Tokyo Rising

Tokyo Rising explores Japans historic strategic shift and the implications for the balance of power in Asia and Australias future security.The idea that provides much of the rationale for an Australia Japan alliance that the two countries will support America in a coalition to contain China is not credible. Neither country has done nearly enough to build the capacity or demonstrate the resolve. Hugh WhiteThe twenty-eighth issue of Australian Foreign Affairs explores Japans historic shift away from its postwar pacifism as it braces for a changing Asia in which China, its neighbour, is challenging the dominance of the United States, its ally.Tokyo Rising looks at the options for Japan as it adopts a new military and strategic posture and at the consequences for Australia, which faces a remarkably similar dilemma.Hugh White argues that Japan and Australia will ultimately be unable to rely on each other or on their partners to counter China.Justin Bassi and Alex Bristow explore what a formal Australia Japan alliance might look like, and why it matters.Anna Fifield looks at the life, politics and goals of Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi.Ken Jimbo analyses Japans shifting approaches as it seeks a policy for handling China.PLUS Marc Ablong on cybersecurity, Anna Naupa on Pacific Islands diplomacy and Susan Harris Rimmer on climate, and correspondence on AFA27s Plan B from Michael Clarke, Jennifer Parker, Richard Gray and David Kilcullen.