Japan's strategic re-posture: Prime Minister Abe and the implications for the Japan-US alliance and regional security

This paper explores Prime Minister Abe's new international agenda, examining how it is changing Japan's strategic posture within the Japan-US alliance, and assessing its implications for regional security. The paper looks at Abe the individual, his political ideas and how his vision for Japan is driving the change. It also examines the Japan-US alliance, primarily in the context of framing a broader discussion on Japan's approach to the security challenges posed by North Korea, China and non-traditional threats.

The paper argues that Abe is the primary driver of Japan's change in strategic posture. It also contends, however, that while Abe's vision for peace and prosperity constitutes a worthy ideal, the implementation of his vision has significant implications for the Japan-US alliance and Japan's relationships with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It concludes that in order to realise the vision, Japan will need to nurture key relations, particularly with the US, China, the Republic of Korea and ASEAN.

This paper was also published in the Indo-Pacific Strategic Digest series.

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