Event

The Utility of Peacekeeping Operations: The Case of Japan and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF)

Saturday, September 22nd, 2007, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Speaker: Garren Mulloy, Faculty of International Relations, Daito Bunka University

The Asia Association for Global Studies (AAGS) is pleased to invite members and non-members interested in global issues to attend its Annual Research Forum, an event which showcases recent research by AAGS members. While the popular conception of Japanese Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) has been of high media profile contrasted with minimal commitment, the PKO activities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) have illustrated both far greater depths of commitment and more ingenious contributions to peace operations than is widely assumed. The 1990s provided a steep learning curve for the JSDF that each Force (Ground, Maritime, and Air) met with a different degree of preparation and commitment. The experiences of the 1990s greatly affected the ability of each Force to meet the new security challenges that faced them in the post-9/11 environment. This presentation will discuss not only the conduct of JSDF PKO, but also how these experiences affected the later execution of a wide range of humanitarian aid, disaster relief, anti-terrorism support, and post-conflict peace-building missions. It also examines the role of JSDF missions in national policy, and whether they are contributions to the preservation of international security, or mere 'window dressing' opportunities for a Japanese government set upon acquiring a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Following the presentation, interested participants are invited to have an informal lunch at the Poplar Restaurant at Kwansei Gakuin University.

Note: To ensure the event runs smoothly, please notify the organizers if you plan to attend: hpl@kwansei.ac.jp They will ask you to send 500 yen to their bank account.

Organization: The Asia Association for Global Studies

Cost: AAGS Members: free
Non-members: 500 yen

Venue: Toshokan Hall, Kwansei Gakuin University (Uegahara Campus), Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture

Location: Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Contact The Asia Association for Global Studies

Derrick Nault