Contemporary Strategies and Structures
Politics of Religion: Living in a World without Religious Conflict
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Mark David Luttio
This paper uses both an ethnographic approach and theoretical study of the religion. Religion is, without doubt, one of the single most potent institutional and political forces in the world we live in. Every day we hear of news events which are motivated by a particular religious perspective or agenda. Indeed, if we are to understand the world we live in, and provide a possible paradigm for dialogue and tolerance in the twnety-first century, we must understand and be able to speak to the religious traditions which impact so many of our world events. And yet, in a world marked by religious conflict there is a growing trend toward organic spirituality. This paper explores how the new globalization of spirituality is superseding the institutions/politics of religion, and how this may serve as a bridge to global understanding and create strategies that might be employed to bring religious tolerance and understanding in the midst of our diversity, rather than barriers of hatred as so often is the case.
Is the Doctrine of Responsibility to Protect Passé?
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Dogachan Dagi
The doctrine of responsibility to protect was developed in order to address the issue of mass atrocities, which were brought about by intrastate and ethnic conflicts as well as oppressive regimes throughout the world. It embraced the idea of the immunity of human rights and the moral need to intervene in cases that shock human conscience, and posed a challenge to the conventional understanding of sovereignty by redefining it as "responsibility." However, the controversial implementation of the doctrine in Libya in 2011 to 2012 and its non-implementation in the case of Syria despite widespread humanitarian crisis in terms of civilian casualties and massive population displacement have raised questions as to the utility of the doctrine in practice. This paper thus demonstrates moral, legal, and practical weaknesses of R2P in relation to the Libyan and Syrian cases, and discusses its relevance/applicability as a mechanism to respond to current humanitarian crises.
International Strategies for Regional Economic Development: A Survey of Municipal Governments in Japan
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Naoki Fujiwara, Hitoshi Umemura
Globalization has a direct influence on regional economies. Research shows that in order to secure regions’ sustainable economic development, exchanges with outside the region are important. This paper examines what kind of relationship the Japanese municipal governments wish to build overseas. Based on a survey of the international strategy of 47 Japanese municipalities of the prefectural level, about half of them have established administrative plans to promote economic exchanges related to overseas. The international strategy by Japanese municipalities has increased since 2010. Two perspectives are considered. First, capturing the demand outside the region, including foreign market development of local products and attraction of foreign tourists. Second, increasing the capacity of the region to participate in global production networks by incorporating knowledge from outside and increasing regional diversity and tolerance for regional innovation. Municipalities can build reliability with other areas overseas through intergovernmental relationships. This is achieved through international business meetings, dispatch of economic mission teams, and joint exhibition with companies in trade fairs. Municipalities are seeking to enhance the credibility of local companies and reduce transaction costs related to international business.
Development Cooperation in the Globalized World: The Case of India
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Silvia Tieri
India embraced globalization in the early 1990s. Integration in the global market allowed its economy to grow considerably. At the same time, it has become more assertive in its economic and foreign policy outreach. One of the most remarkable aspects of this phenomenon is India's growing role as a development partner, i.e. provider of foreign aid. Affirming its role as a development partner is a key element for India to become a global actor. In light of the growing volume of aid provided by India to other countries, a study of Indian development assistance is increasingly relevant. Being foreign aid policy a relevant aspect of foreign policy, an analysis of India's role as a donor is necessary to understand India's rising geopolitical and economic role within the South Asian region and at a global level. The paper aims to provide a picture of India's development assistance in terms of main geographical areas targeted, financial instruments used and economic sectors concerned, with a focus on India's interests as a donor and its position vis-a-vis the mainstream development assistance paradigm.
