China is actively working to enhance its global influence to match its self-perceived status as a great power. Central to this effort is its economic activity, which China aims to leverage into political power. This raises critical questions: How will China transform its economic might into political leverage? And what impact will China's strategy toward the U.S.—and its broader international approach—have on Japan and other neighboring countries? The China Group explores these questions by analyzing China's national strategy—particularly its economic security policies—and assessing their broader implications for the international community, drawing on global China studies and research for our insights.

Economic security lies at the heart of geoeconomics research. To achieve strategic autonomy, it is vital to not only strengthen supply chains but also to delve into the complexities of investment regulations, technology outflows, and shifts in the international political economy, assessing their economic impacts. Developing technology and strategic industrial policies that enhance Japan's strategic indispensability is another key area of focus in this matter. To bring these analyses to life, the Economic Security Group studies supply chains of critical commodities and tracks trends in the economic security strategies and industrial policies of various countries.

How do Western countries preserve and advance an international order grounded in democratic principles and rules? The Europe and Americas Group examines the political and economic trends across Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, North America, and Latin America, focusing on the free and open international order led by Western countries. Our current projects include studying the Liberal International Order (LIO), assessing the impact of domestic political changes on the international order in 2024—often referred to as "the year of elections"—and analyzing the connections between democratic backsliding and disinformation.

The international security landscape has been shifting rapidly due to the deteriorating security environment around Japan, the strategic rivalry between the United States and China, and the impacts of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. In this evolving context, understanding security dynamics is crucial for analyzing not only international politics but also global economy and corporate behavior. The International Security Order Group researches and reports on developments related to security, military, defense, and strategy both in Japan and worldwide. The group particularly emphasizes the defense industry, where security and economics converge, and provides research and policy recommendations concerning Japan's security policy.

Advanced technologies now bridge military and civilian applications, significantly shaping a nation's power from military, economic, and social perspectives. As the actors involved in developing and managing these technologies become more diverse, they create complex dynamics in contemporary international relations. The Emerging Technologies Group concentrates on cutting-edge fields such as AI and space technology, examining the interplay between technology, the state, and the private sector, and exploring how this relationship is influencing the evolving international order.