Message from the Host University
We are now seeing a break from the pandemic of the new coronavirus. However, on February 24, 2022, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, exposing the world to a serious threat to peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin has even flirted with the possibility of a nuclear attack on Ukraine, and World War III may be to break out at any moment. Turning to East Asia, in October 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping was re-elected for an unprecedented third term as general secretary of the Communist Party of China, further solidifying his authoritarian regime. The U.S. government believes that President Xi Jinping has directed the People's Liberation Army to launch a military advance on Taiwan by 2027.
South Asian countries are also not immune to the geo-political incidents in Russia and China. India has lost as many as 20 military personnel in the 2020 border dispute with China and considers the Chinese government's One Belt One Road initiative involving South Asian countries as a serious security threat. On the other hand, India, along with China, withdrew from voting on a resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations. As is well known, India relies on Russia for much of its military technology and weapons.
It seems crucial, both socially and academically, to look ahead to what the world will look like in the future in the face of serious threats to peace. In the South Asian region, diverse religious and social groups have coexisted in an interdependent manner. In this region, ahimsa (non-violence) has influenced various religions and philosophies as one of the most important social norms. Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent movement is the best example. The South Asian region is thus rich in pacifism. I would like to stimulate discussion on peace and war with our members of the Japanese Association for South Asian Studies (JASAS), who are experts in various fields in the South Asian studies.
The 36th JASAS Annual Conference will be held at the Rokkodai Campus I of Kobe University on September 23 and 24, 2023. Last year's 35th Annual Conference was held face-to-face for the first time in three years. We are also aiming to hold the 36th Annual Conference face-to-face.
We hope that you will actively apply for the presentation. We will do the best to create a fruitful discussion on the days of the 36th Annual Conference.
We are looking forward to meeting you at Kobe University.
February 26, 2023
SATO Takahiro
Coordinator of the 36th JASAS Annual Conference
Professor, Kobe University