Course title

Global Business and SDGs

Responsible person
HEIKE Masahiro、YODOGAWA Noriko、KAWASHIMA Fujio
to enter grades
Numbering Code

Day・Period, etc. Other(遠隔)開講区分単位数

1st semester

1.0

Timetable Slot
Code1J372

Lesson topic
This course covers the latest trends in international trade policies and regulations from three perspectives,
namely human rights, environment protection, and economic security. This course also will touch upon recent
developments coming from the increasing importance of digital markets. In addition, this course will explain
recent trends in major countries such as Japan, the United States, and European nations.
These trends have been influenced by various factors including geopolitical interests, diplomatic initiatives,industrial policy or civil interest, but they all share the common feature of using corporate and economic
activities as “leverage” to achieve objectives in relation to certain initiatives and civil interests. As such,these trends and related regulations have a large impact on corporate activities that, in turn, influence
trade. For example, recent trends in supply chain risk management necessitate companies have an accurateunderstanding, and means of articulating the intricacies, of their global supply chains, allowing them toappropriately adjust to shifts in such trends with timely, company-wide management decisions. Further, it isexpected that trade rules on human rights, environment protection, and economic security will be developed bycountries either multilaterally, through a plurality (among countries sharing common values) or unilaterally, andwith the involvement of non-governmental actors.
Accordingly, companies are in need to keep track of these new trends in trade, not only separately (i.e.,understanding specific trends), but also comprehensively (i.e., understanding how the trends relate to one anotherand generally impact regulation). As these trends represent important management issues, companies should react
strategically by not only complying with applicable rules based on accurate information collection and analysis,
but also by participating in the formulation of such rules when possible and appropriate.

Lesson target
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to follow and understand the current trends in trade
policies and regulations involving human rights, the environment, and economic security in a systematic manner, andto interpret the economic impact of these trends.

Syllabus and plan
In this course, lectures in each session will be given by attorneys of Nishimura & Asahi belonging to theinternational trade practice area, including:- an attorney who engaged in trade negotiations and disputes while working in government agencies such as theMinistry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance;- an attorney who engaged in establishment of legislation on economic security, while working in government
agencies such as the Ministry of Finance;- an attorney who has long been involved in issues of human rights and business in an international organizationand industrial association; and- an attorney who has practical experience working with cutting-edge trade policies and regulations in overseas law
firms and think tanks.
All sessions will be real-time online classes via Zoom. Connection details are TBA later.
Session 1: Introduction
Session 2: Lecture on Business and Human Rights (1)Session 3: Lecture on Business and Human Rights (2)Session 4: Lecture on Business and Environment
Session 5: Lecture on Environment Protection, Human Rights and Investment
Session 6: Lecture on Business and Economic Security (1)Session 7: Lecture on Business and Economic Security (2)Session 8: Lecture on Digitalization and Conclusion

Evaluation method
Grading will be based on attendance (50%) and class participation (such as participation in the discussion sectionsof each session) (50%).

Evaluation baseline
Students should attend classes and show that accurately understand the lecture topics during the in-classdiscussion.
Notice (include info. on related class)Previous knowledge and other courses are not a prerequisite, although understanding of basic concepts ofinternational trade is encouraged. Related courses are International Environmental Law, International Labor Law,and WTO Law.
Review and preparation
Before each session, please read recent news articles and summarize questions related to the topics covered in eachclass.
After each session, please summarize what you learned in class.
Kobe University requires 45 hours of study from students to award one credit, including both in-class instructions
as well as study outside classes. Students are required to prepare for each class and complete the review after
each class, depending on the respective class goals.

Office hour・Contact information
Please send an email to Masahiro Heike.
Contact details will be notified during the first session of the course.

Message for student

Improvemenets in TeachingText
There is no textbook required for this course. Slides used in each session will be shared with sutdents.
Reference Material
Kojiro Fujii, Taku Nemoto, Kazuho Nakajima, Masahiro Heike, "Human Rights, Environment, and Economic Security: NewTrends in International Trade Regulations and Corporate Strategies" Syyojihomu (2023) (Japanese)
https://www.shojihomu.co.jp/publishing/details?publish_id=4260&cd=3020&state=new_and_alreadyClassroom Language
EnglishKeywords
A Faculty with Professional Experience, Exchange student