Manifold Pascal Lottaz: Neutrality, Geopolitics, and International Conflict — #74
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Dec 5, 2024 Pascal Lottaz, an Associate Professor at Kyoto University specializing in Neutrality Studies, unpacks the intricate world of international relations. He discusses Ukraine's historical neutrality challenges amidst Russia and Western pressures. Lottaz emphasizes the role of dissent to foster open societies and examines Japan's balancing act between U.S. alliances and regional threats. The conversation dives into the unpredictable dynamics of geopolitical conflicts and the importance of understanding diverse narratives in today's turbulent global landscape.
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Lottaz's Path to Japan
- Pascal Lottaz's journey to Japan began with a high school exchange program fueled by a desire for a different cultural experience.
- His interest solidified during an internship, leading to a master's and PhD in Japan, culminating in a professorship at Kyoto University.
Japanese Language Acquisition
- Conversational Japanese can be learned through social interaction, but mastering Kanji requires dedicated study for reading scholarly literature.
- Technology like translation software aids comprehension, but deep understanding of expert lingo necessitates kanji mastery.
Neutrality in Conflict
- Neutrality studies analyze non-involved powers in conflicts, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of international relations.
- This approach offers valuable insights into conflict dynamics by examining the triangular relationship between belligerents and neutral actors.