This book provides a comprehensive analysis of Japan’s Asian diplomacy under Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. Under the Kantei-centred policymaking system, Shinzō Abe has implemented assertive foreign policies with a slogan of ‘diplomacy taking a panoramic perspective of the world’. The analyses in the book cover the traditional and emerging fields of national security and international political economy. While its empirical examination is based on field-specific research, it also incorporates the analysis of Japan’s bilateral relations with China, the US, India, and others.
In addition, the book provides a solid, theory-driven analysis of Japan’s external policy and relations. In an independent chapter, this work sets up integrative theoretical frameworks for empirical analyses by relying on key concepts drawn from the three international relations theories of realism, liberalism and constructivism.
Going forward, research in this book also explores the development of key regional affairs. Maritime security and space security are two of major security-related affairs, in which the states in East Asia and the Asia-Pacific have to engage, including the development of the TPP (TPP-11) and RCEP, as well as infrastructure development and development cooperation, which are crucial in relation to China’s initiatives in the BRI and AIIB.
Lastly, the book provides valuable references to regionalism in East Asia and the Asia-Pacific by analyzing regional integration/cooperation through free trade agreements and the development of regional connectivity. This includes the evolution of cooperation and conflict within key regional frameworks such as the East Asia Summit and APEC, as well as key regional visions such as the Free and Open Indo-Pacific. It also takes into account the possible influence of ideational factors such as norms, principles, and rules on the development of regional cooperation.
Author(s): Hidetaka Yoshimatsu
Series: Critical Studies of the Asia-Pacific
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2021
Language: English
Pages: 290
City: Singapore
Prologue
Praise for Japan’s Asian Diplomacy
Contents
Abbreviations
List of Figures
List of Tables
Conventions
1 Introduction
The Abe Administration and Its Diplomacy Towards Asia
The Brief Overview of Japan’s Asian Diplomacy
Literature on Japan’s Asian Diplomacy and Critical Assessment
The Argument in Brief
The Plan of the Book
References
2 The Analytical Framework for Japan’s Diplomatic Policy Towards Asia
Power Politics from the Realist Perspective
Power Politics in International Relations
Japan in Power Transition in the Asia-Pacific
The Abe Administration’s Strategic Response in Power Transition
Domestic Politics from the Liberal Perspective
Domestic Politics in International Relations
The Development of the Policymaking System in Japan
The Policymaking System Under the Abe Administration
The Diffusion of Ideas from the Constructivist Perspective
Ideational Elements in International Relations
The Advocacy of Ideas in Japan’s Foreign Policy
The Role of Ideas in the Abe Administration’s Diplomacy
The Summary of Analytical Angles
The Selection of Policy Areas as Case Studies
References
3 Trade Policy in the Mega-FTA Age
The Growing Presence of FTAs in Trade Policy
Commitments to High-Standard Rules in Mega-FTAs
Geopolitical Elements Affecting Japan’s FTA Policy
The Skilful Management of Domestic Trade Policymaking
Conclusion
References
4 Purposeful Commitment to Infrastructure Investment in Asia
Internal and External Policies for Infrastructure Exports and Investment
The Growing Influence of the Kantei in Infrastructure Policy
The China Factor in Japan’s Infrastructure Investment
The Four Standards for Quality Infrastructure Investment
Conclusion
References
5 Growing Maritime Security in Ocean Policy
The Basic Act on Ocean Policy and the Development of Ocean-Related Policies
The Influence of China in Maritime Security
The Advocacy and Sharing of the Rule of Law at Sea
Growing Consideration to Maritime Security in the Making of Ocean Policy
Conclusion
References
6 Outer Space Policy with a Stronger Security Orientation
The Basic Space Law and the Development of Space Policy
The China Factor in Japan’s Outer Space Policy
Evolving Policymaking Structures for Outer Space
Commitments to Norm Formation in Outer Space
Conclusion
References
7 The Reformulation of Foreign Aid in Development Cooperation
The 2015 Development Cooperation Charter and Relevant Policies
Major Features in the Formulation of the New Charter
China’s Complicated Influence in Japan’s Development Cooperation
Quality Growth as a Key Idea for Development Cooperation
Conclusion
References
8 Reflections and Prospects
Geopolitical Influence in Japan’s Asian Diplomacy
The Abe Administration’s Strategic Response
The Implications of the Strategic Response
The Prospect for Japanese Diplomacy in Power Transition
Domestic Policymaking in Japan’s Asian Diplomacy
The Kantei-Led Policymaking Under the Abe Administration
Factors Enabling Kantei-Centred Policymaking
Long-Term Implications of Policymaking Under the Abe Administration
Rules, Standards and Principles in Japan’s Asian Diplomacy
What Ideas for What Objectives?
The Sharing of Ideas for Asian Diplomacy
The Advocacy of Ideas and Japan’s Role Conception
References
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index
