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International Seminar:
Securing the Seabed, Shaping the Seas: Undersea Infrastructure and the Geopolitics of Maritime Order in the Indo-Pacific

The Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) of the University of Tokyo, and the Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation Japan (GIF Japan) will co-host an international seminar titled “Securing the Seabed, Shaping the Seas: Undersea Infrastructure and the Geopolitics of Maritime Order in the Indo-Pacific.” Focusing on the security of submarine communication cables and the maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region, the event will feature leading experts including Prof. Satoshi Ikeuchi (RCAST, The University of Tokyo), Assoc. Prof. Brendon J. Cannon (Khalifa University), Mr. Kazuki Matsuo (Visiting Fellow, GIF Japan), Asst. Prof. Dattesh Parulekar (Goa University), Dr. Jagannath Panda (Head, Stockholm Center for South Asian & Indo-Pacific Affairs / Prof., University of Warsaw), and Dr. Yee-Kuang Heng (Head, Security Studies Unit (SSU), Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI) / Prof., Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), The University of Tokyo). A panel discussion will also include Dr. Keizo Kitagawa (Captain, JMSDF (Ret) / Prof., Keio University). This hybrid-format seminar will offer simultaneous interpretation (English/Japanese) via Zoom. We warmly invite your participation.

Abstract:
This seminar explores how undersea infrastructure, naval strategy, and transformative technologies are reshaping Indo-Pacific security amid intensifying great power rivalry. Presentations offer novel research on when, where, and how critical seabed assets may be targeted during periods of tension, the strategic use of joint naval exercises, and the foreign policies of Japan and like-minded states. Additional topics include China and the maritime Global South, as well as India's maritime security strategy through the lens of "Securitizing" Growth and "Growing" Security. Join us for timely insights into the evolving contest over the seabed, and how polarity in the international system and competing visions of regional orders are redefining security on the high seas.

Co-organized by:
Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) of the University of Tokyo
and
Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation Japan

【Date/Time】April 24 (Thursday) 15:00-17:00(JST)

【Venue】Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, bldg. 3, M2 Seminar Room

【Admission】Free (In-Person and Online)

【Notice Regarding Photography and Filming】
Photos and videos taken during this seminar are permitted for personal viewing purposes only. Please refrain from posting any content on social media platforms or uploading to sharing sites. Any use beyond personal viewing is strictly prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

【Registration】
https://maritimesecurity20250424.peatix.com/view

【Speakers】
Satoshi Ikeuchi (RCAST, The University of Tokyo) *Opening Remarks

Brendon J. Cannon (Khalifa University)

Kazuki Matsuo (GIF Japan)

Dattesh Parulekar (Goa University)

Jagannath Panda (Stockholm Center for South Asian & Indo-Pacific Affairs / University of Warsaw)

Yee-Kuang Heng (Head, Security Studies Unit (SSU), Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI) / Prof., Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), The University of Tokyo)

Keizo Kitagawa (Captain, JMSDF (Ret), Keio University) *Discussant

Mikiyasu Nakayama (CEO, GIF Japan) *Closing Remarks

Time Table
15:00 - 15:10 | Opening Remarks
Prof. Satoshi Ikeuchi, Professor of Religion and Global Security of RCAST, The University of Tokyo and Head of RCAST Open Laboratory for Emergence Strategies (ROLES) 

15:10 - 15:25 | Keynote Presentation
Dr. Brendon J. Cannon, Associate Prof., Khalifa University and Mr. Kazuki Matsuo, Visiting Fellow, GIF Japan: "Mapping Threats to Undersea Cables"

15:25 - 16:10 | Expert Presentations
15:25 - 15:40 | Dr. Dattesh Parulekar, Assistant Prof., Goa University: "Maritime Security from a Strategic Indian Perspective"
15:40 - 15:55 | Dr. Jagannath Panda, Head, Stockholm Center for South Asian & Indo-Pacific Affairs, ISDP, Sweden; Prof., University of Warsaw: "Global South and Maritime Security by 2030"
15:55 - 16:10 | Dr. Yee-Kuang Heng, Head, Security Studies Unit (SSU), Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI) / Prof., Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), The University of Tokyo: "Japan's Joint Naval Exercises"

16:10 - 16:50 | Panel Discussion and Q&A Session
Moderated by Prof. Satoshi Ikeuchi
Panelists: Speakers and Dr. Keizo Kitagawa, Captain, JMSDF (Ret); Prof. at the Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University
16:50 - 17:00 | Concluding Remarks
Dr. Mikiyasu Nakayama, CEO, GIF Japan; Prof. Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
17:00 | End of Seminar