Let's Elucidate the Structure of Power That Surrounds Us with a Critical Spirit

In our daily lives, we make judgments to live happier lives by obtaining information from various media—newspapers, television, the internet, books, and magazines—about events occurring in our communities, regions, countries, the world, and even the universe. The discipline of political science analyzes the host of problems that unfold before our eyes—corruption, declining birthrates, gender gaps, depopulation, economic stagnation, digitalization, personal information protection, economic security, cognitive warfare, US-China confrontation, terrorism and war, poverty, environmental destruction, global warming, and more—by focusing on the nature of 'public power' and conceives of how power should be structured to bring about human freedom and a prosperous life.

The hallmark of political science lies in the breadth of its subjects and the diversity of its approaches. Take, for example, 'democracy,' one of the main themes of political science. One can discuss the nature of democracy based on the history of political thought and normative theories, or one can derive theories inductively from experience and practice. It is also possible to argue from the internal perspectives of Japan, various countries, and local communities, or to compare the state of democracy in different countries and regions based on specific indicators. Furthermore, it is important to consider how the value of 'democracy' is used as a tool for governance through international relations and international organizations and the kind of impact it has.

The Department of Political Science at the Faculty of Law, Keio University, has a curriculum that allows students to explore the discipline of political science comprehensively and professionally over four years. It is unparalleled in offering over 80 courses across five series: ① Political Thought, ② Political Theory and Political Sociology, ③ Japanese Politics, ④ Area Studies and Comparative Politics, and ⑤ International Politics. In addition, various small-group classes such as exercises, special research projects, and research seminars (zemi) are available. This is because we believe that discussions with faculty and peers, based on the spirit of "learning while teaching, teaching while learning," are essential for mastering the discipline of political science, which has no single right answer.

For all first-year students entering the Department of Political Science, I would like to ask two things. The first is to follow your curiosity and broaden your interests across time, space, and disciplines. Politics exists wherever power extends. Please engage seriously in any field you like, not only in the social sciences but also in the natural sciences, medicine, literature, art, and sports. These efforts will surely connect with the perspectives you cultivate in the Department of Political Science and bear fruit as ideas that enrich society. I believe the saying, 'The higher the mountain, the wider its base,' holds true.　

The second is to pay attention to the power relations behind all information sources. Not only information from the internet but also major media outlets, and even 'political science' textbooks, are all products of the power structures of their time. The answers provided by generative AI are even more so, biased by certain power structures. I want all of you to acquire the habit of thinking autonomously—not taking information at face value, but rather understanding the objects of your observation in light of the power relations behind all discourse.