The End of the Liberal International Order?

The international order is currently in great turmoil. This is attributed to factors such as the expanding influence of authoritarian regimes like China and Russia, and the hostile stance of US President Trump towards multilateral international organizations and several international agreements. In tandem with this, discussions about the impending end of the liberal international order have become frequent in the world of international politics. This is a significant issue that we cannot afford to ignore.   

Having experienced two world wars in the 20th century, the world established a liberal international order supported by international law, international organizations, and norms such as democracy and human rights, to prevent international politics from being dominated by violence and anarchy. The pacifism embedded in the Constitution of Japan is also an inseparable part of such an international order. When we consider international politics, it is important to connect global trends with Japan's movements. I have always emphasized the need to think by connecting world history and Japanese history, as well as the present and the past. Since its days as a Rangaku-juku (school for Dutch studies), Keio University has been strongly aware of 'Japan in the world.' Yukichi Fukuzawa also paid attention to global trends, especially the movements of the Western powers, through works such as *Things Western (Seiyō Jijō)*. It is precisely by being aware of tradition while introducing cutting-edge, innovative knowledge that is necessary for the young people who will lead the future.