General Discussion

Last edited Thu Dec 4, 2025, 03:16 PM - Edit history (1)

Decorated veteran of WWII, from the all Nisei 100th

Senator Spark Matsunaga passed the legislation for the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) by leading a commission that studied proposals for a national peace academy and using a behind-the-scenes approach called nemawashi to build consensus among his colleagues. After 22 years of advocating for the idea, he finally saw it become law when it was included in the Department of Defense Authorization Act of 1985.
Commission on Proposals for the National Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution: Matsunaga chaired this Senate-funded commission, which analyzed over 100 proposed laws and held public hearings across the country to gather input.
Nemawashi: He used a Japanese consensus-building method, which involves detailed, behind-the-scenes discussions to get colleagues to agree to a proposal before it is presented publicly.
Advocacy: Matsunaga tirelessly advocated for the legislation for 22 years before it was passed.
USIP Act: The creation of USIP was finally enacted as part of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985, which President Ronald Reagan signed in 1984.