Reconciling Rivals: War, Memory, and Security in East Asia

Mike Mochizuki holds the endowed chair in Japan-U.S. Relations at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, in memory of Gaston Sigur. He joined the university from the Brookings Institution, where he was a senior fellow. Previously, he was with the RAND Corporation's Research and Development division, serving as co-director of the Center for Asia-Pacific Policy.

The third Smart Talk convened on July 9, 2009, featuring Professor Mike Mochizuki (Elliott School, George Washington University) presenting on the topic “Reconciling Rivals, War, Memory, and Security in East Asia.” A panel of leading experts engaged in a thorough discussion of the issues raised by Professor Mochizuki.

Professor Mochizuki elaborated on the challenges East Asia faces in overcoming conflicts related to memory politics. He focused not only on inter-state differences and conflicts but also on intra-state divisions, with a particular emphasis on Japan. Drawing on Professor Mochizuki’s expertise, the panel discussed strategies for overcoming conflicts in memory politics and assessed the difficulties encountered by countries in the region, including the United States. Professor Mochizuki and the panel also proposed several suggestions and ideas for resolving these conflicts.

Smart Talk Panel Members

Chaesung Chun (Professor, Seoul National University)

Jun-Hyeok Kwak (Professor, Korea University)

Nae Young Lee (Professor, Korea University)

Sook-Jong Lee (President, East Asia Institute)

Yong Wook Lee (Professor, Korea University)

The issue of reconciliation among East Asian nations, particularly between Japan and its neighbors, has long been a significant source of tension and debate. Many argue that the region's historical legacy, along with ongoing disputes over that history, has impacted regional security and impeded the development of a cohesive East Asian identity.

Why has the process of reconciliation in East Asia proven more challenging than in Western Europe? How can the region foster a shared historical narrative and common strategic interests to facilitate reconciliation? Will the cultivation of a common regional identity in East Asia alleviate security tensions and advance the reconciliation process?

These questions were explored by leading experts at the East Asia Institute’s third Smart Talk on July 9, 2009. The EAI invited Mike Mochizuki, associate professor of political science and international affairs at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, to analyze this complex issue of historical reconciliation in East Asia. Mochizuki discussed how contested memories and divided domestic politics within Japan have hindered reconciliation in East Asia, and the role the United States should play in the reconciliation process. The subsequent panel discussion, moderated by President Sook-Jong Lee, involved an exchange of views on various topics related to the strategic context of historical reconciliation, Japan's approach to the process, the prospects for developing a common regional identity or shared values to ease tensions, and the challenges of constructing a shared history...(Continued)