Analysis of Japan’s Development of Dual-use Military and Civilian Satellites in the New Space Era

Tzu-chen Cheng
(Professor, Department of Political Science,
Chinese Culture University)

Abstract

　This paper explores the development of Japanese satellites in the new space era through literature review of international contributions, space governance, and dual-use military and civilian satellites. It argues that Japanese satellites, initially focused on international scientific contributions, have clearly demonstrated a trend towards dual-use due to the changing international environment and regional dynamics in the post-Cold War. It relies on New Institutionalism to analyze the normative aspects of Japan’s satellite development-related institutions, the Space Activities Act, the Remote Sensing Data Act and the Space Resources Act, while incorporating the actions of the key actor, JAXA, into the interactions between institutions and actors. The paper approaches the subject from the perspective of the competition in space between the United States and China and the cooperation between the U.S. and Japan to ascertain the trends in Japan’s dual-use of military and civilian satellites.

Keywords: Japanese Satellites, Dual-use of Military and Civilian, New Space Era, International Contributions, JAXA

France’s Many Reactions to AUKUS and Macron’s Independent and Autonomous Foreign Policy Strategy
 

Yen-hsien Chiang
(Adjunct Assistant Professor, Center for General Education,
Asia University)

Abstract

　On September 15, 2021, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States announced the establishment of AUKUS, with the goal of generating common military security. The deal also coincided with Australia’s canceling its contract for French submarines. Reactions in France were highly diverse. French public opinion was divided, ranging from grief and optimism, while the different views among politicians went from consolidating existing alliances to breaking away from NATO. Academics were divided over whether to follow the U.S. or to strengthen the EU and French leadership. However, Paris’ actual actions after AUKUS show that, under Macron’s leadership, France is still striving for independence and autonomy. The more pro-American “New Atlanticism” that prevailed in France in the Sarkozy era is no longer the only option, and the “Gaullo-Mitterrandism” of the French supremacy of the last century is on the verge of revival.

Keywords: AUKUS, New Atlanticism, Gaullo-Mitterrandism, Nicolas Sarkozy, Emmanuel Macron

The Impact of Institutional Legacy on Oceania Countries’ Accession to the WTO

Chia-chin Kuo
(Ph.D. Student, Department of Political Science,
National Taiwan University)

Abstract

　As an international regime to promote trade liberalization, the World Trade Organization (WTO) counts most countries as its members. As of December 2022, among the 10 countries that have not obtained WTO membership, six are concentrated in Oceania. Except for Kiribati, the remaining five countries (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Nauru, and Tuvalu) have yet to make plans to apply for WTO accession. This paper asks whether this geographic concentration stems from a decision by those countries not to participate in the WTO for the same considerations, or because they face similar difficulties that have prevent them joining. This paper complements the less discussed elements of previous studies by analyzing this phenomenon from the perspective of historical institutionalism, and finds that the factors that determine a country’s participation in the WTO multilateral trading system are not only based on considerations of trade interest but also “institutional legacy” as an intervening variable that will affect a country’s subsequent policy choices. The individual cases of Oceania countries show that the existing special agreements between them and other countries can meet their economic needs and bring about other political influences.

Keywords: Participation in International Regime, World Trade Organization, Historical Institutionalism, Trade Liberalization, Oceania Countries