Russia, China and Global Governance

With the rise of non-Western nations in the new world order, the need for international cooperation and global governance on economic, financial and security issues has never been greater.  But the emerging multipolar order does not seem to have contributed to global stability so far. The US, the EU and Japan are working to persuade the BRICS to take multilateral institutions more seriously, though the US itself often seems ambivalent about multilateralism. Most European governments know that they have a big interest in effective multilateral institutions. The behaviour of Russia and China – both veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council – is particularly crucial in dealing with global challenges, including climate change and peace-keeping operations.  What is Japan’s role within global institutions such as the G20, the WTO and the UN? Can the EU and Japan help nudge Russia and China towards a more serious engagement with global governance issues? Japan is in a difficult position in this respect, since Russia and China are its immediate neighbours and it has complex issues with both countries. But this makes it all the more important for Japan that both countries become responsible members of multinational institutions, and respect global governance. Our three speakers will discuss Russia, China and global governance issues from their own varying perspectives.

Speakers:

Akira Imamura

Akira Imamura is Minister and Consul General at the Embassy of Japan in the UK.

Professor Urs Matthias Zachmann

Professor Urs Matthias Zachmann is the Handa Professor of Japanese-Chinese Relations at the University of Edinburgh.

Gideon Rachman (Chair)

Gideon Rachman became chief foreign affairs columnist for the Financial Times in July 2006.

Free but booking is essential at http://www.dajf.org.uk/events/booking-form