"Surrounded by world-class mentors and scholars from Australia, Canada, Japan, Europe, the U.S, and Russia, I tried to flip the narrative of international relations and dispute resolution to begin from perspectives and histories from the margins."
Dr. Scott Harrison
Connecting Histories, Shaping Futures
"Surrounded by world-class mentors and scholars from Australia, Canada, Japan, Europe, the U.S, and Russia, I tried to flip the narrative of international relations and dispute resolution to begin from perspectives and histories from the margins."
Dr. Scott Harrison
Connecting Histories, Shaping Futures
The premise of the broader project was that exploring the Åland Islands settlement from the 1920s could provide valuable insights for addressing the Northern Territories/Southern Kurils problem between Japan and Russia. This article examines the historical connections between the Åland settlement and the Northern Territories/Southern Kurils problem, but with a twist: it approaches the topic from the perspective of non-state actors, specifically the Indigenous Ainu Peoples of Japan. Incorporating the Ainu perspective challenges prevailing views on this territorial dispute and aims to revitalize the current stagnant discussions. By analyzing the Åland settlement and its international context, the article sheds light on the exclusion of the Ainu from present-day negotiations. It also touches upon Åland's ties to Japan, the Ainu's role in Russo-Japanese treaties, Japanese colonial history, and the influence of the League of Nations.
The premise of the broader project was that exploring the Åland Islands settlement from the 1920s could provide valuable insights for addressing the Northern Territories/Southern Kurils problem between Japan and Russia. This article examines the historical connections between the Åland settlement and the Northern Territories/Southern Kurils problem, but with a twist: it approaches the topic from the perspective of non-state actors, specifically the Indigenous Ainu Peoples of Japan. Incorporating the Ainu perspective challenges prevailing views on this territorial dispute and aims to revitalize the current stagnant discussions. By analyzing the Åland settlement and its international context, the article sheds light on the exclusion of the Ainu from present-day negotiations. It also touches upon Åland's ties to Japan, the Ainu's role in Russo-Japanese treaties, Japanese colonial history, and the influence of the League of Nations.
Key Insights
The Ainu, Indigenous Peoples of Japan, have long been marginalized in both historical narratives and political discourse. This article explores their overlooked role in the Northern Territories/Southern Kurils dispute by drawing lessons from the Åland settlement—a landmark case in minority rights and territorial resolution. The study examines how international frameworks, such as the League of Nations, shaped Japan’s policies and how figures like Nitobe Inazo influenced colonial approaches toward the Ainu. We question entrenched perspectives on sovereignty and territorial claims by reconsidering the Ainu’s historical presence in Sakhalin, Hokkaido, and the Kuril Islands.
Including the Ainu in discussions about the Northern Territories/Southern Territories dispute challenges conventional arguments and introduces a more nuanced, historically informed approach to conflict resolution. The Åland settlement teaches us that flexibility, adaptability, and inclusion are crucial for lasting solutions. Recognizing the Ainu’s connection to the contested territories and acknowledging their historical displacement not only enriches the debate but also paves the way for more comprehensive and just resolutions. This article advocates for a shift in perspective—one that integrates Indigenous voices into contemporary geopolitical discussions.
Key Insights
The Ainu, Indigenous Peoples of Japan, have long been marginalized in both historical narratives and political discourse. This article explores their overlooked role in the Northern Territories/Southern Kurils dispute by drawing lessons from the Åland settlement—a landmark case in minority rights and territorial resolution. The study examines how international frameworks, such as the League of Nations, shaped Japan’s policies and how figures like Nitobe Inazo influenced colonial approaches toward the Ainu. We question entrenched perspectives on sovereignty and territorial claims by reconsidering the Ainu’s historical presence in Sakhalin, Hokkaido, and the Kuril Islands.
Including the Ainu in discussions about the Northern Territories/Southern Territories dispute challenges conventional arguments and introduces a more nuanced, historically informed approach to conflict resolution. The Åland settlement teaches us that flexibility, adaptability, and inclusion are crucial for lasting solutions. Recognizing the Ainu’s connection to the contested territories and acknowledging their historical displacement not only enriches the debate but also paves the way for more comprehensive and just resolutions. This article advocates for a shift in perspective—one that integrates Indigenous voices into contemporary geopolitical discussions.
View Article
There were significant growing pains and hurdles in working on this piece. As the most junior participant in this project, I faced considerable challenges and had to navigate multiple obstacles. Thankfully, thanks to the generous support and encouragement from the editors, the dissenting yet curious and collegial interactions and conversations with the other contributors and participants, and encouragement from various Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners in Japan, I persevered.
Scott Harrison. “The Indigenous Ainu of Japan at the Time of the Åland Settlement.” In Northern Territories, Asia-Pacific Regional Conflicts and the Aland Experience: Untying the Kurillian Knot. Edited by Kimie Hara and Geoffrey Jukes. London: Routledge, 2009. Pp. 94-105.
View Article
There were significant growing pains and hurdles in working on this piece. As the most junior participant in this project, I faced considerable challenges and had to navigate multiple obstacles. Thankfully, thanks to the generous support and encouragement from the editors, the dissenting yet curious and collegial interactions and conversations with the other contributors and participants, and encouragement from various Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners in Japan, I persevered.
Scott Harrison. “The Indigenous Ainu of Japan at the Time of the Åland Settlement.” In Northern Territories, Asia-Pacific Regional Conflicts and the Aland Experience: Untying the Kurillian Knot. Edited by Kimie Hara and Geoffrey Jukes. London: Routledge, 2009. Pp. 94-105.
Latest projects
Asia/Indo-Pacific
Japan-Canada Research and Policy Network
Exploring new horizons in trade, diplomacy, media and innovation
Asia/Indo-Pacific
Japan-Canada Research and Policy Network
Exploring new horizons in trade, diplomacy, media and innovation
Indigenous Internationalism
Indigenous Reconciliation in Canada, Taiwan, and Japan
Cross-Pacific Indigenous connections, cultural revitalization, policy reform, and pathways to justice
Indigenous Internationalism
Indigenous Reconciliation in Canada, Taiwan, and Japan
Cross-Pacific Indigenous connections, cultural revitalization, policy reform, and pathways to justice
Latest projects
Asia/Indo-Pacific
Japan-Canada Research and Policy Network
Exploring new horizons in trade, diplomacy, media and innovation
Indigenous Internationalism
Indigenous Reconciliation in Canada, Taiwan, and Japan
Cross-Pacific Indigenous connections, cultural revitalization, policy reform, and pathways to justice
