1. the basic grounding in the concepts, processes and terminology of foreign policy-making and the knowledge required to apply these to the specific case of Japan;
2. an introduction to Japan’s history, society, economy and political system;
3. the ability to understand and analyze Japan’s role and position in international relations;
4. an examination of the actual policy positions of Japan toward the Middle East region and the peace process, and the effects these have on the particular case of the Palestinians.

Seminar Topics included:

1. Japan: the country, its history and its people;
2. The policy-making process (factors influencing domestic policy) in Japan;
3. Japanese economy, businesses, and industries.

Japan’s External Relations and the Middle East:

4. Japanese foreign-policy making: principles, interests, goals;
5. Japan’s security concerns and involvement in peacekeeping operations;
6. Japan and the Middle East region in general;
7. Japan and the Palestinians.

The proceedings for the full seminar report are currently underway!
The report will be available in due course.