Although taught in Japanese, this seminar may not be used to earn language credits at MIIS.

This seminar examines Japan’s role in the world in three broad realms, security-political, economic, and social-cultural. It will combine lectures, class discussions, and individual research and presentations. Japan’s capacity to influence the world is largely a function of the nation’s human and material resources, the effective use of those resources in international engagement, and the receptivity of significant international actors, both nations and non-state organizations such as international organizations and transnational corporations, to Japan’s positions on international issues. Japan’s capacity can be categorized into “hard power” (coercive power and materials power that provide incentives for other actors to go along with Japan on international issues) and “soft power” (non-material means of influence such as diplomacy and culture that other international actors find attractive). After clarifying these conceptual issues, the seminar will examine the scope and nature of Japan’s ability to compel or induce other actors to support or accept Japan’s positions on a variety of specific international issues, such as international security, international trade and development, the role of the United Nations, lessons of history, regional economic integration, international migration and refugees, global climate change, and international cultural and educational exchanges.