Research Activities

Research Projects

Analysis of Current Affairs in the Middle East under Structural Changes(2020_3_60_004)

Outline

The Middle East has been experiencing severe structural geopolitical changes since the early 2011 “Arab Spring” upheaval. Further, it reflects a combination of the mixed interests of neighboring countries and recent trends in the United States, Russia, and China. Thus, Japan faces increasing and unprecedented difficulties in making appropriate policy decisions.

In this project, by holding research meetings based on the policy needs of policymakers at entities such as central ministries and agencies, we will first analyze the status of the structural changes occurring in the Middle East, and provide information on their future course. Second, we will form a platform for proactively making policy proposals as a research institute regarding policies toward the Middle East, centered on Japan’s external trade policy.

This study aims to analyze the increasingly long-term contributing factors to destabilization in the Middle East, considering the perspectives of security policy and the theory of national system related to the realization of the democratization process. Specifically, it will consider Japan’s position and policies in Middle Eastern countries where Japan has its own diplomatic relations, such as Iran. We also plan to actively disseminate information on the latest situation in the Middle East through the Institute’s website. In addition, we will hold seminars for companies and the general public in collaboration with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Headquarters.

Period

July 2020 - March 2023

Leader of the Research Project

Hitoshi Suzuki

Publications

Policy Briefing
Seminar
IDE Policy Brief