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Sylff@Tokyo: The Role of Public Diplomacy in Implementing Foreign Assistance

June 8, 2017

Presentation at the Tokyo Foundation.

Presentation at the Tokyo Foundation.

Matthew Winters, a 2007 Sylff fellowship recipient at Columbia University who is currently an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, visited the Tokyo Foundation during his sabbatical as a Council on Foreign Relations/Hitachi International Affairs Fellow. He conducted research at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo for three months from August 2016.

During his visit, he gave a presentation on “Japan’s Local Public Diplomacy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Uganda,” focusing on the effectiveness of communication efforts regarding the provision of externally funded and non-state-implemented services. In order to survey the role of public diplomacy in development interventions, he implemented an interview-based survey targeting randomly selected citizens, asking them about the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program of Japan’s official development assistance. This research design incorporated a verification experiment enabling him to draw inferences on the dissemination of information about GGP.

The survey results showed that the source of GGP funding was not recognized by Ugandan respondents, despites the prominent branding initiatives taken by Japan. People had low expectations of the project, since most believed it was implemented by their local government. They viewed the project more favorably, however, when they learned that Japan was the original funding source. The survey revealed, therefore, that information about foreign funding can improve perceptions of the local government’s capacity, since local residents have a positive image of foreign involvement. Winters plans to continue his research on how average Ugandans think about the role of their local government in securing resources from abroad and its impact on the local community.

Mathew Winters, right, with Mr. Sasakawa.

Mathew Winters, right, with Mr. Sasakawa.

The Sylff fellow also had an opportunity to meet with Chairman Yohei Sasakawa of the Sylff Association, who is actively engaged in addressing international issues as special envoy of the government of Japan for national reconciliation in Myanmar. Winters is also familiar with East Asia though his extensive fieldwork in Indonesia, and the two exchanged views on the best form of foreign assistance, particularly for Southeast Asia.

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Environmental Geopolitics in the Anthropocene:Ominous Horizon or Breaks in the Clouds?

June 5, 2017
By null

Promoting the development and spread of renewable energy requires the balancing of policy tools and market inducements, notes Tokyo Foundation Research Fellow Hikaru Hiranuma, who participated in an SLI forum on climate change at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as an expert from Japan. The March 22–24 forum was organized by University of Oregon Sylff fellow Corey Johnson and consisted of a closed session among international experts and a public symposium. Johnson is currently associate professor and Head of the Geography Department at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

 * * *

A panel discussion on “Environmental Geopolitics in the Anthropocene” at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

A panel discussion on “Environmental Geopolitics in the Anthropocene” at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

The early ratification of the Paris Agreement has sparked renewed worldwide interest in climate change measures. It was in this context that a public symposium was held on March 23 on the issue of “Environmental Geopolitics in the Anthropocene: Ominous Horizon or Breaks in the Clouds?” at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).

The Paris Agreement aims to keep the rise in the global average temperature to within two degrees of preindustrial levels. Achieving this goal will require more than the fulfillment of pledges made by the signatory countries. The US administration of President Donald Trump, though, has taken a skeptical position on climate change since taking office in January 2017, and the world’s second-biggest carbon dioxide emitter seems to be shifting away from its previous commitments, putting the future of climate change countermeasures in doubt.

At the symposium, experts in such fields as environmental policy, energy, and national security came together to discuss the challenges ahead from the perspective of environmental geopolitics. This report summarizes some of the main points of interest that were raised during the discussions.

Stakeholders in Climate Change Issues

Various aspects of climate change were examined, but one recurring theme was the importance of identifying the key stakeholders. The title of the symposium itself suggested an answer. In the proposed geological era called the Anthropocene, surely every human being has a stake in finding a solution to climate change. This will require a fundamental break with existing lifestyles.

Over the course of human history, societies have developed by increasing consumption and placing an ever-heavier burden on the environment. There is a need to shift to a more sustainable model that will not place the same heavy burden on the natural environment. All of us living in the Anthropocene must first acknowledge that we ourselves are the ones who have brought about climate change and face up to the problems we have caused. Among the primary stakeholders, then, are the governments of the world that will need to enact and carry out concrete policy measures based on this shared awareness. One example of such action was the Paris Agreement, which came into force following ratification by countries around the world. Since trends and developments among the countries responsible for implementing concrete policies will have a direct impact on climate change, shifting attitudes in the United States have given rise to a sense of crisis and uncertainty regarding future climate measures.

The Influence of Major Powers

Given that countries are important stakeholders in the effort to address climate change, panelists from the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan agreed that relations between states are also extremely important—particularly those between such major emitters as China, Russia, and the United States. The United States and China alone are responsible for more than 40% of global emissions, and cooperation between them will be essential in any attempt to reduce total global emissions. A shift in US climate policy would have a huge impact on global efforts to address climate change and may require commensurate efforts by China to compensate for the change in US trajectory. Tensions between the two countries over foreign policy and national security could easily stymie negotiations on climate change, however, and the symposium served as a reminder that progress on climate change is intimately connected with trends in international relations among the major powers.

Regional Stakeholders

Other important stakeholders mentioned at the symposium included regional communities and other groups subject to common climate challenges, such as flooding and drought. Speakers suggested that such stakeholders cooperate with one another to address their concerns and to broadly share their experiences and preventive measures. Even as national policy in the United States undergoes a shift, many state governments are continuing to pursue their own measures to cope with climate change. These regional stakeholders (and others not affected by national policy) are expected to play an increasingly important role in climate change discussions in the future.

Policy and Market Receptivity

Another important point raised at the UNCG symposium was the balance between policy and the market in tackling climate change, such as in promoting the development and spread of renewable energy. One speaker mentioned that North Carolina has the second highest rate of solar power generation in the United States, a result of both market preferences and local legislative incentives known as the Renewable Portfolio Standard. When seeking to encourage private initiatives to address climate change, therefore, it is important to bear in mind that policy can crucially affect the receptivity of the market. The symposium offered important insights into how the relationship between policy and the market can have a large bearing on the effectiveness of concrete measures to address climate change.

Conclusion

The author, second from right, with other experts attending the symposium.

The author, second from right, with other experts attending the symposium.

The symposium was very timely, given the growing awareness of the Anthropocene concept and the shifting policies of the US administration. There is a tendency for climate change discussions to focus on isolated themes, such as energy mix, resource prices, and the policies of individual countries. But the UNCG symposium embraced a comprehensive perspective, viewing climate change through a broader temporal framework and the full range of the stakeholders involved, leading to many innovative suggestions for the future. Measures to address global climate change have only just begun, and it is important to maintain a broad perspective in identifying the best countermeasures through forums like the UNCG symposium. The stage where policy alone can induce market initiatives through reductions in the cost of renewable energy is drawing to an end, and there is a clear need to consider alternative approaches. It is to be hoped that this symposium will spawn may others like it to deepen future debate on climate change.

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Jagiellonian University Celebrates Sylff’s 25th Anniversary

June 1, 2017

From left to right, Mr. Sasakawa, Prof.Nowak, Prof. Kistrin, Prof. Mania with Polish performers

Jagiellonian University has, from the very start of the program, continued to implement the Sylff program successfully and has already graduated many active leaders, in the spirit of our program, noted Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Sylff Association* and the Nippon Foundation.

He made the remarks during a ceremony commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Sylff program at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, held on May 17, 2017. Jagiellonian University became the forty-second member of the Sylff community when it signed the Sylff Agreement in May 1992.

The ceremony was attended by the university Rector Professor Nowak, Sylff steering committee members, Sylff fellows from Poland and other countries, and members of the Nippon Foundation and Tokyo Foundation, as well as Japanese Ambassador Matsutomi to Poland.

The ceremony was held in the venerable Main Hall of Collegium Maius—the oldest building of this university that was founded in 1364.

The celebration began with a congratulatory address by Professor Andrzej Mania, chair of the Sylff Steering Committee, followed by Vice Rector Professor Kistrin’s remarks.

Mr. Sasakawa then commented on the changing environment of Poland and how Sylff leaders who understand diverse and shared values, can shed light on emerging issues that arise from those changes in society. Mari Suzuki, the Tokyo Foundation’s director, offered her remarks on the great leadership displayed by many Sylff fellows of the university.

*Sylff is a joint Tokyo Foundation-Nippon Foundation program. The Association is an initiative by the Tokyo Foundation (which serves as the secretariat) to create a more personalized program.

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Finding a Lasting Solution: Insights From the Forum on Violent Extremism and Radicalization in East Africa

May 31, 2017
By null

Dr. Jacinta Mwende, Majune Socrates, Steve Muthusi, and Alexina Marucha, four Sylff fellows from the University of Nairobi, initiated and implemented a forum titled “Understanding the ‘Push’ and ‘Pull’ Factors Underlying Violent Extremism and Radicalization among the Youth in East Africa” on December 8 and 9, 2016, at the University of Nairobi’s Chiromo Campus. The forum gathered 35 young leaders from African countries including 10 former and current Sylff fellows from Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The participants identified the fundamental causes of the grave problem of violent extremism and youth radicalization and suggested the importance of small but meaningful steps taken by individuals that will bring a major change in their community, country, and region.

 * * *

The twenty-first century has experienced more rapid changes and crises than the previous ones. While the past centuries saw more interstate conflicts, recent crises have centered on intrastate dynamics. The challenge of violent extremism did not emerge yesterday; in earlier times, though, minimal attention was given to violent extremism and radicalization. The horrors of 9/11 set off a spate of violent extremism in various countries and led to the emergence of terror groups pursuing various agendas with political and social motives. Civilians have been the main victims, but members of security forces have also lost their lives in the struggle to protect their beloved countries.

Extremism in East Africa

With the recent development and growing pull of violent extremism and radicalization, a significant number of youths in East Africa have joined extremist groups. Kenya, for instance, has witnessed a sharp increase in individuals joining extremist groups since 2011, when attacks were launched on Kenyan soil. The government responded by “putting the boots” in Somalia. Since then, more troops have been added while extremist activities have escalated, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property. Furthermore, the government’s move to target Muslims of Somali origin has led more youths, the majority of them being Muslims, to join these extremist groups in revolt against marginalization. Religious and tribal identity, which are most prevalent in Kenya, have highly accelerated the rate at which radicalization is spreading.

The states are therefore faced with a major problem that, if not curbed in good time, will claim their youths to violent extremism. The Sylff Peace Forum held on December 8 and 9, 2016, brought together 35 citizens of the African continent to not only better understand the problem but provide solutions and a way forward to countering radicalization and violent extremism. Ten of the participants were former and current Sylff fellows (from Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo), while the rest comprised nationals of Kenya, Uganda, Somaliland, Tanzania, Sudan, and Burundi. Coming from diverse backgrounds, they included members of civil society, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and government, as well as students.

During the two-day forum, various speakers—among them were Professor Bruno Kaimwa, Barbra Natifu, Dr. Hassan Kinyua, Dr. Patrick Maluki, and Debarl Inea—gave various insights, prompting heated discussions that delved into experiences of the individuals present and literature that they had read.

Photo session of all attendees on day two. Photo session of all attendees on day two.

Presentations

To start off the discussions, Dr. Patrick Maluki gave a presentation on the “Political and Economic Perspectives of Radicalization” in which the definition of radicalization was deeply explored. According to Maluki, a radicalized person is one who is tricked, swayed, and seduced into taking radical beliefs. Hence, radicalization is a process whereby individuals adopt extreme political and religious beliefs once they join a certain group with radical ideologies. The group believes that change is necessary and that violence is the means by which this can be achieved.

Professor Bruno Kaimwa, a former Sylff fellow from the DRC, extended the discussion to the state of violence and radicalization in eastern DRC. Barbra Natifu outlined the role of historical injustice in perpetuating violent extremism, while Dr. Hassan Kinyua outlined the link between religion and radicalization. Lastly, the role of media in radicalization and extremism was reviewed by Debarl Inea.

Based on the discussions by current and former Sylff fellows and others, the following factors were identified as drivers of radicalization and extremism among youth: social networks, which are useful in the recruitment of new members; poverty and unemployment; corruption and favors in the public sector; and marginalization due to religious and ethnic affiliations, a big contributor where some communities have been sidelined not only by the government but also by parts of the private sector. Denial of political and civil rights by the government and lack of opportunities to be heard by the government or leaders in power have also fed radicalization. Selective application of the law to citizens, which is harsher on youth, is another one of the major reasons why radicalization has become rampant.

Conclusion

What can be done to solve the crisis at hand? That is the major question facing states. Although efforts are being made to curb extremism, the real challenge on the ground is complex and difficult. Fleeing of countries to places where the ideology is more profound is what is being experienced. One speaker noted that the marginalization of Muslims by governments is real. A refugee from the DRC shared an experience where, while crossing the border using the same pass as that of other refugees, his Muslim comrade faced tougher scrutiny than him.

The exploitation of religion and tribalism has led to the spread of violent extremism and radicalization. Remedies include holding peace forums, promoting education, addressing the challenge of youth unemployment, strengthening governance, and bringing the leaders on board as well as getting them to understand that ideological wars need to be fought using the mind and not physical force. Only when we have achieved this will we eventually see violent extremism and radicalization eradicated from society.

“Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.” ―Martin Luther King Jr.

Facebook page of the University of Nairobi Chapter: https://www.facebook.com/Sasakawa-Fellows-University-of-Nairobi-397988557219449/

 

Dr. Jacinta Mwende Maweu received Sylff fellowship in 2004–2006 to pursue an MA in Communication Studies at the University of Nairobi. She is currently a lecturer in philosophy and media studies at the university, having obtained a PhD from Rhodes University. Her areas of interest include critical thinking, socio-political philosophy, leadership and governance, media ethics, political economy of the media, mass media and human rights, peace journalism, and media and society.

Majune Kraido Socrates received Sylff fellowship in 2013–2015 to pursue an MA in Economics at the University of Nairobi, where he is currently a PhD student in economics. His areas of interest include international economics, public economics, institutional economics, and econometrics. Socrates is also a sprinter who specializes in the 100 meters, 400 meters, and 4 x 100-meter relay.

Alexina Marucha received Sylff fellowship in 2014–2016 to pursue an MA in Communication Studies at the University of Nairobi. Her areas of specialization are event organizing and coordination, media and public relations, and development communication.


Stephen Muthusi Katembu received Sylff fellowship in 2014–2016 to pursue a Master of Psychology degree at the University of Nairobi. He is passionate about helping to uplift the lives of all by working together with individuals, institutions, corporations, and communities. He furnishes them with information through training and education for personal, professional, and community development with the aim of leading to improved livelihoods and a better-informed, healthy, and peaceful society.

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Award Ceremony at the Institute of Political Education “Pedro Arrupe”

May 19, 2017

An award ceremony was held on April 19, 2017, for five Sylff fellows of the Institute of Political Education “Pedro Arrupe” for the 2017–18 academic year: Giuseppe Rizzuto, Chiara Digrandi, Giulia Crisci, Bruno Buffa, and Francesca Lotta.

(From left to right) Giuseppe Rizzuto, Chiara Digrandi, Giulia Crisci, Bruno Buffa, and Francesca Lotta.

(From left to right) Giuseppe Rizzuto, Chiara Digrandi, Giulia Crisci, Bruno Buffa, and Francesca Lotta.

The five are receiving their fellowships under the new financial scheme, which was introduced in 2016–17. In switching to the new scheme, the institute established what it calls the Idea-Action Research Program whose theme is “Urban Leadership: Understanding Futures, Governing Cities Starting from the Margins.”

The program is designed to encourage research in the social sciences and humanities that addresses issues from a strictly scientific point of view but, at the same time, provides mechanisms and operational instruments to promote practical implementation (hence the name, "Idea-Action"). The program supports the development of a new generation of researchers who are interested in transforming society for the better.

The new Sylff fellows are a diverse group of scholars addressing issues from their own area of expertise, such as Asian and African language and culture; psychological intervention in development and socio-educational institutions; methodologies of art history; regional, urban, and environmental planning; and urban and regional planning.

A Sylff orientation and presentation meeting was held, during which Massimo Massaro, president of the Sylff steering committee at the Arrupe Institute, informed the five fellows of the mission of the Sylff program and the availability of support programs, including SRA and SLI. Addtitional programs are currently being developed.

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Sylff@Tokyo: Jagiellonian Fellow Examines Paths to Japan-Korea Reconciliation

May 12, 2017

Agnieszka Batko, middle, with members of the Tokyo Foundation.

Agnieszka Batko, middle, with members of the Tokyo Foundation.

Agnieszka Batko, a current Sylff fellow at Jagiellonian University in Poland, is now conducting research on the Japan-Korea relationship at Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo. She is in the second year of PhD program in political science at the Jagiellonian and is focusing on the role of NGOs in promoting reconciliation between the East Asian neighbors.

She became interested in her current research topic when she participated in a group study tour to East Asia in 2015 on the theme of post-war reconciliation, organized by the Exchange Program for Regional Integration in East Asia and Europe (EPRIE) and funded by the Robert Bosch Foundation.

Jagiellonian University sees leadership potential as a vital criterion in the selection of Sylff fellows and encourages students to go abroad to broaden their perspectives. Batko has amply demonstrated this potential by leading and organizing various student activities, including a photography workshop for high school students aimed at promoting awareness of contemporary social issues.

The Sylff Association is happy to support Batko’s initiatives and wishes her great success in her research of international relations.

Sylff fellows and steering committee members are always welcome to stop by the Foundations’ office while visiting Tokyo.