? Japan in the post World War II international order : The paramount important of the US alliance.
Japan?s recent shift from strategic passivity to international activism.
? American perceptions of the Japanese relationship : Some key documents of the Clinton and
Bush administrations; views among the US strategic community.
? Historical patterns of Japanese diplomatic strategy and defense policies : Splendid isolation;
strategic passivity; assertive unilateralism; alignment with hegemonic power; Asianism;
Westernization; continental strategy vs. maritime strategy; etc.
? Japanese decision making process.
? Contemporary Japanese elite perceptions of the US : New Roman Empire or transient
hegemon? The impact of the Iraq war.
? East and South East Asian regionalism and its significance for Japan.
? The China factor and its implications.
? Recent thinking about Japan?s long-term options within political elite.
? Conclusions : The alternative of Japanese foreign policy.

IN KUALA LUMPUR
Date : 7 October 2004, Thursday
Venue : Cybertorium, 2nd Floor,
Menara Star
Time : 11:00am

IN JOHOR
Date : 8 October 2004, Friday
Venue : Dewan Jumaat,
UTM, Skudai Johor
Time : 9:30am

IN PENANG
Date : 11 October 2004, Monday
Venue : Conference Room, School of Social Sciences
USM, Penang
Time : 10:00am