Suchergebnisse

This essay problematizes the identity of Japan as an international actor and the importance of the metaphysical notion of a historical consciousness. Outlining the development of Japanese intellectual tradition, it argues the thinking of Nishida Kitaro (1870-1945) could provide an important guideline for Japan to regain a sense of place and purpose in the world after its defeat in WWII. The essay focuses on how Nishida, the father of modern Japanese philosophy and pioneer of the Kyoto School, systematised a Chinese dialecticism into a `logic of emptiness'. Framing Japan as another potential source for a pluralised theorising of IR, the essay pursues two interrelated objectives. First, it hopes to give some non-Western philosophical contribution towards IR theory through Japanese inspired constructivist theorizing. Second, it suggests Nishida's philosophy has the force to renew Japanese political action in the domestic and international realm.

"National Service (NS) is one of Singapore's foundational public policies. First implemented by the British in 1954, amended in 1967 to provide a means to defend a fledgling independent nation, and codified into its present form in 1970, NS is a key pillar of Singapore's defence. Its significance, however, goes beyond defence. With over 1 million male Singapore citizens and permanent residents having served NS, and consequently involving many more — family members, friends, employers and colleagues — in different ways, NS is deeply woven into Singapore's political and social fabric. This volume brings together a range of scholarly perspectives on NS which explore its past, present and future in four sections: The history of NS, NS in practice, debates on NS and an international perspective. Comprising chapters by individuals from varied backgrounds, National Service in Singapore offers a broad account of one of Singapore's oldest public policies."--