Togo, Kazuhiko

Abstract
In this analysis of the Senkaku/Diaoyu, including the US role, I employ the framework of Western theories of international relations (IR). The analysis turns to the prisoner’s dilemma to find a possible solution to the present impasse. The key task for negotiators and IR theorists is to find an equation that satisfies three factors simultaneously: China does not enter Japan’s territorial waters; Japan continues the three nos of “not to land, not to investigate, and not to build”; and confidence-building measures are instituted to avoid direct military collisions. So far, the prisoner’s dilemma has not succeeded in finding that equation, so perhaps more attention should be paid to the Eastern concept of face saving or giving face, which in addition to the other three factors might enable the two sides to reach a modus vivendi.
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