10:00-12:00 (MSK)
16:00-18:00 (JSK)
Language: English
We invite everybody interested in International Relations to take part in the discussion on Foreign Policies of Russia, the US, China, and the role of Japanese Diplomacy (including Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)) under the New International Circumstances including the Advent of New Administration in the US. The discussion is organized by European University at St. Petersburg (EUSP) under the auspices of Consulate General of Japan in St. Petersburg.
Program of the seminar
Opening remarks by Dr. Natalia MAZUR, Provost of European University at St. Petersburg
Opening remarks by Mr. Yasumasa IIJIMA, Consul General of Japan in St. Petersburg
Moderator: Dr. Gevorg AVETIKYAN (EUSP)
Part I: Russia in the New International Circumstances
Dr. Ivan KURILLA (EUSP)
Prospects for Russia-US Relations under Biden Administration
During his speech on foreign policy issues in February, President Joe Biden made it clear that his administration will take tougher attitude towards Russia, which is a change from his predecessor’s sympathetic approach. In Russia, in the same period, anti-government activist was arrested and as a result, over one hundred thousand people demonstrated all over the country. The 2021 State Duma election in September will be a politically crucial opportunity on deciding which direction Russia is heading for. This part considers how Russian domestic situation will have an impact on its future relation with the US.
Dr. Nikita LOMAGIN (EUSP)
Prospects for Russia-China Relations and Russian Foreign Policy towards the CIS countries
Though it is generally assumed that the world is being multi-polarized, the expansion of trade and economic cooperation between China and other countries through its Belt and Road Initiative is remarkable. With Chinese political and economic influence growing more and more enormous, this part considers what kind of relations Russia is trying to build with China and what kind of role China will play in Russia’s Arctic development. Though Russia shares heritage from the former Soviet Union with the CIS countries, relations between them cannot be simply defined. With China expanding, the great attention is being paid to whether or not Russia can maintain its own presence as in the past.
Dr. Tatiana ROMANOVA (Petersburg State University, EUSP)
Prospects for Relations between Russia and the European Union
The tensions between Russia and Europe are growing in such fields as human rights, democracy or historical issues, although their economic relations are getting close. EU sanctions and counter-sanctions play essential role for relationship. Are there any opportunities for a change for better? What impact EU-Russia relations might have on overall Russian foreign policy?
Part II: Japan in the New International Circumstances
Dr. Akio TAKAHARA (University of Tokyo)
Prospects for Japan-US Relations under Biden Administration and Japan-China Relations (including Russia-China Relations)
Biden Administration intends to drastically change the course of policy, putting an emphasis on international collaboration, diversity, and sustainability. With the economic competition and the possibility of conflicts between the US and China on human rights or security issues being carefully considered, Japan faces the difficult task of strengthening the alliance with the US and promoting exchange with China in economic and other areas at the same time. Although there is competition between Japan and China over values and maritime security, it is also essential for both sides to cooperate not only bilaterally but also in such global issues as climate change or fight against the pandemic.
Prof. Chiharu TAKENAKA (Rikkyo University)
Prospects for Relations with Other Great Powers (including India, FOIP)
Based on its Foreign Policy concept of ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),’which takes two continents of Asia and Africa and two oceans of Pacific and Indian as one wide region, Japan is working with other countries to promote peace, stability and prosperity in this region, through ensuring international order based on rules including the rule of law, freedom of navigation, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and promoting free trade. India, as an emerging great power in this region and while maintaining its conventional policy of non-alignment and multi-vector diplomacy, is now a global strategic partner of Japan. Both countries aim to deal with the new international challenges, especially the enhanced military presence of China, through the quadrilateral dialogue among Japan, US, Australia and India. This part examines how to find a way to build the peaceful coexistence and harmonious cooperation in Indo-Pacific region at the time of power shift.
Dr. Akio TAKAHARA (University of Tokyo)
Japan-Russia Relations under the New International Circumstances
The Japan-Russia relations are developing at all levels thanks to the active exchange of views between the leaders and the expansion of economic and cultural exchanges only contribute to the positive trend. The most important task for Japan is to develop relations with Russia as partners in the Asia-Pacific region in an overall manner. This includes the promotion of political relations, with a view to concluding the peace treaty, as well as developing partnerships in economic, security, cultural and human exchange spheres. This part discusses what kind of challenges Japan-Russia relations face in the new international circumstances.