[ Research Trends ]
[ Completed Research Projects ]
The Evolution Towards the Single Currency in Europe: From the Perspective of Citizens
- Research Institute: NIRA
- [ NIRA-conducted research ]
The results of the project may be outlined as follows:
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(1) The idea of integration, based on the recognition of a shared future, emerged when European citizens were faced with crises generated by two world wars.
(2) It was the European elites who took the initiative in efforts to realize integration. However, these efforts would not have come to fruition without such factors as citizens' willingness to accept broad-ranging integration and the deepening of economic interdependence.
(3) Citizens were reluctant about specific forms of integration, such as the European Coal and Steel Community. In contrast, social and cultural exchanges were actively promoted in regional economic zones from the early stages of integration through various networks, both public and private.
(4) In the European integration process, contrary to common perception, diversity was its precondition.
(5) National and European identities were able to coexist and thus there was no mutually exclusive or contradictory relationship between nation-states and Europe.
European Public Opinion and Economic and Monetary Union
- Research Institute: Joint Research with the Fondation National des Sciences Politique (France)
- [ NIRA-subsidized Research ]
This research project, also a sub-project of NIRA's comprehensive research project "Monetary Union in East Asia," was conducted with the aim of examining the trends of public opinion and the ways in which these have contributed to realizing integration.
(1) Integration was introduced by the elites. Although citizens were not enthusiastic in its support, their attitude to integration was generous, leading to social consensus.
(2) European identity is being enhanced and citizens are becoming increasingly attached to the European community.
(3) Up to the present, Europe's main characteristic has been its diversity. Because cooperation between the nations progressed step-by-step and integration was not accompanied by the dissolution of nation-states, cooperation in the region was enhanced.
Monetary Policy Cooperation in East Asia and Its Deepening Relationship
- Research Institute: NIRA
- [ NIRA-conducted research ]
This research project analyzed international cooperation in coping with possible currency crises, with a focus on the following two aspects: external monetary reserves and external debts; and reform of the region's industrial structure.
Two types of nations emerged from the new (triangular) industrial structure which was created due to the appreciation of the yen in 1985. The first type were nations with an accumulation of external monetary reserves, and the second nations with accumulated external debt. The countries in the latter category are vulnerable, meaning that they may easily be faced with economic crises as a result of possible economic changes. In addition, under the triangular industrial structure, a competitive relationship was established between the ASEAN nations and China in the fields of trade and acceptance of direct foreign investment.
Appropriate international cooperation in the field of monetary policies with a focus on the two aspects mentioned above can be summarized as follows. First, a 'cooperative organization for foreign currency reserves', capable of undertaking three specific functions, should be established in order to utilize the unevenly distributed currency reserves from the perspective of the region as a whole.
Second, given the fact that free trade zones are currently being established, the following situations may be predicted: the triangle will develop in a multi-layered manner; a horizontal mutually complimentary relationship will be established between Japan and the NIEs; and a horizontal international distribution of labor will be established between the ASEAN nations and China.
While these frameworks are being established, the formation of a common currency basket will become increasingly important, with the result that concrete prospects for a shared currency may be generated.
Finally, with regard to the internationalization of the yen, it is important for Japan to clarify that its position is in equilibrium with other East Asian nations and that it is in pursuit of common interests.
Cooperation in East Asia and Japan
- Research Institute: NIRA
- [ NIRA-conducted Research ]
An outline of research results is as follows:
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(1) The current status of the East Asian economy
Given the development of transportation networks and the IT revolution, it can be predicted that transnational movements of people will increase in local economic zones (IMS-GT [ Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore Growth Triangle ], the Mekong Economic Zone, the South China Economic Zone, and the Yellow Sea Sub-region). Mutual relationships between these local economic zones will also deepen.
On the other hand, the East Asian economy faces difficult problems, including instability, which creates a greater possibility of monetary crisis, and an increasing income gap between agriculture and industry. East Asian nations must cooperate in establishing regional economic security in order to achieve economic development.
(2) Means of establishment of regional economic security
Giving consideration to the experience of European integration and the respect for equality among nations regardless of size which exists in East Asia, it is realistic to take initiatives towards accelerating movements of people in order to promote a sense of affinity and mutual understanding. It will be practical to have a perspective which looks towards efforts to link local economic zones. In addition, it is necessary to recognize that it was the monetary crisis that made us strongly recognize the necessity of regional cooperation.
(3) The economic role of Japan
Japan's cooperation with other East Asian nations is indispensable to the achievement of stable and sustainable economic development. Japan must therefore pursue economic symbiosis as one of the nations of East Asia, based on the following principles: 1) Economic management that generates trust; 2) Provision of public goods for East Asia; 3) Participation in cooperation based on a long-term perspective; 4) Making efforts towards cooperation as a mature country, based on the perspective of the region as a whole; and 5) International cooperation with the aim of East Asian economic symbiosis.
(4) Formation of an East Asian Corridor
In the movement towards economic symbiosis among East Asian nations, an "East Asian Corridor" in which peoples live together and local economic zones are in contact will be formed. After this, specific efforts will be taken up for the introduction of a common currency.
It is essential for Japan to make efforts towards East Asian symbiosis from a truly equitable standpoint not only in the economic field, but in a wide range of fields, aiming towards the formation of an East Asian Corridor.
[ New Foreign Research Fellow ]
Mr. Senator Roy Herron
Present post: Senator of the Tennessee General Assembly, U.S.
Research theme: Japanese people's sense of politics seen through Japanese politicians, political comments and humor
Research term: July 1 - August 31, 2001
Mr. Herron, a Senator of the Tennessee General Assembly, publicly states his commitment to "support victims of crime, oppose drug use and drunk driving, realize cheap and accessible health and nursing care, and to work for consumer protection." Even after becoming a senator from a clergyman, he plays an active role as a leader in church and civil activities. He, as a political humor storyteller, is a regular participant in a local story-telling competition and is also an author of the book titled "Tennessee Political Humor." While in Japan, he is planning to conduct research on "Japanese people's sense of politics seen through Japanese politicians, political comments and humor."
Senator Herron's visit to Japan is sponsored by the "Japan Society Local Government and Public Policy Fellowship" of the Japan Society in New York, a private U.S. organization.
[ Workshop Announcement ]
"Citizenship in the Age of Globalization"
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Date : September 22, 2001, 10:00-18:00
Place : Yebisu Garden Place Tower
Sponsor : National Institute for Research Advancement (NIRA)
Lecturers (planned):
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Tomas Hammar (Sweden), Linus Penninx (Holland), Wolfgang Bosswick (Germany), Catherine Wihtol de Wenden (France), Zig Layton-Henry (England), Paul Spoonley (New Zealand)
* This workshop is partly sponsored by the Toyota Foundation.
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