[Kurosawa seminar] The peace building in East-Timor, UNMISET (Professor Kurosawa) (6 June 2013)

 On 6 June 2013, Kurosawa seminar students discussed the prospectus of 2013 study tour.
 After that, two students Minako Ishikawa and Yasuki Uchiyama made presentation on Peace-building operation in East-Timor called UNMISET (United Nations Mission of Support in East-Timor). They explained processes from the establishment of UNMISET to the end and some problems of this mission.
 After two students’ presentation, Professor Kurosawa lectured UNPKO in Somalia, Cambodia and Rwanda. He explained contents of each activity and some problems of the traditional peacekeeping operation through the movie such as “Shooting Dogs”. (Mai Uchida)

2013-06-06
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[Kurosawa seminar] The peace-building in East Timor, UNTAET and Brahimi Report (30 May 2013)

 On 30 May 2013, during the 4th period class, Sayaka Yatabe and Keiki Takemasa made presentations on the peace operations in East Timor, especially focusing on UNTAET. First, Keiki Takemasa explained differences between UNTAET and other previous PKO and 20 achievements made by UNTAET. Then, Sayaka Yatabe pointed out three issues of UNTAET: (1) inadequate preparations of establishment, (2) security problem, (3) lack of personnel and equipment to enforce a law. Finally, Keiki Takemasa mentioned the necessity of role-sharing to make good governance. He also referred to the lessons learned from UNTAET.
 In the 5th period, Yasuki Uchiyama made presentations on Brahimi Report. First, he introduced Lakhadar Brahimi and overview of Brahimi Report. Secondly, he mentioned comprehensive peacekeeping operations and emphasized that peace building and peacekeeping need to be performed at the same time. Finally he explained the change of the concept of peace operations. (Risa Kato)

2013-05-30
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[Kurosawa seminar] Enforcement of PKO: Effort and Historical Background of East Timor (Professor Kurosawa) (23 May 2013)

 On 23 May 2013, during 4th period class, presentation on the chapter 3 and 4 of the book “UN PKO missions and Peace buildings” was given by Moe Kurisu, Kohei Yokota and Yuko Honda. First, Moe Kurisu explained the issue of ownership under the UN missions and the key to nation building after conflict. Most important thing to build nation is making confidence between the local people and international organization. By doing so, we can continue to sustainable development.
 Secondly Kohei Yokota and Yuko Honda made presentations about East Timor. They referred the history of East Timor include of territorial dispute, election problem, international society supports and UN missions.
 Finally Professor Kurosawa gave us lecture about the summary of peace building supports. He mainly delivered the conflict factor and the point of peace building. JICA also support nation buildings from 4 fields. Students asked various questions to professor and got answer. (Yuhi Kawase)

2013-05-23
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[Kurosawa seminar] The Ambassador of Russian Federation to Japan holds Dialogue with Hosei students (16 May 2013)

 On 16 May 2013, His Excellency Ambassador Evgeny Vladimirovich Afanasiev of Russian Federation to Japan visited Hosei University and held a dialogue with professors and students. The ambassador explained the Russian foreign policy towards East Asia.
 After opening remarks made by Mr. Fukuda, Ambassador Afanasiev mentioned the historical, cultural, political and economic relationship between Japan and Russia. In his speech, he emphasized the significance of cooperating each other for the prosperity of each society. He regarded the recent relationship between both countries as of optimum importance, and put an emphasis on improving the understanding and cooperation between each other. Ambassador Afanasiev also made a reference to the negotiation of peace treaty between Russia and Japan, and he referred to a progress to be made by the leaders of both countries as the significant goal for the development of relationship of two countries.
 At the end of the symposium, we had a comments and questions session moderated by Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa, in which three professors commented, Professors Nobuto Shimotomai, Andrei Ivanovich Kravtsevich and Satoru Kurosawa. As a conclusion, Professor Hasegawa referred to the importance of appreciating various cognitions held by those concerned when it comes to solving territorial disputes. He introduced three indispensable ways to solve some territorial problems through (1) the role of ICJ; (2) a shelving of the determination and (3) the settlement of issues through dividing the territories equally as referred to by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. In addition, Professor Hasegawa pointed out the importance of grasping different opinions held by both sides on territorial disputes. (Keiki Takemasa)

2013-05-16
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[Kurosawa seminar] Peace Keeping Operations and Peacebuilding frameworks (Professor Kurosawa) (16 May 2013)

 On 16 May 2013, two students, Mai Uchida and Yuhi Kawase, made presentations on PKO (Peace Keeping Operation). Mai Uchida explained, firstly, the connection between PKO and national interests. She mainly mentioned reasons why small states send a number of troops to other countries as PKF (Peace Keeping Forces). She reiterated that there were external and domestic reasons. As a conclusion, she pointed out that small states participate in PKO for not only altruism but also national profits.
 After presentation made by Mai Uchida, Yuhi Kawase explained the legitimacy and concept of Peace Keeping Operation. In his presentation, he mentioned the progress of peacebuilding, in which there are four stages, preventive diplomacy, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. He finally defined peacebuilding as the activity which establishes suitable peace and protects states from reoccurrence of conflicts through state-building in various countries.
 Professor Kurosawa lectured how to write an official letter in English. Then, he explained, firstly, peacebuilding frameworks, which are divided into three pillars i.e. military, political and economic and social framework. In addition to that, he pointed out that the conflict sensitive approach played a significant role in peacebuilding. Finally he introduced recent and past deployments of PKO in the world. The number of PKO activities is 67 in 2012 and 119.154 participants are deployed in the current PKO activities. (Keiki Takemasa)

2013-05-16
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[Kurosawa seminar] UNPKO and national interests (Professor Kurosawa) (9 May 2013)

 On 9 May 2013, Risa Kato made a presentation on various reasons why countries contribute to UN peacekeeping operation (PKO) on the basis of the text book, referring to the chapter 2 of the “UN PKO and peace building.” She explained the reasons from international factors. Contributing countries consider their own national interests. PKO policy of great power countries is just one of the foreign policies. Small countries expect direct profit from PKO. Keiki Takemasa made presentations on dispatching the Self-defense force to Haiti and Cambodia. Kohei Yokota explained United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS).
 In the latter half of our class, Professor Kurosawa gave a lecture about English grammar. In addition, he made a presentation on democratization and governance. He explained the United Nations, focusing on the UN Chapters, the Security Council and the right of veto. Then he referred to the framework of peace building support. (Yuko Honda)

2013-05-09
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[Kurosawa seminar] The Support to Mine Countermeasures in Cambodia (Professor Kurosawa) (18 April 2013)

 On 18 April, Kurosawa seminar students discussed the 2013 study tour and decided to visit Cambodia this summer. Professor Kurosawa gave a lecture on the support to demining programmes in Cambodia, referring to the survey conducted by JICA in 2009. Firstly, he talked about the situation of damage caused by landmines in Cambodia. In Cambodia, there still remain landmines and UXOs dropped during the Vietnam War. In 1992, UNTAC founded Cambodia Mine Action Center (CMAC). Thanks to extensive demining activities and Mine Awareness Program, the number of victims of landmines has reduced. About 46 percent of the whole area of Cambodia, however, is still contaminated by landmines and UXOs. Secondly, he mentioned the process and various projects of demining. At the time of mine clearance, it is important to choose the area fairly. CMAC introduced a successful project of Community Based Demining Platoons (CBDP), which contributes to poverty reduction by employing many villagers from poor family. USA implements Exposing Harvest Project and reuses gunpowder from landmines. Japan has four programmes to address the landmine issues in Cambodia; i.e. support for mine clearance, support for victims, rehabilitation and vocational training, and Mine Awareness Program. (Sayaka Yatabe)

2013-04-18
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[Kurosawa seminar] Kurosawa Seminar starts its studies and activities (Professor Kurosawa) (11 April 2013)

 On 11 April 2013, Kurosawa Seminar was held for the first time FY2013. Mr. Yasuki Uchiyama is leader and Ms. Minako Ishikawa is vice leader in Kurosawa Seminar.
 In the fourth period, an orientation was held for new Kurosawa Seminar students. Then, students reviewed procedures for printing, an accounting report and programmes for the seminar. Later they tried to decide a country to visit as study tour in this summer. However, it was difficult to choose only one country because countries students wanted to go were deferent.
 In the fifth period, Professor Kurosawa taught them how to write proper English, referring to some sentences with mistakes. (Kohei Yokota)

2013-04-11
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長谷川ゼミ5期生、7名が卒業しました(30 March 2013)

 長谷川先生、式から日が経ってしまいましたが卒業式の報告をいたします。3月24日、5期生のうち7名(高橋、加藤、橋本、平田、光達、近藤、野田)が卒業いたしました。卒業式当日は、4期生の大山さん、山崎さんが式に駆けつけてくださりました。 当日、国際政治学科では学位記が、菱田先生と萩谷先生から学生に渡されました。学位記を授与される際、大学4年間のこと、長谷川ゼミでの経験が走馬灯のごとく思い出されました。大きなセレモニーとはもっと形式的なものとこのときまで思っていましたが、直接経験すると、感慨深いものがあり、過去の思い出と、学位を授与された重みを感じました。また大山さんからは、「野田君をはじめ後輩のみんなが頑張ってきたからその学位記には重みがあるんだ」といった旨の言葉を頂きました。最後になりましたが、スイスからのゼミ生へのメッセージありがとうございました。春に、先生にお会い出来るのを楽しみにしております。(野田悠将)

2013-03-30
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Professor Hasegawa Commends Seminar Chief Uchiyama for His Leadership (23 Feb 2013)

 On 23rd February 2013, Mr. Yasuki Uchiyama held a farewell party, “oikon”, for the outgoing seminar students. He showed a memorial video which contained photos and stories of what had happened during the past year. They included memorial pictures of study tours to India/Bangladesh, Myanmar and Former Yugoslavia as well as seminars and symposia held at Hosei University including the visit of former President Ramos-Horta. After the wonderful movie, Mr. Uchiyama and his classmates gave cards to Professor Hasegawa and the third-year students who were graduating from the seminar class. Professor Hasegawa thanked Mr. Uchiyama for having organized such a memorable event and presented the certificates of appreciation and special contributions made by the seminar president and his deputies, Yui Narikawa and Minako Ishikawa. Professor Hasegawa also handed certificates of contributions and special efforts made by other members of the seminar class. (Shogo Yoshida)

2013-02-23
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Greeting from Cost Rica! (Kyoko Hirano)

Dear Professor Hasegawa (CC Professor Hoffmann),
 Happy New Year Hasegawa sensei! I hope you are keeping yourself warm in spite of hard winter in Japan this year. I safely got back to Costa Rica about a week ago and the class started as usual. When we talked at the alumni party in December, you said you met a young professor who is from Germany and is professor of the University for Peace. Immediately, I thought that was Julia Hoffmann. So I talked with Julia today on campus and she was surprised at such a miracle connection!And also she mentioned that UNU and UPeace should have more connection in future. […]

2013-01-22
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[Seminar] Hasegawa Seminar Successfully Finishes Its Study and Activities (16th January 2013)

 The final seminar class and events were held on 16 January 2013, first in Classroom S-307 where Professor Hasegawa conducted his last lecture on international organizations and then a group of the seminar students gathered in the special faculty meeting room to talk about what they had learned from the seminar class. Many of them pointed out that they had gained confidence and learned how to speak up and express their opinions. They recalled many events that they had successfully planned and managed such as “dialogues with ambassadors” and symposia. They also pointed out that it was challenging to read so many books by Russell on philosophy on knowledge, Joseph Nye, Jr. on history of conflicts, Michael Sandel on justice, Bellamy on peacekeeping written in English. Through lectures, presentations and discussion, they succeeded in achieving much this year. The seminar students expressed their wish to maintain their association. We thanked Professor Hasegawa for guiding us this year. (Yasuki Uchiyama)

2013-01-16
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[Seminar] Challenge for Water Supply and Perspectives of Liberal Democracy (18th December 2012)

 On 18th December 2012, during the 4th period class, four seminar students: Misa Komine, Yuuka Hirakawa, Eri Iijima and Yuki Shozui, made presentations on global poverty issues with water resources. First, Misa Komine explained some advantages of ensuring safe water and sanitary facilities. Then, Yuuka Hirakawa took up the following causes not of establishment of water supply: (1) water shortage, (2) gaps between supply and demand, and (3) budget deficit in infrastructure improvement. Next, Eri Iijima described the background of water shortage and suggested that governments should consider the secondary damages with infrastructure development such as the violation of human rights and the destruction of the environment. Finally, Yuki Shozui concluded that all the states must not only fulfill equality and efficient of resources, but also enable coming generation to continuously enjoy the benefit of water. In the 5th period, as a review of the class of last week, all seminar students discussed the following: (1) why “Liberal Democracy” needs in post-conflict countries; (2) why the UN often failed to introduce “Liberal Democracy” to the countries; and (3) how the UN can realize internal peace and stability in the countries. After the discussion, Professor Hasegawa looked back to the seminar class of this year. He referred to some main points of the textbooks which the seminar students read intensively in this seminar. In the end, he explained essay quizzes on these books which will carry out on 8th January 2013, the final seminar class. (Shogo Yoshida)

2012-12-18
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[OBOG] Hasegawa Seminar Students and Graduates Hold Annual Dinner Party (8th December 2012)

 On 8th December 2012, an alumni association of the Hasegawa Seminar was held at the PIZZA SALVATORE CUOMO NISHIAZABU, Tokyo. The party was attended by 23 seminar students, 21 graduates and Professor Hasegawa. The participants reported on their jobs and works they are undertaking. And then, hey celebrated Professor Hasegawa’s birthday and gave him a big bouquet of flowers. Although this was the final alumni association before the Hasegawa Seminar class will finish at the end of March 2013, both Professor Hasegawa and his students pledged to maintain their group among the Seminar students, graduates and Professor Hasegawa. (Shogo Yoshida)

2012-12-08
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[Seminar] All-inclusive lecture: “Understanding Peacekeeping” conclusion (4th Dec 2012)

 On 4th December 2012, we had all-inclusive lecture on the conclusion of “Understanding Peacekeeping”. First of all, Mai Uchida reviewed each chapter and explained the transition of peacekeeping activities. There are many different subcategories in operations, but the ones most significant are in missions that aim to assist transitions and transitional administrations. Then Minako Ishikawa pointed out themes and issues; (1) To understand the relation between Westphalia and Post-Westphalia. (2) A gap between the theory and practice on peace operations. (3) The proliferation of actors associated with peace operations. Finally, Yui Narikawa explained 4 thoughts on the future peace operations; (1) The debate between advocates of Westphalian and post-Westphalian. (2) The trend towards mixed forms of peacekeeping is likely to continue. (3) The legitimacy of peace operations will be tied to their capacity. (4) Great power politics will continue.
 After the presentation we discussed the future of peacekeeping operation and the transition of international relations. (Mai Nakasendo)

2012-12-04
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[Seminar] Policing in peace operations and the significance of human capital in developing countries’ economy (27th Nov 2012)

On 27th November 2012, Yuhi Kawase made a presentation on policing in the context of peace operations on the basis of the chapter 17 of the “Understanding Peacekeeping” written by Alex J. Bellamy and Paul D. Williams. He spared most of his time for providing the historical overview of policing in peace operations. After his presentation, students discussed and shared their views and understandings on what sort of challenges policing in peace operations confronts.
In the latter half of our class, Yui Narikawa, Yasuki Uchiyama, and Moe Kurisu, who belong to study group of the development economics, made presentations on the significance of human capital in developing countries’ economy on the basis of the “Economic Development” written by Michael P. Todaro and Stephen Smith. They specially focused on how health affects development, economic analysis of child labour, and social costs and benefits of education in developing countries. In the class, professor Hasegawa helped us grasping the ideas and terminologies frequently used in economics. (Jun Sune Misu)

2012-11-27
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[Seminar] Learning about the Concept of Justice in the Pre-Autumn-Camp (16th Nov 2012)

 On 16th November 2012, before the autumn-camp of the Hasegawa seminar class, Professor Hasegawa and four students spent a day and they learned on Justice that Professor Michael J. Sandel analyzes in his lectures at Harvard University. The students made their presentations of the four chapters.
 First, Ms. Misa Komine gave an example of conscription system and surrogate birth based on her reading of the chapter 4. Next presenter, Mr. Yasuki Uchiyama, explained John Rawl’s philosophy, “A Theory of Justice”, contained in the chapter 6. The third presentation was made by Mr. Keiki Takemasa, and he summarized the issues of affirmative actions in the chapter 7. Finally, Ms. Yui Narikawa mentioned the dilemma of loyalty in the chapter 9.
 The presentations by four students followed viewing of the video recordings of the actual lectures delivered by Professor Sandel. These video recordings enable the students to enhance their understandings of various issues pertaining the concept of justice.
(Misa Komine)

2012-11-16
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[Seminar] Carefully reading “Protection of Civilians” and the lecture about the Conflict and Development in Afghanistan by Mr. Hanazato (13th Nov 2012)

 On November 13th 2012, during the 4th period class, the presentation on the chapter 15 of the book, “Understanding Peacekeeping” was given by Peace Building Group. They explained what “protection of civilian” (POC) is. After their presentation, we discussed whether the Japan Self-Defense Forces should protect civilians during peace keeping operations. During the 5th period, we welcomed Mr. Hanazato Nobuhiko, the Director of the JICA Tokyo International Center and he delivered us the lecture entitled “Conflict and Development -through experience in Afghanistan-“. (Yuna Kitamura)

2012-11-13
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[Seminar] Privatization in peace operations and “free will” by Kant philosophy (30 Oct 2012)

  On 30th of October 2012, during the 4th period, the presentation on the chapter 13 of the “Understanding Peacekeeping” was given by Economic Development Group.
  First, Eri Iijima explained the concept of regionalization. Secondly, Sune Jun Misu referred advantages and disadvantages about regionalization. Advantages of regionalization primarily are geographical proximity, long-term activities, and likelihood of its intervention even when the UN had decided not to intervene. Disadvantages of regionalization, on the other hand, are that they are likely to seek profit, lack of funding and that there are certain cases where such regional organization is nonexistent. After that, Mai Nakasendo explained regional peace keeping in practice by presenting example from the Islands of Solomon and Liberia.
  During the 5th period, Justice Group presented the philosophy advocated by Michel Sandel. Chapter 5 focuses on Immanuel Kant. Moe Kurisu introduced the perspective of Kant which justice is defined by the nature of motivation for an action.Misa Komine explained what the best principle is. Then, seminar members watched lecture by Sandel on DVD.
  At last, seminar members parted into 3 groups, utilitarian, libertarian, and faction Kanto, and exchanged their opinions on Japan’s pension system. (Mai Kato)

2012-10-30
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[Seminar] The Peace Support Operations under the Basic Principles of UNPKO and the Agricultural Transformation in Economic Development (23rd Oct 2012)

 On 23rd October 2012, during the 4th period class, Daiki Kawabe, Yuko Honda and Mai Kato made presentations on peace support operations on the basis of the Chapter 9 of the “Understanding Peacekeeping”. They mentioned that, according to the British peacekeeping doctrine, peace support operations consist of military elements and diplomatic and humanitarian agencies. In addition, they pointed out that peace support operations are deployed under the basic principles of United Nations Peacekeeping: (1) consent of the concerning parties, (2) impartiality and (3) non-use of force except in self-defense and defense of the mandate. Especially, they emphasized the difference between impartiality (“treating everyone according to the same principles”) and neutrality (“opting not to take a position”).
In the 5th period, Sune Jun Misu, Hayato Takeuchi, Mai Nakasendo, Aimi Ezawa and Minshik Kim made presentations on agricultural transformation and rural development on the basis of the “Economic Development” written by Todaro and Smith. First, they introduced Authors’ questions that even petty farmers should be integrated into the processes of development if rural development directly affects the process of poverty reduction. Moreover, they also presented their analysis on the situations of farm management in Latin America, Asia and Africa. Finally, they suggested it is the very ideal form of rural development to improve long tillable systems and social welfare for labors.
(Shogo Yoshida)

2012-10-23
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