As the U.S.-China strategic competition intensifies and the international order in Asia becomes more uncertain, Japan confronts the task of refashioning its diplomatic and security strategy. Is Japan’s “National Security Strategy” adopted in December 2022 adequate to navigate the difficult challenges facing the region and to promote a more stable and prosperous Asia? A new report entitled “Asia’s Future at a Crossroads: A Japanese Strategy for Peace and Sustainable Prosperity” presents a more realistic alternative strategy for Japan. It reflects the culmination of over four years of study and debate among eleven prominent scholars and former practitioners of Japanese foreign policy and international relations. The report argues that Japan should pursue a more proactive middle power diplomacy to mitigate U.S.-China rivalry, avoid a sharp division in Asia, and prevent great power conflict. The report in both English and Japanese can be accessed through this link: https://sigur.elliott.gwu.edu/project/asias-future-at-a-crossroads-a-japanese-strategy-for-peace-and-sustainable-prosperity/.

A discussion was held with Professors Yoshihide Soeya and Mike Mochizuki, co-leaders of the project, Hitoshi Tanaka, Former Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister and Kuniko Ashizawa, Adjunct Professor at American University. Michael Swaine, Senior Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute, moderated.