The John Lukacs Institute for Strategy and Politics hosted a closed-door session on March 31, 2025, featuring Stephen Nagy, Professor at the Department of Politics and International Studies, International Christian University (Tokyo). In his lecture titled "Japan as an Adaptive Middle Power in a Changing World," Nagy provided a thought-provoking analysis of Japan’s evolving role in international affairs.
Nagy explored what it means to be both “adaptive” and a “middle power,” illustrating Japan’s positioning across four key dimensions: security, economic connectivity, institutional engagement, and technology. His talk highlighted how Japan navigates a shifting international environment through flexible diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and proactive involvement in regional governance.
The session gathered Hungarian and international scholars specializing in Indopacific geopolitics, security studies, and international political economy. Moderated by Viktor Eszterhai, the discussion focused on Japan’s strategic alignment with like-minded nations, its potential responses in an East Asian crisis, and the complex economic security challenges. The workshop enabled a rich exchange of views and deepened understanding of Japan’s role as a predictable and adaptive actor amid growing East Asian competition.