Donnerstag, 22. Oktober 2009, 18:30–20:00 Konstantin Sarkisov: „Russia-Japan Relations“ ＊ ACHTUNG!! Die Veranstaltung ist an einem DONNERSTAG!! ＊

The focus on the current situation in Russia-Japan relations requires an insight into the historical background beginning from the first encounter of Russians and Japanese in the 18th century. The dynamic of the relations suggests that the whole history may be divided in four main parts:

1)seeking beneficial relationship,
2)geopolitical confrontation in the imperialistic world over China and Korea,
3)ideological and strategic animosity after the Russian communist revolution,
4)stumbling over vestiges of the past after the collapse of the USSR.

After explaining the main elements of these four phases the focal point moves to the territorial question, its origin and nature. In an attempt to find out what is the real problem the mechanism of the territorial dispute should be „dismantled“ into elements: history, international law, politics, military, economy and psychology. Though all elements are interrelated and intertwined it is very helpful to highlight the most difficult questions.
The final part of lecture will be devoted to the ideas how the pending questions can be solved and what are the driving forces of bilateral relations. The focal point will be made on rapidly changing international environment, balance of powers in the region, the emergence of China with its huge influence on the situation. The roles of the United States and €pe concerning the solution of the territorial questions will also be touched on.

Sarkisov Konstantin (*1942), Professor at Yamanashi Gakuin University. Born in Armenia, graduated from the St. Petersburg (Leningrad) State University. PhD dissertation about Japan and the UN. Main subjects of research: international relations in East Asia and foreign policy of Japan. Last monograph (in Japanese) revealed new facts and materials of the Russo-Japanese war (1904/5).

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