Japanese Foreign Policy at the Crossroads : Challenges and Options for the Twenty-First Century

The post–World War II paradigm that ensured security and prosperity for the Japanese people has lost much of its effectiveness. The current generation has become increasingly resentful of the prolonged economic stagnation and feels a sense of drift and uncertainty about the future of Japan's foreign policy. In J apanese Foreign Policy at the Crossroads, Yutaka Kawashima clarifies some of the defining parameters of Japan's past foreign policy and examines the challenges it currently faces, including the quagmire on the Korean Peninsula, the future of the U.S.-Japan alliance, the management of Japan-China relations, and Japan's relation with Southeast Asia. Kawashima—who, as vice minister of foreign affairs, was Japan's highest-ranking foreign service official—cautions Japan against attempts to ensure its own security and well-being outside of an international framework. He believes it is crucial that Japan work with as many like-minded countries as possible to construct a regional and international order based on shared interests and shared values. In an era of globalization, he cautions, such efforts will be crucial to maintaining global world order and ensuring civilized interaction among all states. "In Japanese Foreign Policy at the Crossroads, Yutaka Kawashima clarifies some of the defining parameters of Japan's foreign policy and examines the challenges it currently faces, including the quagmire on the Korean Peninsula, the future of the U.S.-Japan alliance, the management of Japan-China relations, and Japan's relations with Southeast Asia." "Kawashima - who, as vice minister of foreign affairs, was Japan's highest-ranking foreign service official - cautions Japan against attempts to ensure its security and well-being outside of an international framework. He believes it crucial that Japan work with as many like-minded countries as possible to construct a regional and international order based on shared interests and shared values. In an era of globalization, he cautions, such efforts will be crucial to maintaining global world order and ensuring civilized interaction among all states."--Jacket Cover......Page 1 Title Page......Page 4 Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 8 Acknowledgments......Page 12 1. Historical Parameters of Japanese Foreign Policy......Page 14 2. Security Ties between Japan and the United States......Page 35 3. The Economic Relationship between Japan and the United States......Page 68 4. Endgame on the Korean Peninsula......Page 86 5. Relations between Japan and China......Page 108 6. Japan's Southeast Asia Policy......Page 123 7. Japan's Relations with Europe......Page 139 8. Striving for Peace and Saving Failed States......Page 148 Bibliography......Page 166 Index......Page 168 Historical Parameters Of Japanese Foreign Policy -- Security Ties Between Japan And The United States -- The Economic Relationship Between Japan And The United States -- Endgame On The Korean Peninsular -- Relations Between Japan And China -- Japan's Southeast Asia Policy -- Japan's Relations With Europe -- Striving For Peace And Saving Failed States. Yutaka Kawashima. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. The future of foreign policy in Japan is uncertain. The post-World War II paradigm that ensured security and prosperity for the Japanese people has lost much of its effectiveness. This book examines this uncertainty and explores the decision-making processes that have led Japan to this point The basic objective of the foreign policy of Japan, like that of any other country, is to ensure the nation's security and prosperity.