Establishment of an Information Platform to Support the Liberal Democratic Order

Supported by the research grant for diplomacy and security of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the RCAST Open Laboratory for Emergence Strategies will conduct a research project from fiscal year 2023 titled, "Establishment of an Information Platform to Support the Liberal Democratic Order,” to examine disruptions to liberal democracies.

Working groups

"Disruption and Reformation of Liberal Democracy" Working Group

In recent years, the internal dynamics of liberal democratic states have been in turmoil. This working group will delve into the political and social disruptions of liberal democracies who support the so-called "liberal international order" with particular attention to U.S. politics and the American presidential election given its significant implications for global politics. Analysis will extend to how the disruptions within liberal democracies affect alliance relations.

"Interdisciplinary Methods to Analyze Discourse Spaces" Working Group

Advancements in information and communication technology (ICT), and the influence of the Internet, especially Social Network Services and video sites, are ever increasing. This task force will closely examine the “cognitive domain” with particular focus on both ICT and artificial intelligence.

"Historical Study of Japan’s Post-WWII Diplomacy" Working Group

This working group will collect, compile, and publish historical materials while examining the state of postwar Japanese politics and diplomacy as a free and democratic nation. In particular, the group will focus on Japan's return to the international community in the 1950s, and analyze how Japan developed its political, diplomatic, and security policies.

"Empirical Methods of Analyzing Liberal Democracy" Working Group

To understand and think about the current state and future of liberal democracies, it is essential to analyze the circumstances in each country, as well as its institutions and principles. The purpose of this working group is to empirically analyze democratic institutions from various perspectives. Through quantitative and comparative political analysis, this working group seeks to understand these states’ by examining the condition of their democratic systems.

"Liberal Democracies in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs)" Working Group

Currently, Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) are undergoing a major turning point due to external factors such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and internal developments such as transformations in their democratic regimes. This working group will closely monitor and study trends in the foreign policies and domestic regimes of the Central and Eastern Europe including the Balkans.

"Project for Reexamining Postwar Japanese Political History" Sub Group

This sub-group was established to complement the activities of the research group 'Historical Studies on Postwar Japanese Diplomacy' from the perspective of political history.

UTokyo ROLES Survey SAFER Project

UTokyo ROLES Survey SAFER (Security, Alliance, and Foreign Engagement Research) project aims to investigate Japanese perceptions regarding international affairs and Japan's foreign and security policies. By conducting regular, long-term surveys, we seek to gain a more accurate and detailed understanding of the Japanese public's views.

Activity records

2024.09.11 (Wed.)

Event

Lecture

【Event postponed】Public Lecture by Christian Schmidt (High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina) "Current Political Challenges in South-Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans and Its Impact on Global Stability"