Fueling Division: Oil & Japan’s Diplomatic Dilemma in the Middle East

Despite spending years to develop alternate sources of energy, Japan is more dependent on Middle East oil today than it was in 1973, when OPEC organized its first worldwide embargo. Fearful of alienating oil-producing countries, Prime Minister Koizumi has had to walk a fine line when it comes to supporting President Bush’s campaign to invade Iraq. Just how vulnerable is Japan’s fragile economy if war between the United States and Iraq becomes a reality? What policy options does Tokyo have if oil-producing Arab countries turn against Washington and its allies, including Japan, by tamping down on the flow of crude? A panel of distinguished energy and policy experts discusses the implications of America’s Middle East policy on Japan’s economy and foreign policy.

Panelists
Kent Calder, Director, Program on U.S.-Japan Relations, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University
Masaatsu Koyama, Associate Director, Asia Pacific Oil, Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA)
James A. Placke, Senior Associate, Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA); former Director for Middle East Research; former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs 
 
Moderator
John Kingston, Global Director of Oil, Platts

Agenda
12 – 12:30 pm    Registration & reception
12:30 – 1            Luncheon
1 – 2                   Program

Admission: Corporate members are entitled to a designated number of free admissions to this event, based on their company’s current membership level. These reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the event. Additional corporate registrants pay the discounted corporate member rate of $45 for lunch and lecture, $10 lecture only.

Nonmember admission: $65 for lunch and lecture, $15 lecture only.