Japan: A Stabilizer for the U.S.-Led System in a New Era

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's leadership in Japan has significantly strengthened the bilateral military alliance with the United States, positioning Japan as a stabilizer for the U.S.-led system in the Indo-Pacific. This study highlights how Abe cultivated strong relations with both President Barack Obama and Donald Trump, achieving historic firsts such as addressing a joint U.S. Congress and escorting a sitting U.S. president to Hiroshima's ground zero. The research argues that Japan's strategic focus on bolstering its own defense capabilities while maintaining close ties with the U.S. is crucial for regional stability amid growing geopolitical uncertainties, including threats from North Korea and China. The study emphasizes the enduring importance of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, underscoring Japan's reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for national security.

Taniguchi, T. (2019). Japan: A Stabilizer for the U.S.-Led System in a New Era. Asia Policy, 26(1), 172–176. https://doi.org/10.1353/asp.2019.0004