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SPF Holds Discussion with the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW), Poland

On November 5, 2026, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) hosted a roundtable discussion with a delegation from the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW), a government-affiliated think tank in Poland. The OSW delegation included Jakub Jakóbowski, Deputy Director and Head of the China Department; Michał Bogusz, Senior Fellow; Maciej Kalwasiński, Senior Fellow; and Jacek Tarociński, Senior Fellow. SPF participants included Senior Fellow Nobushige Takamizawa as well as researchers and fellows from the Foundation.

Latest Events

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02Dec2026

International Symposium
Outcomes and Future Perspectives of the SDG14 Think Tank III
- Towards Developing a Post-SDGs Framework for Ocean and Island Nations -

Registration Open

20Nov2026

Beyond Prejudice: Understanding Differences, Learning Together, Creating Harmony
Connecting Indonesia’s Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy (CCRL)—a pathway to interfaith dialogue and collaboration—with multicultural coexistence in Japan

Registration Closed

28Oct2026

Sasakawa Peace Foundation 40th Anniversary Symposium
Learning from the World's Most Gender-Equal Nation: Driving Women's Power into Economic Growth
Japan – Iceland 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

Registration Closed

SPF Newsletter

North Korea’s Development of Nuclear-Powered Submarines｜Women Refugee Entrepreneurs｜NATO's Evolving Space Security

SPF English Newsletter: November 2026 Vol. 1

November 5, 2026

Essays and Commentary

IINA: Moving Beyond the Era of "Rule by Force" —Reshaping the International Order and the Role of Middle Powers

The framework of the international order, built up over many years, is facing a crisis. The established "governance system based on internationally agreed-upon rules" is being supplanted by "rule by force," and the international institutions and systems that once played a vital role in maintaining the international order are no longer able to fulfill that function. How should we understand this situation, and shape the framework of the international order moving forward? In this article, I will analyze the current structure of "rule by force" and discuss the role that middle powers—and Japan in particular—should play.

November 4, 2026

News

Visiting Fellow Mohammed Al Busaidi’s Commentary Published by the Asia Peacebuilding Initiatives

On May 29, 2026, the Center for Mediation Support of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation held its first regular study session consisting of fellows from different regions and fields of expertise.

November 3, 2026

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Units and Programs

Japan-U.S. and Security Studies Unit

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Asia Unit

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West Asia and Islam Unit

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Ocean Policy Research Institute

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Scholarship Unit

Center for Mediation Support

Essays and Commentary

National Security and Japan-U.S. Program

IINA: Moving Beyond the Era of "Rule by Force" —Reshaping the International Order and the Role of Middle Powers

By Koji Sakane, Professor, Director of International Center, Shimane University

The framework of the international order, built up over many years, is facing a crisis. The established "governance system based on internationally agreed-upon rules" is being supplanted by "rule by force," and the international institutions and systems that once played a vital role in maintaining the international order are no longer able to fulfill that function. How should we understand this situation, and shape the framework of the international order moving forward? In this article, I will analyze the current structure of "rule by force" and discuss the role that middle powers—and Japan in particular—should play.

Satellite Imagery Analysis: North Korea’s Development of Nuclear-Powered Submarines and Russian Assistance

Developments surrounding North Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) program have accelerated in recent years. At the end of 2025, Spanish investigators reported that a Russian cargo vessel carrying reactor components from a decommissioned Russian nuclear submarine to North Korea had sunk in the Mediterranean Sea while en route to its destination.

By 執筆者を記入してください。（基本情報ページで登録）

October 29, 2026

Strategy and Deterrence Program

Satellite Image Analysis: China's Weaponization of Critical Minerals and Its Underlying Drivers

This paper analyzes the latest status of China’s newly operational reprocessing facility based on newly obtained satellite imagery and various datasets. It further examines the prospective pathway toward the establishment of a nuclear fuel cycle in China and considers the risks associated with the potential military diversion of nuclear materials.

By 執筆者を記入してください。（基本情報ページで登録）

October 22, 2026

National Security and Japan-U.S. Program

IINA: Why China’s Rare-Earth Leverage Does Not Wear Out

The U.S.-China summit in Washington on September 24, 2026, once again failed to resolve the rare-earth issue. The fact sheet released by the White House after the meeting stated that the two countries “continue to work on U.S. concerns regarding supply chain shortages related to rare earths and other critical minerals, with the goal of ensuring shipment levels return to appropriate levels.” Though nearly a year has passed since the U.S. and China reached a deal in the autumn of 2025, U.S. concerns over Chinese supplies remain unresolved.

By Naoko Munakata, Project Professor, Graduate School of Public Policy, The University of Tokyo

October 20, 2026

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Videos

Peacebuilding Program

“Peace Mediation in an Age of Conflict”／紛争が多発する時代における和平調停の役割（2026.5.13、Center for Mediation Support）

On May 13, 2026, the Center for Mediation Support of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation held a public symposium to commemorate its establishment, titled “Peace Mediation in an Age of Conflict: Comparative Experiences from Oman, Switzerland, Türkiye, and Private Institutions.”

October 30, 2026

“Peace Mediation in an Age of Conflict”／紛争が多発する時代における和平調停の役割（2026.5.13、Center for Mediation Support）

Ocean Policy Research Institute (Division of Island Nations)

The 1st Island Nations GLOBAL SYNERGY 5 - Charting a Way Forward for SIDS: From Dialogue to Action

From 12 to 13 March 2026, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation hosted The 1st Island Nations Global Synergy Meeting in Tokyo, Japan. The event was organized in collaboration with the Government of Palau, EPCO and Sov Lanatir, both NGOs based in Mauritius, as well as the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States), a regional organization headquartered in Saint Lucia. Approximately 60 practitioners from island nations across the Caribbean, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Pacific islands regions gathered to identify shared challenges and regional differences, while promoting mutual understanding and collaboration.

October 20, 2026

Ocean Policy Research Institute (Division of Island Nations)

The 1st Island Nations GLOBAL SYNERGY Mtg 4 - Knowledge Sharing: Breaking Regional Barriers

From March 12 to 13, 2026, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation hosted The 1st Island Nations Global Synergy Meeting in Tokyo, Japan. The event was organized in collaboration with the Government of Palau, EPCO and Sov Lanatir, both NGOs based in Mauritius, as well as the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States), a regional organization headquartered in Saint Lucia. Approximately 60 practitioners from island nations across the Caribbean, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Pacific islands regions gathered to identify shared challenges and regional differences, while promoting mutual understanding and collaboration.

October 8, 2026

Ocean Policy Research Institute

Ocean Impact Navigator for Japan: Blue Impact Finance Momentum to Action

The Ocean Impact Navigator (OIN) provides a framework for systematically assessing ocean impact and enabling investors, financial institutions, companies, startups, support organizations, and researchers to engage and evaluate opportunities from a shared perspective. Beyond being an assessment tool, OIN is expected to serve as a practical foundation for advancing blue finance and ocean impact investment in Japan.

October 7, 2026

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Reports and Publications

The Langtang Collapse

Locally Led Progress in Pilot Areas: Education Support for Migrant Children

Climate Loss Index (CLiX)

Ocean Newsletter No.606

Explore Our Reports and Publications

Featured News

SPF Holds Discussion with the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW), Poland

Latest Events

International SymposiumOutcomes and Future Perspectives of the SDG14 Think Tank III- Towards Developing a Post-SDGs Framework for Ocean and Island Nations -

NATO-IP4 Cooperation: From Strategic Dialogue to Practical Cooperation

Peace Mediation in a Turbulent Middle East: Roles, Achievements, and Challenges

WORKSHOP ON SATELLITE VDES

Beyond Prejudice: Understanding Differences, Learning Together, Creating HarmonyConnecting Indonesia’s Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy (CCRL)—a pathway to interfaith dialogue and collaboration—with multicultural coexistence in Japan

Sasakawa Peace Foundation 40th Anniversary SymposiumLearning from the World's Most Gender-Equal Nation: Driving Women's Power into Economic GrowthJapan – Iceland 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

Latest News

North Korea’s Development of Nuclear-Powered Submarines｜Women Refugee Entrepreneurs｜NATO's Evolving Space Security

IINA: Moving Beyond the Era of "Rule by Force" —Reshaping the International Order and the Role of Middle Powers

Visiting Fellow Mohammed Al Busaidi’s Commentary Published by the Asia Peacebuilding Initiatives

Units and Programs

Japan-U.S. and Security Studies Unit

General Affairs and Networking Program

National Security and Japan-U.S. Program

Strategy and Deterrence Program

Asia Unit

Strategic Dialogue and Human Resource Development Program

Peacebuilding Program

Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Program

West Asia and Islam Unit

West Asia and Islam Program

Social Innovation Program

Ocean Policy Research Institute

Division of Ocean Vision and Action

Division of Island Nations

Scholarship Unit

Sasakawa Scholarship Program

Center for Mediation Support

Center for Mediation Support

Essays and Commentary

IINA: Moving Beyond the Era of "Rule by Force" —Reshaping the International Order and the Role of Middle Powers

Latest News

Satellite Imagery Analysis: North Korea’s Development of Nuclear-Powered Submarines and Russian Assistance

Satellite Image Analysis: China's Weaponization of Critical Minerals and Its Underlying Drivers

IINA: Why China’s Rare-Earth Leverage Does Not Wear Out

Videos

“Peace Mediation in an Age of Conflict”／紛争が多発する時代における和平調停の役割（2026.5.13、Center for Mediation Support）

The 1st Island Nations GLOBAL SYNERGY 5 - Charting a Way Forward for SIDS: From Dialogue to Action

The 1st Island Nations GLOBAL SYNERGY Mtg 4 - Knowledge Sharing: Breaking Regional Barriers

Ocean Impact Navigator for Japan: Blue Impact Finance Momentum to Action

Reports and Publications

The Langtang Collapse

Locally Led Progress in Pilot Areas: Education Support for Migrant Children

Climate Loss Index (CLiX)

Ocean Newsletter No.606

Video Title

International Symposium
Outcomes and Future Perspectives of the SDG14 Think Tank III
- Towards Developing a Post-SDGs Framework for Ocean and Island Nations -

Beyond Prejudice: Understanding Differences, Learning Together, Creating Harmony
Connecting Indonesia’s Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy (CCRL)—a pathway to interfaith dialogue and collaboration—with multicultural coexistence in Japan

Sasakawa Peace Foundation 40th Anniversary Symposium
Learning from the World's Most Gender-Equal Nation: Driving Women's Power into Economic Growth
Japan – Iceland 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations