Reflections on the Human Condition - Api-fellowships.org

26
xxvi
not to become a military power. Nevertheless, as Japan
has become the world’s second most important economic
power-house after the United States and with changes
in regional and global geopolitics, Japan is expected to
play a more prominent global role; thus necessitating
a redefinition of its identity as a global player. At the
same time, many developing countries have counted on
Japan’s cooperation, support and contribution for their
development. Thus, Japan as an economic power, has
become a major partner in forging free trade agreements
with respect to a number of products namely agriculture
with a number of developing countries.
The role of the state is not merely confined to trading
arrangements, but also to the promotion of research
and development (R&D), and to the development
of export-oriented industries. R&D in the field of
agriculture is pertinent for developing countries
including Southeast Asia; and the state should facilitate
this. At the same time, the role of the state, particularly
local governments, in promoting development is also
important. In fact, in some cases, local governments
that enjoy some degree of autonomy from the center
can create a better environment for development than
the central government, if the necessary conditions such
as partnership with civil society, and good governance
are put in place.
Session IV attempts to address the role of the state in
development, R&D, and in geopolitics with Japan,
Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines as empirical
cases. The questions addressed are:
•
•
•
In what way does the rise of Japan as an economic
power lead to the demand for the redefinition of
its identity as a global player? While repositioning
itself in terms of geopolitics, in what way
can such a redefinition of Japanese identity
contribute towards the making of the East Asian
Community?
Can Japan as an economic power, be relied upon
as a partner in development by other countries?
What kind of trading arrangements can developing
countries make with Japan that will be of mutual
benefit to both parties? Also, what kind of
experiences can Japan offer developing countries
particularly with regard to the provision of an
efficient, safe and affordable public transportation
system?
What is the role of the state, particularly local
government, in promoting development? What
are the necessary conditions for the state (e.g.
link with civil society, good governance) to play a
Ref lections on the Human Condition: Change, Conflict and Modernity
The Work of the 2004/2005 API Fellows
•
positive role to enhance development?
What is the impact of the development of science
and technology on agriculture? What is the role
of the state in this regard? Will new scientific
developments help improve the lives of the people,
namely the farmers?
The first question is dealt by Rosalie Hall who looks
at the Japanese self-defense forces, the debate on
the post-War Constitution namely Article 9, and
the redefinition of Japan’s international role. This
is followed by Zamroni who draws attention to the
proliferation of free trade agreements by discussing the
question of free trade in Asian agriculture by focusing
on Thailand. Indri Susilowati looks at the problem of
safety of the Indonesian railways, the factors affecting
safety, and attempts to draw some lessons from Japan
regarding her railway system. Miho Sakuma’s case
study of local governments in the Philippines poses
an interesting question - whether local governments
can devise development strategies for the provinces
under their care, and promote development despite the
predatory nature of the national state. Finally, Pennapa
Hongthong discusses the issue of the gene revolution
and its impact on farmers. Taking Indonesia as a case
study, she demonstrates that the real beneficiaries of the
gene revolution are not the farmers, but the companies
related to the agriculture industry.
Empowering the poor and the vulnerable
Communities such as the urban poor and the low
income groups are increasingly becoming vulnerable.
Globalization affects their lives in multifaceted ways,
creating uncertainties and demanding them to compete
in playing fields that are not level. In big cities, housing
is a perennial issue as land has become scarcer while
property prices keep on skyrocketing. More and more
demands have also been made for urban development
to be more people-friendly, especially to the poor and
low-income groups.
Children are also one of the vulnerable groups due
to their tender age. As children are our future, they
need nurturing, care and understanding especially in
terms of health and education in ways suited to their
character. Nevertheless, they are exposed to lead a life
of conflicting demands, as adults impose their demands
on them, while images created by global media shape
their ideology as well as socio-cultural habits and
tastes.
At the same time, migration and working in foreign