Grundzüge und Tendenzen der japanischen Außenpolitik : Internationale Profilierung durch globale Herausforderungen

Recent Developments and Trends in Japanese Foreign Policy. Enhancing its International Profile by Addressing Global Challenges

This article provides an overview of recent developments in Japanese foreign and defense policy. It focuses on Japan’s continued attempts to increase and improve its international role and reputation, the influence of the change of the premiership. Secondly, the article takes a closer look at Japan’s bilateral relations with its Asian neighbors as well as its major allies in Europe and the United States. And thirdly, it documents and analyzes three major foreign policy areas, namely security policy, development policy, and international environmental policy. Finally, it attempts to assess the implications of these changes for the foreseeable future.
The article argues that Prime Minister Abe had been reasonably successful in repairing Japan’s relations with the PRC and the ROK. Since his inauguration in September 2007, Prime Minister Fukuda developed these ties even further, despite the ongoing territorial disputes in the East China Sea. Just like Koizumi and Abe, Fukuda continued and further strengthened Japan’s military cooperation with the United States, while deepening its defense cooperation with Australia. Japan increased its development cooperation with African states, and focused on African development and global warming when it hosted the G8 summit in Toyako, Hokkaidō. Overall, Japan’s international role has enhanced this year, and will most likely increase even further in the coming years.