Joint Workshop “Frontlines of Cognition and Memory in Eurasia: Russia, China and Greater Central Asia in History and Present”


Date and Time: April 7, 2025, 10:00-16:30 (Tokyo Time)

Venue: Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) of the University of Tokyo, Building 3, Mezzanine Level, Seminar Room 1
[Campus Access Map] [Google Map]

Language: English [Without Interpretation]

Format: Hybrid

Timetable:
Morning Session (10:00-12:30 JST) (In Person)

Introductory presentations on the framework and scope of the workshop:
Prof. Atsuko HIGASHINO: University of Tsukuba / Head of ROLES CEECs Research
Prof. Satoshi IKEUCHI: The University of Tokyo / Founding Chair of ROLES


Part 1: Struggle in the Cognitive Space of the Present and Past

(1) “Historical Memory of War in East Asia and Eurasia” (Tentative)
Prof. Shin KAWASHIMA (Professor of East Asian International History of the University of Tokyo) (IN PERSON)

(2) “Russian Information War Against Estonia During the Russian Full-Scale Military Invasion of Ukraine (2022-2024): Information Operations, Russian Espionage, etc.”
Dr. Vladimir Sazonov (Associate Professor at the University of Tartu and Research-Professor at the Estonian Military Academy) (IN PERSON)

(3) “Causes and Aims of the ‘Special Military Operation’ in Ukraine: Propaganda and Education” (Tentative)
Dr. Yoshihisa NISHIYAMA (Project Associate of RCAST of the University of Tokyo)

(4) “Cognitive Warfare in Russian Military Thought and Doctrine”
Prof. Yu KOIZUMI (Associate Professor at RCAST of the University of Tokyo)


Discussion
Discussants
Prof. Hiromi KOMORI (Professor of the Waseda University)


Lunch Break (12:30-14:00 JST)


Afternoon Session (14:00-16:30 JST) (Zoom Hybrid)
Part 2: China in Central Asia and Beyond 

(1) “China’s Security Engagement with Greater Central Asia (GCA): The Case of Afghanistan” 
Amane TANAKA (Project Researcher of ROLES of the University of Tokyo) (IN PERSON)

(2) “The Elites of Contemporary Central Asia: Grounds, Agendas, Dynamics”
Dr. Dr. Alevtina Solovyeva (Head of the Centre for Oriental Studies, Director of the Mongolian Research Laboratory, University of Tartu) (ONLINE)

(3) “The Sino-Russian Strategic Partnership and Its Possible Outlets”
Dr. Märt Läänemets (Researcher at the Institute of Internal Security, Estonian Academy of Security Sciences) (ONLINE)

(4) “Chinese Military Architecture in the Middle East”
Dr. Elo Süld (Head of Asia Centre, University of Tartu; Lecturer in Islamic Studies, University of Tartu) (ONLINE)


Discussion
Discussants
Prof. Ryo NAKAI (Professor of Comparative Political Dynamics at RCAST of the University of Tokyo)