East Asia in 2015: Prospects and Flashpoints

ISPD FORUM with Dr. Eva Hansson, Mr. Bernt Berger and Ambassador Lars Vargö

Thursday, February 5, 2015, 10.00-12.00

 

Dr. Eva Hansson, Researcher at the Department of Political Science at Stockholm University, Mr. Bernt Berger, Head of ISDP’s Asia Program, and Ambassador Lars Vargö, former Swedish Ambassador to Japan and now Distinguished Fellow at ISDP, will form the panel, focusing on China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, Vietnam and the South China Sea. Moderator, Dr. Niklas Swanström, Director of ISDP, will initially lead the discussion, before opening up for questions from the audience.2014 was a turbulent year in East Asia and the South China Sea. Territorial disputes, the threat of missile tests and conflicting air defense zones are but a few examples of events during the year. During this forum, we look to the year ahead, posing the questions whether relations in East Asia and the South China Sea will improve this year, territorial disputes’ effects on domestic politics, what the potential flashpoints are and what roles the different actors will play in the region during 2015.

Dr. Eva Hansson is a Researcher and Senior Lecturer in political science and the Coordinator of the Forum for Asian Studies at Stockholm University.

Mr. Bernt Berger is Head of ISDP’s Asia Program. He has two decades of work and study experience in China and broader Asia, focusing on issues in foreign and security policy, political development and regional security.

Dr. Lars Vargö is former Swedish Ambassador to Japan (2011-14) and South Korea (2006-11). He holds a Ph.D. in Japanese studies (history) from the University of Stockholm (1982) and a major in sinology from Uppsala University.

Location: ISDP, Västra Finnbodavägen 2, Stockholm-Nacka. For a map and directions, please go here.

To attend: RSVP to Ms. Lisa Bäckman at lbackman@isdp.eu