Multiple disciplines and Commonly Shared Interests
The field of international public policy is one that focuses on such commonly shared interests of international society as peace, human rights, environment, happiness, and the security of society. It is a field that incorporates aspects from multiple disciplines, most notably law, politics, and economics. The Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP) was established in 1994 as a place where the various public issues of domestic and international society (public policy issues) could be addressed through interdisciplinary education and research. The fields of law, politics, and economics form the basis of this interdisciplinary approach. As its other primary goal, OSIPP strives to produce researchers and highly specialized professionals who are both competent communicators and excellent leaders. Therefore, the key feature of this institution is undoubtedly its interdisciplinary quality.
Since the introduction of the specialized graduate school system in 2003, Japan has seen the emergence of a number of graduate schools of public policy pursuing goals similar to those of OSIPP. However, it is often the case that the programs offered by these institutions are not fully independent, with the academic staff often employed as members of other graduate schools. In contrast, OSIPP possesses a dedicated faculty and conducts its own in-depth research and instruction.
Internationality | One of OSIPP’s Most Prized Features
As the title “international” implies, OSIPP’s internationality is one of its most prized features. Our student body is reflective of this focus on internationality, with international students making up more than half of our approximately 140 students. Moreover, our international students themselves are quite diverse, coming from a wide range of countries. OSIPP also endeavors to provide both short-term study abroad programs and internships with international organizations while frequently hosting seminars and lectures by visiting researchers from abroad. Our graduates work all over the world.
Presently, the various issues in need of tackling by the international community are summarized in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. As a graduate program, OSIPP has made strides in its research and education to contribute to the achievement of these SDGs. As we continue in our pursuit of these goals, we are seeking to take in students from all over the world who would like to work in this field. No matter the topic being pursued, practicality will always be OSIPP’s third most defining feature.
International society is facing a variety of problems. Overcoming them will require ideas that surpass what is currently covered by conventional frameworks. What is doubtlessly needed is the coming together of robust and diverse intellects. In order to solve the problems being faced by international society and in order to cultivate individuals who can actually contribute to the problem-solving process, OSIPP’s interdisciplinary quality, its internationality, and its practicality are indispensable. At OSIPP, let us pursue together, through the learning of diverse perspectives, how international society ought to be. In so doing, may all of you clear a way forward for your own futures.
Dean, Osaka School of International Public Policy,
Osaka University
中嶋 啓雄
Hiroo Nakajima
