台湾：小国の地政学

Lai Ching-te (賴清德)

   Finn Schults & Yuka Sato

   CCGS: Germany & Japan

Email: info@globalculturz.org

(English follows Japanese) 

台湾と中国の間の複雑な政治劇──日本が演じる微妙な役割

台湾海峡180キロメートルを挟んで横たわるのは、近代国家誕生よりも古い政治劇です。断裂した歴史、揺らぐアイデンティティ、くすぶる緊張感。台湾島と中国本土の間で繰り広げられるこの物語を理解するには、歴史の複雑な絡み合い、経済的相互依存、そして国際政治の変わりゆく砂浜をナビゲートする必要があります。その中で、日本は重要ながらも微妙な役割を演じています。

過去が大きく影を落とす

1895年から1945年までの日本による台湾統治は、島に消えない跡を残しました。台湾の人々にとってこの時代の記憶は苦痛を伴うものが多いですが、文化・経済的なつながりも育み、今もなお影響を及ぼしています。日本語、インフラ整備、さらには食文化の一部までもが台湾に残っています。

しかし、この遺産は日本と中国、台湾との関係にも長い影を落としています。中国は過去における日本の行動を疑いの目で見ており、帝国主義的野心の復活を恐れています。こうした歴史的因縁は、日本が台湾海峡問題に関して中立性を保つことを難しくしています。

綱渡り：一中国政策と日本のプラグマティズム

ほとんどの国と同様に、日本も「一中国政策」を順守し、中華人民共和国を中国唯一の合法政府として認めています。しかし、日本は台湾とも非公式な関係を維持しており、広範な経済・文化交流も行っています。このバランスを取る行為は、日本が最大貿易相手国である中国と、地域における重要な経済・戦略的パートナーである台湾の両方と安定した関係を維持しようと模索していることを反映しています。

戦略上の懸念と日米同盟

経済的な考慮を超えて、日本の安全保障上の利益も台湾海峡と密接に絡み合っています。台湾は東シナ海の戦略的な十字路に位置しており、この地域での紛争は重要な航路を乱し、日本のエネルギー安全保障を脅かす可能性があります。さらに、台湾を攻撃された場合に防衛を約束している米国との同盟関係も、日本の立場を複雑にしています。

変わる風景：高まるナショナリズムと移りゆく情勢

中国と台湾の双方でナショナリズムが高まることは、状況をさらに複雑にします。中国では、高まる民族意識と失われた領土奪回の熱望により、台湾との妥協がますます難しくなっています。台湾では、中国統治の影なく育った若い世代は、自己決定への要求をより強く主張しています。

道を切り開く：対話、協力、そして地域の安定

歴史的包袱、経済的相互依存、地政学的現実という複雑な網をナビゲートするには、多面的アプローチが必要です。

• 対話と外交: 北京、台北、東京間のオープンなコミュニケーションと信頼醸成措置は、緊張を緩和し、平和的な解決策を探るために不可欠です。
• 自決権の尊重: 外からの圧力に関係なく、台湾国民が自分たちの未来を決定する権利を認めることは不可欠です。
• 地域協力: すべての関係者が利害を明確に理解した上で協力的な地域秩序を維持することは、紛争防止と安定確保のために最重要です。

パズルにおける日本の役割

この複雑な方程式における日本の役割は依然として重要です。過去のアクションは影を落とし続けますが、日本の経済的・戦略的利益は地域において中国と台湾の両方に結びついています。日本がこの微妙なバランスを巧みに操り、平和的解決と地域の安定を提唱することは、台湾海峡の未来を形作る上で鍵となるでしょう。

結論

台湾海峡問題は単純な解決策のない多面的なドラマです。日本の歴史的つながり、経済的・戦略的懸念、そしてより広範な地政学的状況を理解することは、この未解決の物語の複雑さを理解するために不可欠です。対話、自決権の尊重、地域協力を通じてのみ、関係者たちはすべての人にとって平和で繁栄した未来への道を見出すことができるのです。

この翻訳は元のテキストの内容を忠実に再現し、かつ自然な日本語表現にこだわりました。政治的にデリケートな問題であるため、ニュートラルな表現を心がけ、各方面の視点を考慮しています。

Across the 180-kilometer Taiwan Strait lies a political drama older than the modern world itself. It is a story of fractured history, contested identities, and simmering tensions, playing out between the island of Taiwan and mainland China. To understand this relationship, one must navigate a labyrinth of historical baggage, economic interdependence, and the shifting sands of international politics, with Japan playing a significant, if complex, role.

Japan's Shadow Looms Large

Japan's colonial rule of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945 left an indelible mark on the island. While memories of this period are often painful for Taiwanese people, it also fostered cultural and economic ties that continue to resonate today. The Japanese language, infrastructure projects, and even some culinary traditions remain present in Taiwan

However, this legacy also casts a long shadow on Japan's relationship with both China and Taiwan. China views Japan's past actions with suspicion, fearing any potential revival of its imperial ambitions. This historical baggage complicates Japan's ability to navigate the Taiwan Strait issue with neutrality.

Walking a Tightrope: The One China Policy and Japan's Pragmatism

Like most countries, Japan adheres to the "One China" policy, recognizing the PRC as the sole legitimate government of China. However, Japan also maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan, including extensive economic and cultural exchanges. This balancing act reflects Japan's pragmatism, seeking to maintain stable relations with both China, its largest trading partner, and Taiwan, a vital economic and strategic partner in the region.

Strategic Concerns and the US-Japan Alliance

Beyond economic considerations, Japan's security interests intertwine with the Taiwan Strait. The island sits at a strategic crossroads in the East China Sea, and any conflict there could disrupt vital shipping lanes and threaten Japan's energy security. This, coupled with Japan's alliance with the United States, which has committed to defending Taiwan in case of attack, further complicates Japan's position.

The Evolving Landscape: Rising Nationalism and Shifting Sands

The rise of nationalism in both China and Taiwan further complicates the situation. In China, a growing sense of national pride and a desire to reclaim historical territories make any compromise with Taiwan increasingly difficult. In Taiwan, a younger generation raised without the shadow of Chinese rule is more assertive in its demands for self-determination.

Finding a Path Forward: Dialogue, Cooperation, and Regional Stability

Navigating this complex web of historical baggage, economic interdependence, and geopolitical realities requires a multifaceted approach:

• Dialogue and Diplomacy: Open communication and trust-building measures between Beijing, Taipei, and Tokyo are crucial to de-escalate tensions and explore peaceful solutions.
• Respect for Self-Determination: Recognizing the right of the Taiwanese people to determine their own future is essential, regardless of external pressures.
• Regional Cooperation: Maintaining a cooperative regional order, with a clear understanding of the stakes for all players, is paramount to preventing conflict and ensuring stability.

Japan's Role in the Puzzle

Japan's role in this complex equation remains crucial. While its past actions continue to cast a shadow, its economic and strategic interests in the region tie it to both China and Taiwan. Japan's ability to navigate this delicate balance, advocating for peaceful resolution and regional stability, will be key to shaping the future of the Taiwan Strait.

Conclusion

The Taiwan Strait issue is a multifaceted drama with no easy solutions. Understanding Japan's historical ties, its economic and strategic concerns, and its position within the broader geopolitical landscape is essential to comprehending the complexities of this ongoing saga. Only through dialogue, respect for self-determination, and regional cooperation can the actors involved find a path towards a peaceful and prosperous future for all.

Remember, this is a highly sensitive topic with diverse perspectives. To delve deeper, consider researching specific aspects of the conflict, such as Japan's role in the Cold War, its current security concerns, or its economic ties with Taiwan. Additionally, explore diverse viewpoints from academic sources, news outlets, and individual narratives to gain a more nuanced understanding of this ongoing drama.

I hope this provides a more comprehensive picture of Japan's role in the Taiwan-China relations, taking into account the historical, economic, and strategic factors at play.

Corona Virus and Global Economy

Credit: Bangkokpost.com

Kumiko Yurimoto

Department of Humanities and Culture, 

Hoso Daigaku, Wakaba, Mihama-ku,

Chiba, Japan.

Can a virus cause economic slowdown? The answer is simply, yes. More than two dozens countries are affected by Corona virus which started spreading from Wuhan, China. Many multinational companies were forced to shut down or partly cut their operations across the globe. A Japanese food chain, ‘Izakaya’ has announced to shut all of its outlets in mainland China as only a few customers are turning to their restaurants. Hyundai, an other company in Korea has announced to curtails its productions. Philipines, Thailand and Indonesia are the other countries which are severely affected by this epidemic.    

Tourism is most affected sector due to the Corona virus. Many tour operators have cancelled their bookings and several countries have suspended issuing Visa to Chinese citizens. Several flights are already restrained flying to China and businesses are hampered. The GDP growth for China has been predicted to be below 5% and a panic is emerging due to all this. It will pull down the global economy particularly nations dependent on Chinese economy will be affected the most, including Japan. 

The prices of masks in Tokyo have surged many fold and out of stock in the city. Even the online stores are not able to meet the supply. Several cities in China are are facing self lockdown and economic activities are not happening at all due to the fear.  “Coronavirus will have a larger negative effect on the global economy than the SARS outbreak in 2003,” IHS Markit wrote, adding that China accounted for 4.2% of the global economy in 2003. The report says China now commands 16.3% of the world’s GDP. “Therefore, any slowdown in the Chinese economy sends not ripples but waves across the globe”, cites CNBC. 

As number of deaths have crossed more than one thousand in China mainland, the panic is spreading among business communities. The sales of Nissan motors dropped to around 18% in China. This is a clear sign of the impact of the virus on economy. Similar impacts can easily be found in neighboring countries like Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan too. A Japanese taxi driver in 80s died recently and number of infected persons in Cruise ship Diamond Princess is gradually increasing. If it will spread further the Japanese economy may be shaken. Though there is no direct threat to forthcoming Olympic games but if the outbreak continues it will pose a potential threat to organize the games. 

The Corona virus outbreak has burdened the global economy and hampered the business movement severely. China being an economic giant affecting the global businesses. Many companies, particularly in aviation sector and tourism are the most hit. The Guardian has reported that, Ikea has closed all of its 30 stores in China, while McDonalds shut about 300 restaurants, 10% of its network in the country, and Starbucks has shut about half of its 4,100 cafes. This just a tip of the iceberg. As there is no effective control to spread the virus, the future of global economy is still in limbo.  

Nation in Environmental Crises: Australian Bushfires

Credit: Getty Images

Kouno Kenich

Faculty of Liberal Arts,

The Open University of Japan,

Chiba, Japan.

E-mail: info@globalculturz.org

Extreme weathers are showing their presence across the globe. Bushfires had happened earlier too but rains were able to extinguish and control them in time. The bushfires of Australia have extended to almost three states due to strong winds and scorching temperature. People and firefighters didn’t receive well, PM Scott Morrison during his recent visit to fire hit areas of New South Wales (NSW). As the death toll has reached almost 23 and supposed to rise, anger and pain growing among common folk. 

One might see this as a natural disaster but, as we know, human activities are more responsible to incite such a dangerous happenings of the history. In telecast, Scott Morrison seems helpless. He said, "In recent times, particularly over the course of the balance of this week, we have seen this disaster escalate to an entirely new level.” It was Amazon a few months ago, it is Australia now, it will be some other part of the earth in years to come. Relationship between humans and nature is completely changing and new models of development are continuously burdening the nature and its channels. A wast population is chemicalizing the earth by dumping beauty products, fertilizers, vehicular and electronic wastes, and various types of plastics. It is absolutely destroying the ecosystem of the earth. Rains have become uncontrolled phenomenon. Where as there is no sign of it in Australia, there are immense floods in Indonesian capital Jakarta. Both disasters are happening together in an unbalance way causing deaths and destructions.  New Zealand Herald has stated that, “The fire danger increased as temperatures rose Saturday to record levels across Australia, surpassing 43C in Canberra, the capital, and reaching a record-high 48.9C in Penrith, in Sydney's western suburbs.” Jakarta is reeling under water and Canberra under fire. Two capital cities have met altogether different fates but the reason is one i.e. our policies  and ignorance towards environmental issues. DW has reported that, “Australia's deadly fires have burned through more than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land since September, causing catastrophic damage to property and wildlife.” Though one cannot agree to the idea of blame game on a single or a few people. "There has been a lot of blame being thrown around," PM Morrison opined. "And now is the time to focus on the response that is being made. Blame doesn't help anybody at this time and over-analysis of these things is not a productive exercise," the  PM added."There is no dispute in this country about the issue of climate change globally and its effect on global weather patterns and that includes how it impacts in Australia," stated Scott Morrison. Bushfires in Australia can happen anytime in the year but there are several seasonal bushfires too. Exploiting natural resources would not help. A balanced lifestyle and restraint desire for industrial development is the only way to go ahead. Consumerism is another threat for the future of mother earth.

Threats to Cultural Properties

Shuri Castle: Okinawa, Japan

     Michio Matsukubo

               Academic Fellow

CCGS, Fukuoka

E-mail: info@globalculturz.org

In many parts of the globe violence and war-like situations are emerging, and they pose a potential threat to cultural properties. Earlier in Afghanistan and later in Iraq, Syria and other parts of the globe, terrorism was the main cause for destruction of the cultural properties in their respective territories.   

Recently, in countries like France and Japan, it was fire which destroyed Notre Dome and Shuri Castle, respectively. Some times socio-political unrest becomes the root cause of such destructions. The protection, preservation and maitainance of such cultural properties cost millions of dollars all over the world. There is also a debate, whether this huge amount can be utilized for other purposes like eradication of poverty etc. Why cultural properties are so important to be preserved and maintained for the posteriority? 

Cultural properties are, ‘movable or immovable property of great importance to the cultural heritage of every people, such as monuments of architecture, art or history, whether religious or secular; archaeological sites; groups of buildings which, as a whole, are of historical or artistic interest; works of art; manuscripts, books and other objects of artistic, historical or archaeological interest; as well as scientific collections and important collections of books or archives or of reproductions of the property defined above.’ It clearly reflects the importance and necessity of cultural properties. Though there are other issues before humankind but cultural properties too cannot be ignored.

Addressing social unrests, terrorism, natural disasters properly, ensure protection of cultural properties. The world is becoming more violent as dissatisfaction from the governments are on rise. The civilizational and religious clashes are also increasing and makes a potential threat to cultural properties. Saving them is as necessary as anything else. Proper security arrangements, awareness, safety from natural and manmade disasters, socio-political harmony are the key points to avoid threats for these important properties.    

Hong Kong: Freedom under Fire

 

Credit: ABC News

ANDO Saori

Researcher, Department of Sociology and Area Studies

Tokyo City University, Tokyo, Japan

Contact: info@globalculturz.org 

Hong Kong democratic movement has become a routine affair. It is now loosing patience and becoming a bit violent. A few incidents of arson has happened. The police is unable to control the situation and Chinese administration is tightening its grip. The attention of global communities towards the cause is almost negligible. In lack of any effective intervention by the global communities a revenge process will be initiated by the Chinese and Hong Kong administrations. To tackle with this situation would be a big challenge for pro-democratic forces. 

While Hong Kong is struggling to retain its freedom and civil liberties, China wants to grip Hong Kong in more effective manner. Since 1997, when Hong Kong became part of China under one nation two systems policy, there were several protests on the Honk Kong streets in apprehension of Chinese dominance. This recent movement broke out on Sunday and as claimed by the organizers, the Civil Human Rights front, around 1.03 Million people marched against The Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019. The Hong Kong Journalists Association issued a statement saying that the amendment would "will not only threaten the safety of journalists but also have a chilling effect on the freedom of expression in Hong Kong.” further stating, "This sword hanging over journalists will muzzle both the journalists and the whistleblowers, bringing an end to the limited freedom of speech that Hong Kong still enjoys.” American Chamber of Commerce, The Hong Kong Bar Association actively supported the movement citing the Extradition Bill as anti-people, which is yet to become law. The Common citizens of Hong Kong enjoy freedom which their counterparts in mainland China have been denied for decades. 

China has emerged as a robust economic and military power in last two decades. It has greater influence than ever, globally, now-a-days. The success of previous protests in Hong Kong was just notional. It is evident that China is not going to govern Hong Kong in a pious manner and it will indirectly try to control it in such a manner which suits to Government in Beijing. Several Human Rights activists are behind the bars or facing legal cases. Some of them were forced to leave the country. The global community is either neutralor has become just a silent spectator to happening of the Honk Kong due to their economic interests, primarily. A Government spokesperson said in a long statement, 

The Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 (the Bill) aims to deal with a murder case which happened in Taiwan in early 2018 involving Hong Kong residents. At the same time, it seeks to plug the loopholes in Hong Kong's overall co-operation mechanism in criminal and juridical assistance matters, including the geographical restrictions and impractical operational requirements under the existing laws. The Government's proposed amendments, which have been thoroughly and prudently considered, can achieve these two objectives.

 The proposed amendments do not pinpoint any particular jurisdiction. After the legislative amendments, Hong Kong can, where necessary, using the same set of standards and under the principle of mutual respect, handle serious criminal cases by case-based surrender arrangements with a jurisdiction that does not have any long-term surrender of fugitive offenders arrangement with Hong Kong. The proposed legislative amendments will not affect any long-term agreements in force.

 All existing human rights and procedural safeguards provided for in the current legislations will be maintained under the case-based arrangements. These include the double criminality principle, protection against death penalty, restriction against re-surrender, rule against double jeopardy, application for habeas corpus and right to appeal and judicial review, etc. The Government will thoroughly and carefully consider each case. The executive authority and the court will perform their respective gate-keeping roles in handling all surrender requests. The Government will reject any surrender request if it could not meet the legal requirements. 

Journalists, Human Rights activists, and Business groups didn’t take the statement in good sense and came out for protests. Any such protest which defies the decision of Government like China will not survive long without the active intervention of global community and destined to die sooner or later.

    

G-20 SUMMIT AT OSAKA: ACHIEVEMENTS, EVALUATION AND FUTURE ACTIONS

Credit: g20.org

 Laura Frank

Research Associate, CCGS

Berlin Chair

E-mail: Info@globalculturz.org

G-20 is a group of twenty powerful nations of the globe, which also includes European Union. In 1999 the group was founded with the aim to promote the international financial stability and a few other issues. Economic cooperation was the key agenda behind its establishment. Its consists of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Spain is a permanent invitee.

Since then G20 leaders have met thirteen times at different global venues and the summit held in Osaka (Japan) on 28-29 June 2019 was the fourteenth one. The economists have raised the doubts of its achievements and its relevance too. The G20 leaders are divided on several issues and the global character of the G20 is severally hampered in new emerging situations globally. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), US=China Trade tussles, Japan-Korea cultural relations, US-Russia tensions and many other regional issues are more dominant over the global goals. In that case G20 summits just become a mere ceremonial meet without a concrete purpose.

Eight themes were put forth for discussion in Osaka. These were (i) Global Economy, (ii) Trade and Investment, (iii)Innovation, (iv) Environment and Energy, (v) Employment, (vi) Women’s empowerment, (vii) Development and (viii) Health. These were important issues before the global leaders to ensure the global sustainable development. Whereas the US has already moved out of Paris climate accord and has faced criticism, it was expected that there will be hardly any progress to control global warming. The worries expressed by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe through the press release is quite obvious, ‘The world economy still faces downside risks due to trade tensions. The G20 shared the determination to take further actions and lead strong economic growth while paying attention to such circumstances.’TheUS-China trade war is, as experts say, is not going to settle till Mr. Trump is in office. Chinese BRI project is boycotted by India, the most accelerating economy of the world. BREXIT has created a big trouble for European Union and Germany is passing through a phase of sluggish growth.

The preamble of the summit declaration suggests that there is a will to get united and make the world a prosperous, terror free, energy secured, gender justice and healthy place for every human individual. It says, 1. We, the Leaders of the G20, met in Osaka, Japan on 28-29 June 2019 to make united efforts to address major global economic challenges. We will work together to foster global economic growth, while harnessing the power of technological innovation, in particular digitalization, and its application for the benefit of all.

2. Building on work done by previous presidencies, we will strive to create a virtuous cycle of growth by addressing inequalities and realize a society where all individuals can make use of their full potential. We are resolved to build a society capable of seizing opportunities, and tackling economic, social and environmental challenges, presented today and in the future, including those of demographic change.

3. We will further lead efforts to foster development and address other global challenges to pave the way toward an inclusive and sustainable world, as envisioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’.

One journalist said at the venue, Honesty is prime, rest will follow.

For us, Center for Culture & Global Studies, it is satisfactory that there is special mention of promoting tourism and strengthening cultural diplomacy. The Declaration states in its article ’24. Tourism accounts for a significant share of the world's GDP and is expected to continue to be an important driver of global economic growth. We will work to maximize the sector's contribution to the creation of quality jobs and entrepreneurship, especially for women and youth and in the creative industry; economic resilience and recovery; the preservation of natural resources through sustainable tourism planning and management; and the achievement of inclusive and sustainable development’.

We appreciate such endeavors of G20 leaders.

Tussle Between China and Hong Kong

credit: HONGKONGFP.COM

ANDO Saori

Researcher, Department of Sociology and Area Studies

Tokyo City University, Tokyo, Japan

Contact: info@globalculturz.org 

While Hong Kong is struggling to retain its freedom and civil liberties, China wants to grip Hong Kong in more effective manner. Since 1997, when Hong Kong became part of China under one nation two systems policy, there were several protests on the Honk Kong streets in apprehension of Chinese dominance. This recent movement broke out on Sunday and as claimed by the organizers, the Civil Human Rights front, around 1.03 Million people marched against The Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019. The Hong Kong Journalists Association issued a statement saying that the amendment would "will not only threaten the safety of journalists but also have a chilling effect on the freedom of expression in Hong Kong.” further stating, "This sword hanging over journalists will muzzle both the journalists and the whistleblowers, bringing an end to the limited freedom of speech that Hong Kong still enjoys.” American Chamber of Commerce, The Hong Kong Bar Association actively supported the movement citing the Extradition Bill as anti-people, which is yet to become law. The Common citizens of Hong Kong enjoy freedom which their counterparts in mainland China have been denied for decades. 

China has emerged as a robust economic and military power in last two decades. It has greater influence than ever, globally, now-a-days. The success of previous protests in Hong Kong was just notional. It is evident that China is not going to govern Hong Kong in a pious manner and it will indirectly try to control it in such a manner which suits to Government in Beijing. Several Human Rights activists are behind the bars or facing legal cases. Some of them were forced to leave the country. The global community is either neutralor has become just a silent spectator to happening of the Honk Kong due to their economic interests, primarily. A Government spokesperson said in a long statement, 

The Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 (the Bill) aims to deal with a murder case which happened in Taiwan in early 2018 involving Hong Kong residents. At the same time, it seeks to plug the loopholes in Hong Kong's overall co-operation mechanism in criminal and juridical assistance matters, including the geographical restrictions and impractical operational requirements under the existing laws. The Government's proposed amendments, which have been thoroughly and prudently considered, can achieve these two objectives.

 The proposed amendments do not pinpoint any particular jurisdiction. After the legislative amendments, Hong Kong can, where necessary, using the same set of standards and under the principle of mutual respect, handle serious criminal cases by case-based surrender arrangements with a jurisdiction that does not have any long-term surrender of fugitive offenders arrangement with Hong Kong. The proposed legislative amendments will not affect any long-term agreements in force.

 All existing human rights and procedural safeguards provided for in the current legislations will be maintained under the case-based arrangements. These include the double criminality principle, protection against death penalty, restriction against re-surrender, rule against double jeopardy, application for habeas corpus and right to appeal and judicial review, etc. The Government will thoroughly and carefully consider each case. The executive authority and the court will perform their respective gate-keeping roles in handling all surrender requests. The Government will reject any surrender request if it could not meet the legal requirements. 

Journalists, Human Rights activists, and Business groups didn’t take the statement in good sense and came out for protests. Any such protest which defies the decision of Government like China will not survive long without the active intervention of global community and destined to die sooner or later.

    

"We will rebuild it. All together."

      Sayu Sekiguchi

The Open University of Japan

              (Hoso Daigaku)

       Faculty of Liberal Arts

E-mail: info@globalculturz.org

Many a time we have seen the destruction by fire. There were several incidents in Edo-Japan that fire engulfed towns and properties of cultural and historical importance. The human civilization moves ahead despite natural calamities and man-made disasters. The fear of apocalypse is very much rooted in Japanese society. In modern history of Japan the great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and bombardment on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 changed the overall experience of life and death among common people of Japan. It is the great human will that inspires to survive and rebuild.

Recently, Notre Dame, Paris came under the grip of severe fire. There was quick response from the global community and culture and art lover. Many nations, including Japan, pledged to contribute sumptuous amount of money to rebuild the 850 years old historic site.  The process of reconstruction will start soon but it may take a decade or so to complete the work. As CBS News reported, ‘Bells tolled at cathedrals across the French capital exactly 48 hours after the fire began. Cecile Deleville can hardly look at the destruction she has worshipped there for 44 years’. There are many deep memories in people’s mind about Notre Dame.

We visit places not only for businesses but for nature and cultural assets too. A building is not just a structure. It becomes live in our heart. Notre Dame, the Great  Pyramids, Taj Mahal and many more are photographed and kept as a memories not only in our albums but in our hearts as well. Here is a sigh of relief. USA Today states, ‘Officials said other treasures inside the cathedral, such as a dozen large paintings of religious scenes and huge bells made famous by the bell-ringer in Victor Hugo's 1831 novel "The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” were also spared, after a plan to safeguard heritage was quickly put into action’. Millions of people across the world are still stunned with this fire.  It would be a big challenge to rebuild the cathedral. Despite money, other skills are required to rebuilding. Kare reported, The roof cannot be rebuilt exactly as it was because "we don't, at the moment, have trees on our territory of the size that were cut in the 13th century," said Bertrand de Feydeau, vice president of preservation group Fondation du Patrimoine, adding the roof restoration work would have to use new technology.

Also of concern, Feydeau said, is the organ, "a very fragile instrument, especially its pipes."

 There is pain and sorrow on this happening. Investigators are doing their job. Government is putting its best effort. UNESCO and other global agencies are seeking cooperation in rebuilding. At the end we have lost a historic treasure, which cannot be seen and loved anymore.   

The End of Globalism, Rise of Patriotism

Dr. Ram P Dwivedi

The University of Delhi, India

''We reject globalism and embrace patriotism, around the world responsible nations must resist the threats to sovereignty.''

-Donald Trump, UNGA 2018

The US President Donald Trump declared the end of globalism in his recent address at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). It was the US, who, after the cold war, advocated actively for globalization and World Order. It is now obvious, that Americans want to backtrack the path created by them only. In the same speech, President Trump also made harsh remarks on World Trade Organization (WTO) and insisted upon bilateral ties among nations. The US doesn’t want to play a role of global leader, as it is no more a cost-effective phenomenon. Mr. Trump is very much clear in his vision to focus on ‘America First’ policy and he treats foes and friends equally on this matter. He is demanding more money from Japan and Korea to provide a security umbrella to them. At the same time, he indicated India and other nations not to buy crude oil from Iran. He said, 

Mr. Trump was critical to China & Russia and praised Kim of the North. He advised all the nations to follow patriotism. His address to UNGA is a new turning point and an important issue to analyze for the academics, social scientist and political thinkers.

The emergence of digital media, live streaming, photo, and video editors have broken the gatekeepers and ensured easy, smooth and low cast flow of information and news. According to Edelman a large number of people, particularly in India and China, believe in news spread by various media.

China: 73%

India: 63%

Canada: 55%

US: 47% 

Australia: 42%

UK: 36%

Turkey 23% {Media News trusted by common people}

Though the US and Australia are below 50%. Media is under severe pressure from the political parties and business corporations. The advertisers set the agenda for discussions in media channels and elsewhere. Even, Filter Bubble manages social media and echo communities are created. Overproduction of information has posed a threat to authentication. The lines between real and fake news have reached a hair difference. On one side Mr. Trump is advising all the nations to be patriotic at the same time he has expressed his anger and fear for China. He blamed China to interfere in America’s domestic affairs by the potential use of social network platforms. Mr. Trump’s apprehension is not completely baseless. In the last US presidential election, Russian intervention is under the radar of various investigative agencies. It simply implies that globalism cannot be reverted. It is a natural historical process of human civilization and Donald Trump very much know it. Then, why he is teaching a lesson of patriotism to the nations of the world. Obviously, he wants a better bargain for his citizens in terms of employment, lifestyle, trade balance and security. He no more wants America to play a role of World-lord at the cost of its citizens. This is a complete U-turn from the previous governments. The American aspiration to be a global leader is diminishing under the new regime. 

Trump administration has already kept away Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Paris Climate accord. His administration is also quitting from several other UN programs. Globalism was a brainchild of USA and with the turn of the century, it has become a burden on the economy. Though Trump wants to play a global role, but unwilling to pay for it. This dichotomy is reflected in his teachings of patriotism. The governments, which are unable to address the real issues of the society they ask their common folks to follow and propagate emotional paths. Social media has become an easy tool to inject these issues in the society by manipulation of facts, data, and information. 

Opinion building and opinion control through the extensive use of social media is quite prevalent. Digitally manufactured reality is flowing freely globally. Governments across the world are trying to put barriers on culture and economy. It seems to fail drastically. Citizens at the global level have to understand that the time machine cannot be reverted. Globalism is a futuristic idea empowered with information and communication technologies. Patriotism wouldn’t work long and as it emerged in the gone era of modernism. In post-postmodernist time, lies and love will walk together with greater warmth. Commitments will keep changing and governments throughout the globe, to retain their power, continue to mislead their citizens. UNGA members present in the assembly, laughed when Trump said, ‘Today I want to share the extraordinary progress we made. In two years my administration has achieved more than any administration had achieved before in history.’ There were several contradictions too. He concluded, ‘Let us choose the future of patriotism, let us come here to stand for our people and for their nations, forever strong, sovereign, just, thankful for the grace and the glory of God, God bless the nations of the globe. ‘ I only can say, ‘ God bless you, Mr. Trump.’

China’s Debt Trap

           Yoko Sakamoto

     International Studies School

   Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan

      E-mail:info@globalculturz.org

OBOR (One Belt, One Road) Project or Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are Chinese multi-layered economic aspiration to become a global power and challenge the American dominance-politically as well as economically. China is giving different types of loans to Asian and African countries for their infrastructure developmental projects. It has a very clear policy to encircle India, strategically, the biggest contender in the Asian region. China is funding Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar heavily. Pakistan’s several infrastructural development projects are not yielding anything till now and the interest on loans given by China is increasing. If Pakistan fails to repay, there will more pressure on the Pak Government and it will lose its sovereignty.  Sri Lanka, too, has failed to make repayments to Chinese debts and due to this reason; it has handed over its 

In Quest of World Peace

Laura Frank

Center for Culture & Global Studies

Berlin

E-mail: info@globalculturz.org

Nuclear disarmament is the key issue to ensure world peace. Recently the US President, Trump pulled him out of the discussion with North Korean leader Kim Ju Un. The meeting was scheduled to be held in Singapore in mid-June, this year. Kim, at the same, announced that some nuclear facilities, located in the North, would be destroyed before the meeting. He did so. He also initiated to build a positive dialogue with South Korea. Now, the leaders and common people across both Koreas have developed good sentiments towards each other. North Korea, has armed herself with different types of nuclear weapons has a stronger atomic capability. The sanctions imposed by UNSC on North Korea from time to time have their limited impact, as China and Russia were not fully convinced with these measures. It is learned that China was not convinced with sanctions and supporting the North indirectly. 

The countries equipped with nuclear arms are not willing to drop further enhancements. This dis-balance has created a big challenge for a nuclear-free world. North Korea, with it's two immediate and unfriendly neighbors-Japan & South Korea, is not at peace. These two countries, for their security, move ahead under the nuclear umbrella of the US. This causes the North, more unrest. 

Iran, Syria, Israel, Palestine and North Korea are the so-called bone of contention for world peace. Disturbances in these areas are pulling back the world economy. Nuclear equipped countries have bigger responsibility to initiate the global peace process. Donald Trump should re-consider his decision. Dialogues and discussions are the only tools to march ahead on the path of peace and prosperity.