Pascal Lottaz: Neutrality, Geopolitics, and International Conflict — #74
Dec 5, 2024
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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.
Professor Pascal Lottaz's journey from Switzerland to Japan has enriched his insights into neutrality in international relations and conflict resolution.
The podcast highlights the critical role of dissent in open societies and the necessity of questioning dominant narratives during international conflicts.
Lottaz underscores the complexities small nations face in navigating neutrality amid great power dynamics, particularly in the context of U.S.-China tensions.
Deep dives
Dissent and Narratives in Open vs. Closed Societies
Open societies encourage dissent and diverse perspectives, whereas closed societies often promote a singular narrative deemed 'acceptable.' This dynamic is particularly evident in discussions about geopolitics, where alternative interpretations can be sidelined as 'fake news.' The responsibility lies with individuals to question dominant narratives and explore multifaceted views, especially in the context of international conflicts. This need for critical evaluation becomes even more pronounced in times of war, where the stakes are high and the narratives can significantly influence public opinion and policy.
Pascal Lutaz's Academic Journey
Professor Pascal Lutaz shared his unique journey from Switzerland to becoming a prominent figure in international relations studies in Japan. His fascination began during junior high when he sought an exchange experience abroad, ultimately drawn to the distinct culture and modernity of Japan. Over the years, Lutaz navigated through various academic programs, including a master's in public policy and eventually a PhD, focusing on neutrality in international diplomacy. His diverse background enriched his insights into geopolitics, particularly regarding neutral actors in conflict scenarios.
Language Acquisition Challenges
Lutaz discussed the complexities of acquiring the Japanese language, highlighting the struggle to master kanji compared to spoken Japanese. While conversational proficiency can be gained through daily interactions, the written language poses significant challenges, particularly for academic reading. He likened this struggle to the experience of others who encounter different language systems, emphasizing the importance of deep language understanding in accessing expert discussions. The evolving role of technology, such as translation tools, further complicates the motivations for mastering the language, as AI continues to advance.
The Concept of Neutrality in International Relations
The discussion moved toward the often-overlooked concept of neutrality in international relations, particularly in the context of conflicts like the war in Ukraine. Lutaz emphasized that smaller nations adjacent to great powers often navigate complex choices, with neutrality sometimes being the best route to avoid being caught in proxy wars. The dynamics of international conflict cannot be fully understood without considering the roles of neutral nations and their interests. Consequently, re-evaluating traditional approaches to international relations may provide greater insights into peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Exploring U.S.-China Rivalry and Japan's Position
The potential competition between the United States and China poses significant challenges for nations like Japan and South Korea. Lutaz explained that Japan remains wary of being drawn into conflicts and emphasizes the importance of maintaining its national interests while navigating the dynamics of foreign alliances. Comparatively, South Korea's aggressive stance on North Korea complicates its position amidst U.S.-China tensions. The complex interplay of historical grievances, military commitments, and economic partnerships will shape the future of East Asian geopolitics.
Domestic and Global Ramifications of Conflict
The conversation highlighted the delicate balance that Japan must maintain in the face of aggressive neighbors, particularly China. Lutaz noted that Japan's reliance on the U.S. military for defense complicates its sovereignty and reflects the ambivalence towards potential military engagement in regional disputes. The historical context underlines Japan's reluctance to embrace an overtly militaristic posture, despite increasing pressures to augment its military capabilities. As tensions escalate globally, Japan's approach will likely focus on diplomatic engagement while preparing for the possibility of a shift in the international order.
Pascal Lottaz is Associate Professor at Kyoto University’s Faculty of Law & Hakubi
Center. His research area is Neutrality Studies - the study of neutrality as a concept in international relations, sociology, international law, diplomacy, political science, security, and history.
(00:00) - Professor Pascal Lattaz's background, early life, and experiences in Japan
(14:17) - Neutrality in international relations
(20:07) - Ukraine's struggle for neutrality
(28:44) - Debating the Ukraine conflict
(37:50) - Physics, social sciences, and observer-independent reality
(46:13) - The importance of dissent in open societies
(47:01) - Russian resilience, NATO, escalation strategies, and potential outcomes
(51:43) - European realism and U.S. influence
(56:16) - Incentive structures and NATO dynamics
(01:04:11) - Japan's strategic position and U.S. alliance
(01:13:49) - Potential conflicts and proxy wars in East Asia
(01:30:35) - Philippines' strategic dilemma
(01:36:26) - Concluding thoughts
Music used with permission from Blade Runner Blues Livestream improvisation by State Azure.
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Steve Hsu is Professor of Theoretical Physics and of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. Previously, he was Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at MSU and Director of the Institute of Theoretical Science at the University of Oregon. Hsu is a startup founder (SuperFocus, SafeWeb, Genomic Prediction, Othram) and advisor to venture capital and other investment firms. He was educated at Caltech and Berkeley, was a Harvard Junior Fellow, and has held faculty positions at Yale, the University of Oregon, and MSU. Please send any questions or suggestions to manifold1podcast@gmail.com or Steve on X @hsu_steve.
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