Friday, September 14, 2018, 12:00 - 13:30
PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Axel Berkofsky, Professor, University of Pavia
Paul Midford, Professor, Norwegian University for Science and Technology
Marie Söderberg, Director, European Institute of Japanese Studies
"Can Japan and Europe Provide Alternative Leadership in a Changing World Order?"
Language: The speech and Q&A will be in English
Both the European Union and Japan have been major beneficiaries and supporters of the liberal international order led by the United States since the end of World War II. However, this very order that nurtured their rise over many decades is now confronting twin threats. First, it faces China's promotion of alternative models of global political and economic governance, and second a crisis of liberalism, manifested in the policies of President Donald Trump and Brexit.
In the book The EU-Japan Partnership in the Shadow of China; The Crises of Liberalism the authors examined the challenges the EU and Japan now face as the two remaining major supporters of the global liberal world order. In an age of doubt over the direction and durability of US leadership can Brussels and Tokyo translate their political rhetoric – constantly referring to each other as "natural allies" in international politics and security – into political substance in the years ahead? Having recently concluded an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), the authors ask whether the EU and Japan can convert their latent and modest cooperation into an alternative form of leadership and offer an antidote to the illiberal tide sweeping the developed world, or whether their potential for joint leadership will remain unrealized. These are essential questions that should be debated in the media.
Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website (still & TV cameras inclusive). The charge for members/members' guest is 1,750/2,700 yen; non-members eligible to attend may pay in cash by e mail reservation (front@fccj.or.jp). (Menu:Grilled Chicken with Rock Salt and Lime) Reservations canceled less than one hour in advance for working press members, and 24 hours for all others, will be charged in full. Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation. For meal service, please enter the room by 12:25.
*Working Pressは1時間、Associate, non-memberは24時間以内のキャンセルはフルチャージとなりますのでご注意ください。なおキャンセルは電話でのみ承ります。
Professional Activities Committee
Axel Berkofsky Paul Midford Marie Soderberg