Publications and Resources
Toda has published numerous Policy Briefs and Reports, as well as books and journals, over the last twenty years. See below for the publications in each thematic area. Guidelines for authors can be found here.
See the full list of Policy Briefs and Reports or view Policy Briefs and Reports by Research Theme:
From Words to Violence: Countering Extremist Rhetoric in Democratic Societies
Policy Brief No.246 - September, 2025 • By Jordan Ryan
This policy brief examines how sophisticated rhetorical strategies—combining overt divisive messaging with coded extremist language—operate across multiple communication levels to legitimise violence and undermine democratic institutions. Drawing on recent research in political psychology, comparative analysis of global democratic backsliding, and evidence from successful counter-messaging initiatives, it proposes a comprehensive framework for protecting democratic discourse. Traditional responses such as fact-checking and moral condemnation have proven inadequate against sophisticated extremist communication strategies that exploit emotional and identity-based appeals. Success requires coordinated international action across civil society organisations, educational institutions, technology companies, government agencies, and the business community.
Peace and Security in Northeast Asia
Taiwan from the Japanese Perspective
Policy Brief No.245 - September, 2025 • By Yamamoto Katsuya
To prevent any unintended military conflict and provide reassurance over Taiwan, it is essential for all parties to acknowledge the Taiwan military as a legitimate ‘military entity’ and establish communication frameworks among regional forces. Despite political sensitivities, Taiwan’s military presence is a reality. Treating Taiwan as a military entity is not a matter of sovereignty but of practical security. Any conflict between China and Taiwan would have catastrophic consequences for the international community, with Japan and neighbouring countries directly affected. History has shown that wars often stem from miscommunication and misjudgement; therefore, Japan must lead efforts to promote dialogue and build mutual trust, laying the foundation for lasting reassurance and regional stability.
Peace and Security in Northeast Asia
Reassurance in the Taiwan Strait Revisited
Policy Brief No.244 - August, 2025 • By Huang Kwei-Bo
This policy brief seeks to answer a critical question: What kind of reassurance can Taiwan give to Mainland China, and vice versa? It also points out two important questions with preliminary answers: What could be the reassurance measures given by major stakeholders in the region, and is reassurance possible given the identity politics in Taiwan and Mainland China? The brief first discusses the term ‘reassurance’ with reference to theoretical literature, then analyzes the recent deterioration of cross-strait relations, with no Track I dialogue, very little official communication, and a military standoff. Next, the brief provides a list with examples of possible reassurance measures that could be taken by the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. Before concluding, the brief argues that United States’ influence and the impact of Taiwan’s identity politics need further discussion.
Peace and Security in Northeast Asia
The Surge of Emerging Conservative Forces In Japan’s 2025 Senate Election
Policy Brief No.243 - August, 2025 • By Daiju Wada
This policy brief examines the rise of the Sanseito and the Japan Conservative Party in the July 2025 Japanese Senate elections, through three key lenses: (1) public discontent with the LDP and the fragmentation of the conservative base, (2) external factors driving nationalist sentiment amid a deteriorating security environment, and (3) internal factors, including economic stagnation and rising anti-foreigner sentiment. By analyzing these dynamics, we aim to illuminate the broader political and social implications of this electoral shift.
Peace and Security in Northeast Asia
Reassurance Measures in the Taiwan Strait: Research Cluster Report
Summary Report No.242 - August, 2025 • By Hugh Miall
This report identifies the scope for reassurance measures in the Taiwan Strait dispute. At a time when tensions in the Taiwan Strait are high, the positions of the parties remain incompatible, military preparations are ramping up, and there is no official dialogue between the parties. The Toda Peace Institute convened a research group to identify how the parties could shift from relying on deterrence to putting more emphasis on reassurance. The aim was to identify which reassurance measures the main parties seek from others, and what reassurances they can offer to others. This report summarises the main conclusions of the papers and discussions and provides an overview of the potential contribution of reassurance measures to peace and stability in the region.
Books (1996-2017)
Toda Peace Institute's Publications: Complimentary copies of our publications are available where noted.
Journals (1996-2017)
Peace & Policy: Since 1996, Peace & Policy has become a significant journal of opinion on global peace and policy issues.