2024-2025 21JPSI/Sasakawa USA Joint Conference

Conference Agenda:

Sasakawa USA and Indiana University’s Hamilton Lugar School present a U.S.-Japan Regional Alliance Series event:

The U.S.-Japan Alliance as Global Partnership”

10/8/2024
4:45 PM – 6:50PM

Shreve Auditorium
Hamilton Lugar School
355 North Eagleson Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405-1105

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Agenda

4:45 PM Welcome Remarks

Master of Ceremonies: Prof. Adam Liff

Welcome remarks by Dean John Ciorciari

Welcome remarks by Dr. Satohiro Akimoto

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4:55 PM Panel 1: The Future of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and the ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’

The U.S.-Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement in April elevated bilateral relations from a regional partnership to a global partnership. This was based on a shared realization that global security events, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, affect the stability and peace of the Indo-Pacific and vice versa (e.g., peace across the Taiwan Strait).  This panel aims to deepen the understanding of the strategic importance of the bilateral security alliance for the region and the world, by casting light on rapidly changing geopolitical environments in the Indo-Pacific and their implications for the U.S.-Japan alliance. 

Panelists:

ADM Tomohisa Takei, former 32nd Chief of Staff, JMSDF (Ret.)

LT GEN Larry Nicholson, former Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force in Japan, USMC (Ret.); Distinguished Senior Fellow (Non-resident), Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA

Prof. Sarah Bauerle-Danzman, Director, Tobias Center; Associate Professor, Hamilton Lugar School

Moderator:

Prof. Adam Liff, Founding Director, 21st Century Japan Politics & Society Initiative (21JPSI); Associate Professor, Hamilton Lugar

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6:00 PM Panel 2: Contemporary Political and Social Challenges for Japan’s New Prime Minister

Days before our conference begins Japan’s long-serving Prime Minister Kishida will step down and be replaced by a new Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader. From corruption scandals and climate change to continuing economic headwinds and a rapidly aging population, the new Prime Minister and their Cabinet will immediately confront a vast array of political, economic, and social challenges. This panel will examine recent transformations in Japanese politics, economy, and society, with a particular emphasis on the likely priorities of the new Cabinet and the implications for U.S.-Japan relations.

Speakers:

Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, President and Chairman of Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA

Prof. Hilary Holbrow, Assistant Professor, Hamilton Lugar School

Moderator:

Prof. Adam Liff, Founding Director, 21st Century Japan Politics & Society Initiative (21JPSI); Associate Professor, Hamilton Lugar School 

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6:50 PM Closing Remarks

Prof. Adam Liff, Founding Director, 21st Century Japan Politics & Society Initiative (21JPSI); Associate Professor, Hamilton Lugar School 

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A catered reception for all conference participants and audience members to follow in the GISB Atrium