YCAPS members enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the conference, Security Challenges in Asia and Europe in 2017 organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and Temple University Japan’s Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies (ICAS). Several YCAPS members presented their research and viewpoints as part of the official program and many others joined the event, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn from the speakers and expand their professional networks.
Security Challenges in Asia and Europe in 2017 was held in Tokyo Capitol Hotel on the 11th of July. Per the KAS opening statements about this event, this conference aimed to ‘examine recent trends in international security cooperation between global players in Europe and Asia, as well as changing security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific. Bringing together experts from across Europe and Asia, the dialogue was rich and valuable.
Regular YCAPS member and President of Yokosuka’s U.S. Navy League Matthew Perry Chapter, Ryo Kami was particularly impressed by the presentation of Fumio Ota, a retired Vice-Admiral of JMSDF, which discussed way in which core ideas of Sun Zi, the ancient Chinese strategist, significantly influence the contemporary Chinese leaders. Admiral Ota frequently attends YCAPS events and lends his expertise to the discussions. Alessio Patalano, a professor at King’s College London who delivered one of the first YCAPS seminars, took a more advisory tone in his presentation recommending that a NATO Maritime Security and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence be established in Japan and suggesting Yokosuka as a possible location. John Bradford, the President of YCAPS, used his time at the podium to suggest why for European states to increase their participation in East Asian security activities at relatively low cost. Robert Dujarric, ICAS Director of and active YCAPS member, served as the moderator for the entire conference.
YCAPS members Yuki Takagawa, a JSDF officer and professor at Japan’s National Defence Academy, and Thomas Lattanzio, a U.S. Navy Petty Officer serving aboard USS Blue Ridge in Yokosuka, both expressed their gratitude to the event organizers and the opportunity to join the formal sessions and to discuss international affairs with a wide range of experts during the cocktail reception
YCAPS is particularly pleased to have a significant number of YCAPS members participating throughout the conference, as supporting the professional development of our members is at the core of the organization's mission.
YCAPS Members VADM Fumio Ota (JMSDF, Ret), Dr. Alessio Patalano, and Robert Dujarric join ADM Jayanath Colombage (Sri Lanka Navy, Ret) and Dr. Brooke Windsor-Smith for a panel at the KAS/ICAS conference, Security Challenges in Asia and Europe in 2017 .
YCAPS President John Bradford delivering his presentation at the KAS/ICAS conference, Security Challenges in Asia and Europe in 2017.