The End of the Liberal International Order?

The international order is currently in a state of great upheaval. Factors such as the expanding influence of authoritarian regimes like China and Russia, and U.S. President Trump's hostile stance toward multilateral international organizations and several international agreements, have been pointed out as causes. Along with this, arguments that the liberal international order is coming to an end have become frequent in the world of international politics. This is a serious 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 disorder. The pacifism embedded in the Constitution of Japan is also inextricably linked to such an international order. When we think about international politics, it is important to connect global movements with Japan's movements. I have emphasized the need to think by connecting world history with Japanese history, as well as the present with the past. Since its days as a school of Dutch studies, Keio University has been strongly aware of "Japan in the world." Fukuzawa Yukichi Sensei also kept an eye on global movements, particularly those of the Western powers, through books such as Things Western (Seiyō Jijō). It is precisely the introduction of cutting-edge, innovative knowledge while remaining conscious of tradition that is necessary for the young people who will lead the future.