In the second half of the 20th century, Europe was a major center of global economic development. However, by the 2020’s, the world’s economic and political balance had shifted significantly. The European Union’s industrial and competitiveness model faces numerous challenges, particularly in technological innovation, the speed of decision-making, and strategic coordination, gradually reducing Europe’s influence on the global political stage. At the same time, Asia - especially Japan, South Korea, and China - has emerged as a major player in the global economic arena through dynamic industrial development strategies, strong state coordination, and long-term economic planning. This coordinated approach to economic strategy directly affects the international diplomacy of Asian countries: it shapes their negotiating positions, strategic partnerships, cooperation with the EU and other international organizations, and increases their prominence on the global political stage.

Our next guest in the Budapest Lectures event series is Professor Tomohiko Taniguchi, Distinguished Fellow of the Ludovika Public Diplomacy Hub, President of Nippon Kaigi, Former Special Advisor of MP Shinzo Abe who will be having a conversation with Dr. Zoltán Cséfalvay, Head of Center for Next Technological Futures at MCC.

During the panel discussion, Professor Taniguchi will provide insight into the relationship between economic and political power, how economic and political growth can be effectively combined, and the tools through which a country can become a global actor via economic policy. The discussion will also examine how state-interest–based economic strategies support Japan’s influence in international diplomacy, how this approach shapes Japan’s foreign policy toward Europe, and what lessons the EU and its member states can draw from it.

Join us at the joint event hosted by MCC and Ludovika University of Public Service and gain a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between global economics and diplomacy!