Bachelor of Arts (BA) · Leiden University
Valentin Grangier is a French student of International Relations at Leiden University, currently on exchange at the University of Tokyo. Specialising in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific, he focuses on geopolitics, security, and regional dynamics, analysing power interplay, ASEAN’s role, and shifting alliances. Passionate about Japan and proficient in intermediate Japanese, he blends constructivist, realist, liberal, and democratic perspectives to explore the region’s political, economic, and security challenges.
Q: Does Japan’s dollar exposure prevent the BoJ from raising rates? Arg: Low rates fuel carry trades that weaken the yen, while $1T+ in U.S. Treasuries ties Japan to U.S. monetary cycles — a self-reinforcing trap. Concl: Gradual normalisation is the best exit, but political pressures keep the sta…
Main Question: How do minilateral arrangements shape East Asian cooperation? Argument: Forums like ASEAN provide broad frameworks, while minilaterals (Quad, trilateral dialogues) enable focused security cooperation alongside economic ties to China and reliance on the U.S. Conclusion: Minilaterals…
Question: How do trade wars impact global economics, and how can states respond? Argument: Trade wars disrupt supply chains, raise prices, and weaken multilateral institutions; mitigation requires diversification, digital standards, and multilateral trust. Conclusion: States can reduce trade war …
How are Poland and South Korea expanding defence cooperation, and what are the strategic implications? Poland gains rapid access to advanced weaponry and industrial growth, while Korea secures a strategic entry into Europe as a global defence exporter. The partnership could become a lasting model…
