U.S. Relations with Japan: A Critical Security Issue?
Abstract
America shares many vital national interests in the Asia Pacific region with Japan. Aside from obvious U.S. concerns in the greater Middle East there are a number of critical interests that keep the U.S. focused on the Far East: 1) global military basing and presence in the region 2) concern for China's growing economic and military might 3) response to North Korea's nuclear ambitions and 4) concern for the regional terrorist threat. The 2005 U.S. National Defense Strategy declares that, "We will create conditions for a favorable international system by honoring our security commitments"--commitments which are critical to our interests abroad. However in order to do this the United States needs a firm commitment from its allies as well. Japan's commitment to its bilateral alliance with United States recently became evident with its approval for the U.S. to permanently base a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in their country. Japan's commitments have solidified the U.S.-Japan relationship and have set the stage for long-term security relations in pursuit of common interests. This SRP analyzes some of these common vital interests and affirms the ongoing value of sustaining a strategic relationship with our former Pacific adversary.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 16, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA448631
Entities
People
- David P. Rodgers
Organizations
- United States Army War College