Robert Ward shines a brilliant light on the transformation seen in Japans grand strategy during the past 15 years, placing it in its historical context but crucially also illuminating how Japanese society has come to understand the threat to the countrys security posed by North Korea, Russia and above all China. Delivering the new grand strategy will not be easy, but this book shows that it can be done and that it has strong winds behind it.
Bill Emmott, Chairman of the Trustees, IISS and author of Deterrence, Diplomacy and the Risk of Conflict Over Taiwan
This book offers a compelling, balanced and insightful exploration of the evolution of Japans foreign policy, tracing its trajectory from the Meiji Restoration to the present day while prompting readers to contemplate its future direction. It presents a persuasive analysis of how Japans strategic choices have shaped the global order spanning security, economics and technology. This volume is indispensable not only for Japan specialists and security experts but also for policymakers, scholars, business leaders and students indeed, for anyone seeking to grasp the profound geopolitical shifts unfolding across the region.
Doden Aiko, former NHK commentator; Journalist/Distinguished Senior Fellow, Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies, SAIS, Johns Hopkins University; Japan Foundation Indo-Pacific Partnership Program Fellow
Robert Wards insightful book offers profound insights into the logic and principles underpinning Japans grand strategy, providing a roadmap to stability in todays complex and rapidly changing international environment. This essential read compellingly describes Japans strategic evolution from the Yoshida Doctrine to Abe Shinzos transformative approach and beyond, signifying its transition from a postwar strategy focused on stability and strong US relations to playing a more autonomous and proactive role on the world stage. As the book illustrates, Japans increased participation in global affairs could serve as a beacon of stability amid the uncertainties in USJapan relations and the waning of US leadership in an era marked by turbulence under the second Trump administration.
Ward explores Japans dynamic engagement and swift advances in previously uncharted territories such as defence strategy and diplomacy, and cyber and space technologies. The book also examines Japans leadership in economic security, highlighting its strategic efforts to reinforce supply chains and assert itself as a geo-economic power through initiatives like the CPTPP and strategic industrial policies.
Suzuki Kazuto, Professor of Science and Technology Policy, Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo
