Effect of political reforms on more proactive Japanese external policies

How have political reforms since the 1990s changed Japanese foreign and security policies? In this talk Satoshi Machidori and Harukata Takenaka examined the effects of a series of institutional reforms since 1990 on Japanese foreign and security policy. The first presentation demonstrated that political reform was a reaction to major changes in the international environment in the early 1990s, particularly the end of the Cold War and the bitter experience of the Gulf War. It then showed that as a result, Japanese foreign policy moved away from the traditional “Yoshida Doctrine” after the 1950s and began pursuing more active roles in international relations.

The second presentation closely examined the relationship between Japan’s reformed political institutions and the formation of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy. It argueed that while the changing international environment in East Asia was certainly a crucial factor which promoted Japan to formulate a new grand strategy, it was the enhanced institutional position of the prime ministership that enabled PM Abe to launch such a strategy. It showed how various organisations in the Cabinet Secretariat made it possible for Japan to form a coherent strategy, combining economic and security policies and engaging with various ministries.

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A recording of this event can be viewed here:

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