International Forum on War History
The International Forum on War History aims to re-examine war history from multifaceted perspectives through comparative bilateral and multilateral research. Its objective is to move beyond historical accounts that have often tended to be one-sided, while simultaneously deepening mutual understanding with relevant nations and contributing to confidence-building. This forum has been held annually since fiscal year 2002 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS).
The 24th Forum: “The Post-Cold War Era as History”
The subject of this year’s forum is “The Post-Cold War Era as History.” Just as the Cold War defined the international order in the latter half of the 20th century, the manner in which the Cold War ended has also fundamentally shaped the framework of the post-Cold War era. Today’s international order can be understood as a complex structure where foundational elements formed during the conclusion of the Cold War overlap with new phenomena that emerged in the post-Cold War period. This historical perspective is instrumental in analyzing the underlying causes of contemporary security challenges, including the war in Ukraine.
In this forum, we will historically examine the end of the Cold War and the subsequent developments in international politics from both military and diplomatic perspectives. By doing so, we aim to attain meaningful implications for the contemporary and future security environment.
The forum will be held in online webinar format. We warmly invite you to join this unique opportunity for historical reflection.
| Date | Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 09:30 - 16:50 (JST) |
|---|---|
| Format | Online (webinar with simultaneous Japanese-English interpretation; pre-registration system) |
| Participation Fee | Free |
| How to Apply | This event has ended. |
Program (Tentative)
Opening Remarks (9:30 – 9:40)
Keynote Speech (9:40 – 10:30)
“The Post-Cold War Atlantic: The Remaking of Transatlantic Relations”
Jussi Hanhimaki (Professor, Geneva Graduate Institute)
Session 1: The End of the Cold War (10:40 – 12:00)
Presenters:
Itabashi Takumi (Professor, The University of Tokyo)
“The End of the Cold War and German Foreign Policy”
Aono Toshihiko (Professor, Hosei University)
“How Did the Cold War End in East Asia? A Reappraisal”
Discussant:
Ito Nobuyoshi (Senior Fellow, NIDS)
Special Address (13:10 – 14:00)
“War and Diplomacy: U.S. Policy in the Middle East after the Cold War”
Peter Hahn (Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University)
Session 2: The Post-Cold War International Security Environment (14:10 – 15:30)
Presenters:
Iwama Yoko (Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies)
“Post-Cold War Era and the Neo-Liberal Reforms”
Hosoya Yuichi (Professor, Keio University)
“Thirty Years’ Crisis: A Post-Cold War International History”
Discussant:
Hanada Tomoyuki (Chief of International Conflict Division, NIDS)
Overall Discussion (15:45 – 16:45)
Closing Remarks (16:45 – 16:50)
*Please note that the program is subject to change without prior notice.
For inquiries: Secretariat of the International Forum on War History
forum2026@piic-inc.com
