Governments that engage in influencer diplomacy as well as those who benefit from it have an interest in keeping these activities semi-public.
Some people would say that peace diplomacy is naïve, but by seeking “positive peace” the Moon Jae-in government will become a true winner on the international scene.
An inadequate embodiment of IR paradigms exists in contemporary ‘sport & IR’ research as soft power, although highly influential, remains theoretically simplistic.
Tomohiko Taniguchi shares his views on Japan’s global standing, its foreign relations with the EU and its Northeast neighbours, and the impact of ‘Abenomics’ policies.
A prevalent mindset existed, and is deeply rooted, among both the Japanese and American military that women were expected to provide sexual services to their soldiers.
China’s goals in jumping on the official comfort women bandwagon are arguably strategic, helping support the growing divide between Japan and Korea.
Koreans have drawn parallels between the treatment of the comfort women and the Holocaust, leading Koreans to seek recognition of guilt and accountability from Japan.
Unlike Korea, Taiwan has built monuments to pay homage to Japan, honoring the contribution that Japan made to Taiwan during the colonial period, including comfort women.
Many suggest that Japanese crimes pale in comparison to Western imperialism which was not characterized by the progress and prosperity that Japanese colonialism produced.
If the Koreas gain greater harmony they may focus more overtly on Japan’s past deeds and its present ambitions, directly impacting upon Japan’s ‘middle power‘ status.
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