G7 in Hiroshima

A critical Juncture

In light of Russia’s war in Ukraine and an increasingly tense international environment, Japan and its fellow G7 nations hope to characterize this year’s summit in the name of peace. Hiroshima, Prime Minister Kishida’s constituency, being the target of the first offensive nuclear weapon on August 6, 1945, in history, serves to remind all G7 nations of their commitment to peace and unity in times of international uncertainties. This year’s meeting is characterized by a more inclusive approach by inviting seven non-member countries as observers in addition to shifting the G7’s gaze toward the Global South to formulate a more comprehensive political and economic approach that includes developing and middle-income nations in future policy drafts. Despite the united stance of G7 member states, each nation brings forward a specific focus of interest to the discussion. For Japan, topics of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation as well as energy security and strengthening the Indo-Pacific are of primary importance, whereas Germany’s emphasis lies on the global impact of the Russo-Ukrainian war and the continuous support of the global community for Ukraine.

Japan’s Self-Defense Capability: “Minimum Extent Necessary”

On the current revision of three key documents defining the future of Japan’s self-defense

The government and ruling parties proactively worked towards revisions of the three key defense documents, including the National Security Strategy, and these have recently received Cabinet approval. At the time of writing of this paper, Russian aggression against Ukraine, China's military actions, and North Korea's intermittent missile launches have had a major impact on the general public’s awareness of national security. Given the current situation, it is reasonable to assume that the security environment around Japan will continue to deteriorate. Japan has long maintained an exclusively defense-oriented policy. Thus, in the event of an armed attack, Japan is constrained to using force to the “minimum extent necessary” beyond proportionality.

Addressing Challenges in EdTech in the Philippines

The second paper of the Future of Work and Education essay series traces the evolution of education policy and strategy for mainstreaming education technology in Philippine schools since the K-12 reform. It looks at the main initiatives undertaken by the Department of Education (DepEd) in increasing the access and use of technology in learning and teaching.

Progress of ICT in Education in Cambodia

Challenges and Recommendations

SOPAS of KAS Japan explores the interplay between education and technology and how this impacts the future of work for young people in Asia.

The Impacts of Japanese-Style Employment Systems on Women

By Akari Yoshida

This paper explains the impact that the Japanese-style employment has had on women and outlines proposals how to reform the system.

South Asia Cannot Afford to Deglobalize

Deglobalisation Essay Series 4

The fourth paper of the Deglobalisation Essay Series looks into developments of trade relations in South Asia and shows the way forward for South Asian countries to capitalise on the region’s strong upside potential.

Trajectory of Deglobalizing Forces: How Resilient Is Germany?

Deglobalisation Essay Series 5

The fifth and final paper of the Deglobalisation Essay Series titled ‘Trajectory of Deglobalizing Forces: How Resilient Is Germany?’ looks into the two key drivers for current discussions on international economic policy-making in Germany: the Russian war against Ukraine and the strategic competition with China.

Reducing U.S. Trade Imbalances and Fighting Protectionism

Deglobalisation Essay Series 3

The third in the Deglobalisation Essay Series paper, "Reducing U.S. Trade Imbalances and Fighting Protectionism" looks into why there is a need for the US and its trading partners to promote freer trade and fight against the pressures that generate protectionism.

Deglobalisation May Slow Down Economic Growth and Institutional Changes

Deglobalisation Essay Series 2

The second in the Deglobalisation Essay Series paper, "Deglobalisation May Slow Down Economic Growth and Institutional Changes" explains that since the world economy is highly interlinked, deglobalisation will further deepen the gap between countries that are major economies and developing economies. In addition, the paper also looks into the challenges that countries and the world as a whole will face due to the effects of deglobalisation.

Open Strategic Autonomy: The European Approach for Stable Supply Chains

Deglobalisation Essay Series 1

The first in the Deglobalisation Essay Series paper, “Open Strategic Autonomy: The European Approach for Stable Supply Chains” looks into how the European Union has used the concept of open strategic autonomy to address the risks of political and economic dependencies and ensure stable supply chains.