Prof. Joseph Nye Decorated by Japanese Government
Press Release, November 5, 2014
Prof. Joseph Nye Decorated by Japanese Government
On Nov. 3, Culture Day in Japan, the Japanese Government announced its Fall Honors List. Included among the foreign nationals receiving these high decorations was Harvard Prof. Joseph S. Nye, Jr., who was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star for his significant contributions to promoting the development of studies on Japan-U.S. security and the promotion of the mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.
Following the end of the Cold War, which resulted in basic changes in the structure of international society and the subsequent necessity of revaluing the significance of the Japan-U.S. alliance, Prof. Nye played a central role in the publishing of the East Asia Strategy Report (1995), and three Armitage-Nye Reports on the Japan-U.S. Alliance (2000, 2007 and 2012). These reports examined the significance and role of the Japan-U.S. alliance and suggested how both countries might best contribute to international society from the perspectives of various fields. The authors made great efforts to ensure the enhancement of understanding on these issues.
In the field of international political science, Prof. Nye was a proponent of Complex Interdependence Theory and the concept of Soft Power. He also showed the importance of Japan’s participation with the United Nations peacekeeping forces and the expansion of its Official Development Assistance programs. Prof. Nye also showed ways that Japan could improve its diplomatic relations with China and South Korea.
In light of these contributions, the Japanese Government deemed it appropriate to bestow this high award on Prof. Nye.
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