Japan’s Middle Power Diplomacy in an Era of Great Power Competition

Japan increasingly finds itself caught between great power rivalries, first and foremost between the U.S. and China, and secondly, between the U.S. and Russia. The outcomes of these rivalries will have lasting ramifications for stability and diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific. What are Japan’s options in navigating this unfolding strategic landscape? Although its relationship with the United States is key for regional security and stability, one approach for Japan is to adopt a strategy of middle power diplomacy and strengthen its ties with other countries in Asia. To examine these issues and offer recommendations for Japan’s vision and future actions, the Sigur Center recently hosted Ambassador Kazuhiko Togo, former Ambassador of Japan to the Netherlands, and Professor Emeritus Yoshihide Soeya of Keio University. The conversation was moderated by Mike Mochizuki, Japan-US Relations Chair in Memory of Gaston Sigur at the George Washington University. The recording of the event is available on YouTube.

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