establishment of a High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change. Since its establishment in November, the Panel addressed three questions: (1) “what is the new threat that the international society faces?” (2) “what can be taken as a group against the new threats?” and (3) “how should the structure of the UN be reformed?” With regard to the Security Council, the Panel considered imperative to increase its effectiveness and credibility by bringing into the Security Council those countries that contribute most in terms of decision making and resources. The Secretary-General reflecting the recommendations of the Panel then presented in his report, “In Larger Freedom”, two Models A and B. Professor Hasegawa also explained other suggestions and proposals made by Group of Four, Consensus Group, African Union, the United States and the LDCs. Intensive and extensive negotiations took place in 2005 but due to the lack of a promising prospect for adoption of any of the proposal, no voting took place on them and the Security Council reform was abandoned temporarily. Professor Hasegawa noted that the Secretary-General’s proposal reflected the rationale for a more effective way to manage the international security, while the member states pursued primarily their immediate national interest. The Westphalia world of anarchy still prevailed and the era of effective global governance was yet to come. (Yui Narikawa)

2012-05-17
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[IntOrg] The Function of International Labor Organization as an international organization (Professor Yozo Yokota) (9th May 2012)

 On 9th May 2012, Professor Yozo Yokota visited Hosei Universiy and delivered a lecture on International Labour Organisation as a unique international organization. First, he explained the history, role and importance of the International Labor Organization (ILO). Second, he noted the tripartite system of representation and decision making, the role for international standards setting and the supervisory function as the key roles played by ILO. Finally, Professor Yokota said that the ILO was a model of other International organizations. However, he also mentioned that it was required to reflect the changes taking place in its works. (Minako Ishikawa)

2012-05-10
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[Diplomacy] Ambassador of Ireland Holds Dialogue with Hosei Students (8th May 2012)

 In this opening speech, Professor Katsuya Hirose, Dean, Faculty of Law welcomed the Ireland ambassador. In delivering his keynote speech, Ambassador John Neary provided first basic information on historical developments particularly those that took place after independence in 1922. Emphasizing its foreign policy of neutrality, he explained the Irish foreign policy centering the United Nations and participated in UN peacekeeping operations. Ireland had a strong commitment to a rules-based international order. In spite of its challenging economic situation at home, Ireland continues to spend about 0.52 percent of its gross domestic product for ODA activities with a particular focus on newly independent countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The Irish ambassador also explained the relationship between Ireland and Great Britain and mentioned the successful outcome of diplomatic negotiations between the two countries concerning Northern Ireland. In addition, he mentioned Ireland’s economic, social and cultural ties with Japan. Following the Ambassador’s presentation, Professor Mikiko Eto, Head of Department of Political Science, commented Ireland’s high status in human development index (HDI), democracy ranking and freedom index. Finally, Hosei University students asked questions to Ambassador concerning the neutrality policy, causes of conflict in Northern Ireland, ODA and other issues. (Yuko Honda)

2012-05-08
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[IntOrg] New International Organizational Structure in Post-W.W.II (Professor Hasegawa) (25th April 2012)

 On 25th April 2012, Professor Hasegawa gave a lecture on the causes of First and Second World War and the changes incorporated in the principles, purposes and role of the international organizations. Firstly he explained that the failure of the collective security system adopted by the League of Nations is the lesson from its collapse. He then referred to various chapters and articles of the United Nations Charter. He also referred to several international conferences that prepared the establishment of the United Nations system and the Bretton Woods institutions. Professor Hasegawa explained three reforms adopted in 2005, such as the upgrading of the Human Rights Council and the International Peacebuilding Commission. He also mentioned key contributions made by Secretary-General particularly Boutros-Ghali and Kofi Annan under whom Professor Hasegawa served in peacekeeping missions from early 1990’s to 2006. (Sayaka Yatabe)

2012-04-29
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[Diplomacy] Japanese Security Policy and Public Diplomacy (Mr. Shigeki Takizaki) (24th April 2012)

 On 24th April 2012, Mr, Shigeki Takizaki, Director, Personnel Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made a lecture about “Japanese Security Policy” and “Public Diplomacy”. First, he explained about the “Japanese security policy”. After explaining what is national security and the security environment of Japan which has remained unstable even after the Cold War finished, he demonstrated Japan’s three-layered security policy. The first one is to protect itself by its own efforts such as the Self-Defense Forces. The second is to strengthen Japan-US security arrangements. The last one is to contribute to global security by sending SDF to UN peacekeeping operations, working active at various international organizations such as the UN etc. Second, he explained about “public diplomacy”. It is diplomacy which works directly upon individuals and the public opinion abroad to increase a national interest and to achieve diplomatic purpose. It is getting more important because the public opinion today mobilizes a government especially in democratic society. However, it is difficult for the public diplomacy to achieve something beyond real diplomatic policy or what a country really is. Finally he showed Japanese public diplomacy to the US through his experiences such as JET(Japan Exchange and Teaching) programme and the centennial of gift of cherry trees from Japan to US. (Yui Narikawa)

2012-04-25
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[IntOrg] Implications of international laws and treaties to sovereign nation states and the collapse of the League of Nations (Professor Hasegawa) (18th April 2012)

 On 18th April 2012, Professor Hasegawa made a detailed comparative analysis of the legal implications of international laws and treaties for sovereign nation states. He explained the legal status of an international organization and the relationship between an international law and a national law and noted the superior position given to either national or international laws by respective countries. In his lecture today, Professor Hasegawa also identified the three causal factors for the birth of an international organization. Particularly, he indicated that the desire to avoid any recurrence of war was one of the main reasons to create an international organization. He then explained how the League of Nations was established and identified lessons learned from its collapse. (Risa Kato)

2012-04-19
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[Diplomacy] Comprehensive Foreign Policy and Diplomacy – theory and practice (Professor Hasegawa) (April 17th 2012)

 On April 17th 2012, Professor Hasegawa lectured on Diplomacy theory and practice. First, he explained the difference between nation country and state. It is important to understand Sovereignty and Control. Second, he lectured in the diplomatic method. He referred to the origin of diplomacy and development. As an example, he used the thoughts of Thomas Hobbes, Rousseau and Carl Schmitt. Third, he explained modern diplomacy. He explained Mixture of ideology. He said that if mixture of ideology occurs, double diplomacy will break out. After that, he showed us video clip about the World War II in order to discuss why Japan started the Pacific War. Finally, he compared the main point of realism which faces the problem of Dilemma of a security with Neo-realism which assumes objective society. (Yuhi Kawase)

2012-04-17
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[IntOrg] International Organizations -Their Birth and Growth- (Professor Hasegawa)(11th April 2012)

 On 11th April 2012, in his first lecture on international organizations, Professor Hasegawa first explained the purpose of the class and its annual plan. He emphasized the importance of being consciously aware of how the birth and roles of the international organizations are viewed from different perspectives. First, he explained about the definitions of “International Organizations” which consists of a narrow sense and a wide sense. He examined the causes and structures of various international organizations including inter-governmental organizations (IGO), civil society organizations (CSO) and non-governmental organizations (NGO). Secondly, he explained the roles and functions of these international organizations. Thirdly, he provided an overview of how the international organizations increased their number and roles in the Westphalia world that has been dominated by sovereign nation states as main actors. In doing so, he referred to differences that existed about “nation” or “country” and “states”. (Misa Komine)

2012-04-12
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[Diplomacy] Comprehensive Foreign Policy and Diplomacy – Theory and Practice (Professor Hasegawa) (April 10th, 2012)

 On April 10th, 2012, Professor Hasegawa started his lecture on Sogo Gaiko Koza (Comprehensive Foreign Policy and Diplomacy). First, he explained the synthesis on foreign policy, paradigm shift and method of evaluation. He explained how any particular paradigm affects the perception of events by people. As an example, he referred to the changing views of Japanese people about the launchings of ballistic missiles by North Korea over the past several years. Second, he explained various forms of diplomacy practiced by nation states, their governments and citizens and the difference in how diplomacy has been conducted by authoritarian and democratic countries. He referred to the problem created for the Government of Japan by the unintended outcome of the visit of former Prime Minister Hatoyama to Iran. In addition, he explained the importance of knowing the partners and adversaries as well as oneself in diplomacy and negotiations as explained by Sun Tzu and Mitoji Yabunaka. Third, he explained the implications of the Westphalia order and sovereignty of state. Finally, he mentioned the main elements of theories of realism, liberalism and constructivism in explaining international relations, including the term of “security dilemma”. (Yasuki Uchiyama)

2012-04-11
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[Diplomacy] 2012年1月18日 The all-inclusive lecture by Professor Hasegawa

On 18th January 2012, Professor Hasegawa delivered the all-inclusive lecture.
First of all, he reviewed diplomatic theory, and gave “national security” and “national interest” as two principal conditions for the continued survival and prosperity of nations. He informed in detail the roles of diplomacy and historical development in turn. Then he explained from ancient and the Middle Ages’ ideas which Sun Tzu and Francois de Callieres had, to the Westphalia structure. Using as an example the withdrawal of U.S. armed forces from Okinawa, he compared the claims of realist and those who advocate the interest of resident citizens in Okinawa. Moreover, he referred to the continued relevance of realism and liberalism in understanding the diplomacy of 21st century. Then looking back the lectures of guest speakers who came to this class, he explained Constructivism and Functionalism at last.(Mai Kato)

2012-01-18
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[Diplomacy] 2012年1月11日 東アジアとヨーロッパにおける共同体の創設と意義

On January 11, Professor Hasegawa delivered a lecture about regional diplomacy. First of all, he explained the birth and development of ASEAN, particularly AFTA, CEPT and EPA, and mentioned the extent of economic integration of ASEAN. He then pointed out the reasons why the process of regional integration has not proceeded as rapidly as in Europe. He explained that ASEAN moved forward with forming ASEAN plus One, ASEAN plus Three and East Asian Community, encompassing not only the economic but also the political, social and security cooperation of its member states as well as other countries of the region. The regional framework was expanded to include the United States and Russia in the forum of East Asian Summit. Finally, he made a comparison of Asian and European experiences and explained the reasons for the extent of integrations that has taken place in East Asia and Europe. (Yuka Hirakawa)

2012-01-14
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[IntOrg]2012年1月10日 国際機構論 期末試験

 On 10th January 2012, the final-term examination was held in the class of the international organization. The examination was made up of the true-false questions and the essay questions. In this test, we recognized again our understanding and knowledge from the lecture by Professor Hasegawa and the guest-speakers. Moreover, we wrote down our opinions how the United Nations should reform in order to work more effectively. (Saki Sakamoto)

2012-01-10
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[Diplomacy]2011年12月21日 政治経済外交-貿易と経済統合の視点から- (長谷川祐弘教授)

 On 20th November 2011, Professor Hasegawa lectured on the diplomacy centered political economy, in terms of particularly the meaning of trade and economic integration. Firstly, he explained the theories of international political economy, and indicated the rise of neo-liberal theory culminating in the Washington Consensus that influenced the policies of advanced as well as developing countries. Then, He mentioned the implications of FTA and EPA as well as the transition from GATT to WTO. He also noticed the status and the coming challenges of the international economy on regional economic integration. (Keiki Takemasa)

2011-12-22
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[IntOrg]2011年12月20日 総括講義 -“Delivering As One”に向けて- (長谷川祐弘教授)

 On December 20, Professor Hasegawa recapitulated some of the salient points that emerged during various lectures delivered this year. First of all, he asked a basic question: “What are the reasons that nation states create international organizations that would restrict their independence and sovereignty?” He then reviewed the historical context in which international organizations have been created and also the changing relationships between international organizations and sovereign states. He also mentioned the changes that took place in the roles, policies and structures of international organizations since the World War I and II. Next, he explained how the United Nations and other international organizationshave been brought into the concept of “Delivering As One” to increase its effectiveness through adoptionof such programming tools as CCA, UNDAF, PRSP and ISF. In his concluding remarks,Professor Hasegawa identified some of the issues that will be the key tasks ofconcern for international organizations. (Yuka Hirakawa)

2011-12-21
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[Diplomacy] Dialogue with an Ambassador ~Switzerland’s foreign Policy~

The fifth dialogue with an ambassador was held in Sotobori 307 on 14 December 2011 with H.E. Mr. Urs Bucher Ambassador of Switzerland in Japan.
Firstly, welcome remarks made by Professor Mitsutoshi Somura, Dean/Department of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies of Hosei University. After that Ambassador explained how Switzerland has been a considerable country in Global World, regardless of their small territory. In the dialogue, the ambassador emphasized their specialties; neutrality, direct democracy and soft power.
 After the presentation, there was question- and- answer period and a lot of students asked Ambassador many questions.
(Lena Kondo)

2011-12-14
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[Diplomacy]2011年12月7日 国連PKOと日本(内閣府国際平和協力本部事務局長 羽田浩二様)

 12月07日、スカイホールにて内閣府国際平和協力本部事務局長羽田浩二様にご講演いただきました。まず初めに、羽田事務局長は現在の国際的な平和活動のための内閣府国際平和協力本部の取り組みについて、南スーダンの国づくりへの協力を用いてご説明されました。次に、国際的な平和活動の概要として、PKOの歴史上での変遷や、平和活動にあたっての日本の協力展開状況を、現状報告の資料を用いてお話しされました。そして、これからの日本の、PKOへの積極的参加のための法的枠組み等の強化に対する課題をお話しされました。
(平林 聡一朗)

2011-12-10
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