Author

Yul Sohn is Assistant Professor of Yonsei University’s Graduate School of International Studies. He received his Ph.D. in Politics from the University of Chicago, and served as professor at Chung-ang University, foreign scholar at the University of Tokyo's Institute of Social Science, and visiting professor at Waseda University. His research interests are Japanese politics and foreign policy, international political economy, and East Asian regionalism, and his recent academic publications include: East Asia in the 21st Century: Competing International Society (2009); Politics of Soft Power: Changing Japanese Identity (2009); Japan’s East Asian Community (2009); and Japan Between Alliance and Community (2009).

Abstract

This paper explores how Japan has rebalanced its alliance with the United States during the past decade. It began with the emerging strategic environment of East Asia that highlights China's rise. Then, it introduces three strategic views that emerged in the policy circle as an alternative to the existing foreign policy posture: alliance, autonomy, and balance. Ultimately this paper will demonstrate that neither view is appropriate in dealing with the new challenges. Ultimately, it suggests that Japan should adopt two approaches. First, Japan will need a renewed understanding of the US-Japan alliance transformation. Japanese leaders should recognize that what is needed is not tightening up but transforming the alliance structure into a complex one. Japan can play a valuable role in nonmilitary affairs such as development assistance, environmental protection, transnational crimes, and humanitarian assistance. This soft approach will enhance Japan’s power more effectively than a hard alliance will do.

Second, Japan needs a more open and flexible alliance structure. For Asia is rapidly transforming into an increasingly networked region through new cultural links, new business deals, and new bilateral and multilateral diplomatic efforts. They must develop a networked alliance that is scalable: an alliance that recruits new members and link sideways to other forms of groups (i.e., regionalism). Japan should find a way to connect both the United State and Asia.

The full text in Korean is available here