The shape of things to come: the U.S.-Japan security relationship in the new era

Abstract

This monograph focuses on recent developments affecting the US-Japan security alliance, in particular the question of the future of the US military presence on Okinawa and the revised US-Japan defence guidelines. It argues that, in the post-Cold War security environment, the US-Japan security partnership continues to benefit not only the two countries involved but the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. The alliance can make an important contribution to future regional stability in a number of areas of regional concern, including questions about the future roles of Japan and the United States themselves and of China; uncertainties connected with the possibility of Korean reunification; the effects of increased military spending; the strength of democratic institutions in the region; and the results of increasing economic interdependence. Appendixes contain excerpts from the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between Japan and the United States of America, details on the deployment of US forces in Okinawa, the Joint Statement issued at the completion of the Review of the Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation (September 1997), and these Guidelines themselves. Show more