賛否を述べてください:兵器産業は非道徳的だ

Agree or disagree: The arms industry is immoral.

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the arms industry is immoral, even if it might be necessary. Now let me explain the details.     

First, as globalization progresses, several large multinational corporations control the arms industry. They persuade governments to increase military spending to buy more weapons. Plus, they fund pro-military campaigns, obstructing politicians who work for disarmament. In addition, they are researching how to kill people, damage environment, and spread viruses. Surely, their activities are immoral enough.     

Next, I understand some may argue that arms industry helps promote the global economy. Even though it has a point, they have become too rich, expanding wealth gap. It is one of the major issues of globalization. Instead, if we invest that money in manufacturing and education, the economy will prosper and society will improve. This is a more moralistic way to go.           

Therefore, while the arms industry may seem beneficial to our society in some ways, I conclude that we should be skeptical about its morality. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-N]

軍事力は国家安全の最重要因子なのか

Is military strength the most important element of national security?

Depending on the historical, geopolitical, and many other circumstances of the countries, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, military strength is not always the most important factor of national security. Now let me explain the details.     

First, national security is a complex issue, and not dependent only on military defense. Besides, you must also consider several other factors, such as economic, political, and environmental power. For example, healthy trade relations, natural resources, and even green forests are all important to maintain national security. So, military strength is only one of them.     

Next, having stronger military doesn’t always contribute to greater national security. On the contrary, huge military budgets often lead to financial burden, economic stagnation, and social unrest in turn. History has shown that wars and “arms races” have caused extensive damage even to “victorious nations.”           

What I have mentioned only outlined the issues: in fact, several other political and economic factors can contribute to national security. So, we must carefully consider the situation to lay down the optimal policy. Thank you for your attention. [183 Words Type-I]

大量破壊兵器をいかに廃絶するか

How to eliminate Weapons of Mass Destruction [or WMD]?

Depending on how we are familiar with the topic, the answers may well vary, and they are all worth considering. But in my view, the international community has made progress over the years, in countering weapons of mass destruction, or WMDs. Now let me explain the details.     

First, less and less countries own WMDs nowadays, which is an important step to prevent them from spreading. To achieve this, UN member countries have monitored trade in WMD-materials and technology transfers, based on international framework. This has made it harder for terrorists to acquire WMD materials and skills.     

Next, international pressure and persuasion have successfully convinced countries such as South Africa and Ukraine to abandon their núclear programs. In fact, holding núclear weapons need huge costs, which can help convince countries to abandon them.           

If we work together on these points, we can make significant progress toward getting rid of WMDs. On this point, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “eliminating any violence” as one of their key challenges. Therefore, we must pursue this goal to achieve a peaceful world. Thank you for your attention. [184 Words Type-G,H]

核軍縮の阻害要因

Obstacles to núclear disarmament

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, we still have obstacles to achieving núclear disarmament. Now let me explain some of them.     

First, there is a theory called “nuclear deterrence,” which argues that having nuclear weapons helps prevent war. So, some countries hold them to defend themselves against potential enemies. While this idea has a point, it creates mistrust between countries, which may bring about an actual nuclear war. Sadly, this perspective has even been in place in Japan year by year.     

Next, nowadays, “the arms industry” has a significant impact on various governments. For example, they convince governments to incréase military spending and purchase more weapons. Plus, they fund for pro-military campaigns, creating “conflicts of interest” for politicians working for núclear disarmament.     

These are two significant obstacles to achieving núclear disarmament. However, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “eliminating any violence” as one of their key challenges. So, we must come together to get rid of them to achieve a peaceful world. Thank you for your attention. [181 Words Type-G]

holdは手放さないこと。ownは資産を持つこと。possessは固い表現。

平和主義は21世紀において重要か

Is pacifism rélevant in the 21st century?

This is an interesting topic; depending on circumstances of countries, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, pacifism is an important principle in our world today. Now let me explain the details.     

First, the world has rarely been at peace throughout history. And as globalization advances, conflict in one region can quickly affect others. Plus, even a UNSC permanent member dare to invade its neighboring country. In such situations, pacifism can help the parties involved negotiate, compromise, and mutually understand. In other words, pacifism is compatible with the ideals of globalization.     

Next, achieving a sustainable world needs a commitment to pacifism. For example, the UN Sustainable Development Goals has listed many challenges that humans need to address. However, any conflicts disrupt economies and drain resources toward war and its recovery. In such situations, there leaves nothing for achieving sustainability.     

Therefore, I conclude that pacifism is rélevant in the 21st century. Under the globalized world, few people will benefit from conflicts. So we should come together to achieve a sustainable and vibrant world. Thank you for your attention. [184 Words Type-L]

can serve as A: Aとして役立つ relevant: 価値・重要性を持つ

他国への内政干渉は正当化されうるか

Can it be justified for one nation to interfere in the internal affairs of another?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, interference in a country’s internal affairs is not justified as a rule. Now let me explain the details.     

First, we know that many countries have interfered in the affairs of foreign countries for many plausible reasons, such as protecting their citizens’ lives or protecting their companies’ assets. In this way, any country starts conflicts based on its own concept of “justice.” To put it the other way around, there’s no persuasive reason to interfere in another country.     

Next, I understand some may argue that countries should act against serious political disruption, such as genocide or tribal conflicts. However, even such events do not always justify a foreign interference. In other words, every country should follow rélevant UN resolutions to avoid “conflicts of interest”.           

Having said that, finding a balance between sovereignty and human rights is an important yet challenging matter for the international community. So, we must carefully consider these practices to establish an optimal approach. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-F1]

中東地域の平和はいつか実現しうるか

Can peace in the Middle East ever be achieved?

The future is often hard to predict, especially when it comes to the Middle East situation: depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, peace in the Middle East is possible, but not likely anytime soon. Now let me explain the details.    

First, history has witnessed various factors, such as sectarian conflicts, territorial disputes, and foreign involvement, have triggered countless conflicts in the region. So, settling these complicated issues will need “a deus ex machina”, or a great deal of negotiation, compromise, and mutual understanding among all parties involved.     

Next, the Middle East is a major oil field. That is why many countries have complex and strong interests in the region. So, some parties, such as extremists and the arms industry, benefit from the instability, and work to disrupt peace in the area.            

Therefore, while “Peace in the Middle East” sounds fantastic, we should be skeptical about immediate progress, but need to keep talking with all parties involved to get closer to the ideal. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-O]

国連安保理常任理事国制度は時代の要請に応じて改革されるべき、との意見に同意するか

Do you agree that the veto system of the UN Security Council [or UNSC] should be reformed to meet the demands of time? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the current veto system should not be hastily reformed. Now let me explain the details.     

First, any change in the UN framework could disrupt the current balance of power, and cause unintended conflicts. Historically, the veto system was designed to keep the UN stable, and has prevented large-scale conflicts. In other words, the system has successfully prevented World War III. So few people argue that now is a good time to reform the UNSC.     

Next, I understand some may argue that more countries should have a say in international security, but if the UNSC becomes more multipolar, it could become indecisive, which may harm global security. However, that is the point. For example, Africa has had many huge conflicts, but has never gained a permanent seat, which is worth improving.           

Therefore, I conclude that the UNSC veto system should remain as it is, at least at this time. But we should continue to discuss this matter to get close to our ideal. Thank you for your attention. [186 Words Type-E]

世界は次なる世界紛争に向かっているか

Is the world heading toward another global conflict? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, a global conflict is not likely to occur anytime soon. Now let me explain the details.     

First, studies have shown that we are living in one of the most peaceful periods in history. It is because most countries today prioritize diplomatic resolutions over military action, which has successfully prevented or settled many worldwide conflicts.     

Next, I understand some may argue that conflicts have always existed throughout history. While this is true, history has always taught us that violence rarely benefits anyone. So, since the Westphalia Treaty, countries have made efforts to form international cooperation through agreements. And now, the UN is working hard to prevent, settle, and resolve conflicts. This means that we can unite for world peace.           

Therefore, I don’t believe we’re heading toward another world war. On this point, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “eliminating any violence” as one of their key challenges. So, we must come together to achieve a peaceful world. Thank you for your attention. [181 Words Type-G]

戦争や暴力は人間社会に不可避か

Are war and violence inevitable in human society?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, both war and violence are inevitable issues in human society. Now let me explain the details.     

First, violence has always existed throughout history, because humans have used violence to settle disputes and keep their societies stable. As social beings, humans are inclined to form tribes, societies, and countries, and violence has been the initial method to “protect” them from outsiders.     

Next, I understand some may argue that people will work together to overcome violence. Certainly, cooperation has also helped progress our civilization. But our world today still has diverse ideologies, religions, and political perspectives, and violence has proven itself to be effective. So, when resources are limited or there are fundamental differences in beliefs or policies, conflicts can occur easily.     

Therefore, war and violence are nearly inevitable even today. However, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “eliminating any violence” as one of their key challenges. Thus, we must come together to achieve a peaceful world. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-G]

*occur: 起こる内容が特定している <> happen

現代社会の貧困を減少させるため十分な対策がなされたか

Is enough being done to diminish poverty in modern society? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the international community has made strides over the years, in diminishing poverty in society. Now let me explain the details.     

First, according to the UN statistics, the number of low-income people has decreased in recent years, thanks to economic growth in Asian countries such as China and India. This economic growth has improved the living standards of the poor. Plus, promoting “fair trade” aims to empower poor communities and boost the economy.     

Next, I understand some may argue that challenges remain, particularly in certain regions such as sub-Saháran Africa. However, the people in those areas also understand that the governments are trying their best with limited resources, and expresses support for them. It will take years of hard work and commitment to resolve these problems. In other words, just we don’t see quick results doesn’t necessarily mean nothing is happening.     

Therefore, even though there is still room for improvement, I conclude that our society is making its best effort to diminish poverty. Thank you for your attention. [186 Words Type-E]

*improve: よくなる(自動詞)、よくする(他動詞)

「一強体制」の利点は欠点を上回るか

Do the pros of having “only one superpower” outweigh the cons?

This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, having “only one superpower” has its disadvantages that cannot be ignored. Now let me explain the details.     

First, “only one superpower” can become an undemocratic form of governance. For example, one expected problem is the concentration of authority, which can lead to corruption, imperialism, and infringement on the public interest. It is hard for such a regime to properly represent citizens, so, such global system may collapse quickly, which may entail long-term conflict.     

Next, even if it were set up, it must be similar to the current UN framework. It is because the world has full of diverse ideologies, religions, and political perspectives, which would ask the “superpower” to grant autonomy to every region. In fact, many empires in history, such as the Islamic, Turkish, and Mongolian, worked well because they gave their regions significant autonomy.           

Therefore, even though “only one superpower” sounds fantastic, I conclude that the pros of having it cannot outweigh the cons. Thank you for your attention. [185 Words Type-N]

効果的な「世界政府」樹立は可能か

Is it possible to create an effective “world government?”

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, it seems to be impossible to establish an effective “world government.” anytime soon. Now let me explain the details.     

First, “a world government” has never existed in history, because the world has been full of diverse ideologies, religions, and political perspectives that are incompatible with each other. In contrast, “a world government” needs globally-unified systems, such as currency, tax, and welfare, which are challenging to achieve even within a single country, let alone globally.     

Next, in order to create a ‘world government’, all countries would have to give up their sovereignty. But today, every country already has its own culture, interests, laws, and political system. So, it is difficult to peacefully form “a world government” that represents the interest of everyone.     

So, even though “the world government” sounds fantastic, I conclude that it might not be a resolution to our world today. Rather, the most realistic option is to work together under the current UN framework. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-G]

*If such a world government had been easy to create, or if there had been enough need to create it, the UN would have become it long ago.

国際連合の役割とは何か

What is the role of the United Nations [or UN]?

Today, the UN has diverse missions, so depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they are all to the point. Now let me explain some details about its most significant missions.     

First, the UN’s most original and greatest mission is to maintain peace and security across the world. In particular, UN-led peacekeeping operations have contributed to prevent, settle, and resolve conflicts and restore local order across the world. 

Next, the UN takes leadership in addressing important global economic, social, and cultural problems. For example, it is working to support human rights, and offer humanitarian aid. In this way, the UN is an important platform for its member countries to address worldwide concerns.     

In addition, the UN is trying to promote the Sustainable Development Goals. It has listed several political, economic, and environmental challenges to be addressed by 2030, to achieve a sustainable world.           

These examples I have just mentioned show the UN’s significance in our world today. And we should also come together to achieve a better world, with the sustainable environment. Thank you for attention. [180 Words Type-X]