The Fourth International Symposium of Keisen University

War and the Citizen: What should we do for the resolution of continuing military conflicts in Asia ?

Graduate School of Keisen University has been organizing International Symposiums in parallel with the annual Tama festival. Sequent to last year's conference "World Peace and Christianity-Past and Present," we are pleased to announce our fourth conference, on the theme of "War and the Citizen: What should we do for the resolution of continuing military conflicts in Asia ?" in cooperation with the Asia Leadership Fellow Program co-sponsored by the Japan Foundation and the International House of Japan.

Even at the threshold of the 21st century after the demise of the cold war structure in the latter half of the twentieth century, wars in various forms and scale still persist in Asian countries. Some are taking the form of anti-terrorist war led by the American military empire in which Japan is involved through alliance. Ethnic conflicts exist as remnants of colonial rule by Western powers. Once war erupts, it not only mobilizes soldiers but also civilians, who are endangered and victimized. Over the past decades, citizens' initiatives to construct a civil society in Asian countries through the struggle to seek democratization have become more visible. People power is increasingly strengthened. Making the best of predominance in number, why do we not direct our all efforts and actions toward furthering their empowerment for preventing the recurrence of conflicts and laying the foundation for sustainable peace ?

In order to address this challenge, three distinguished speakers overseas have been invited. Professor Lee, Jong Won is a reputed scholar on international security affairs in East Asia centering on the trilateral relations of Korea, the United States, and Japan. Currently he is teaching international relations at Rikkyo University. Serving as Executive Director, Center for the Study of Islam and Society, State Islamic University (PPIM-UIN, Jakarta), Dr. Jamhari is grappling with the rise of religious fundamentalism as a challenge for democracy in Indonesia. As an action-oriented scholar on gender and women's studies, Dr. Chandrika Sepali Kottegoda is committed to the civic movement for removing obstacles to women's participation in all spheres of public life and is engaged in strong advocacy and lobbying for public awareness of gender bias and of unequal development as a fertile ground for conflict. In addition, Professor Mayako Ishii, Dean and Professor of the Graduate School of Humanities, Keisen University, is taking part in the conference as a representative from Keisen University and one of the panelists. Using this occasion, the organizer hopes to facilitate a frank dialogue and discussion on a vision toward realizing an alternative society for deterring war and violence, especially with a focus on the role of civil society and the impact of globalization on Asia.

Panelists:	Lee, Jong Won, Professor of International Politics, Faculty of Law and Politics, Rikkyo University Jamhari, Executive Director, Center for the Study of Islam and Society, State Islamic University (PPIM-UIN, Jakarta) Chandrika Sepali Kottegoda, Director of the Women and Media Collective; Coordinator, Sri Lanka Women's NGO Forum Ishii, Mayako, Dean and Professor of the Graduate School of Humanities, Keisen University
Coordinators:	Uemura, Hideaki/ Associate Professor of Keisen Graduate School, Ohashi, Masaaki/ Professor of Keisen Graduate School
Date and Time:	October 30 (Sat.) 13:00-16:00 (Free of charge, Simultaneous interpretation is provided)
Venue:	Room J-202 of Keisen University (2-10-1, Minamino, Tamashi, Tokyo 145-0071)
Contact:	Tel: 042-376-8211 Fax: 042-376-8218 URL: http://www.keisen.ac.jp/univ/

Organized by Keisen University In cooperation with The Japan Foundation and The International House of Japan


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