Significant Trends in the U.S.-Japan Military-Political Alliance in the 21st Century

Abstract

Established after World War II, the U.S.-Japan military-political alliance is crucial for the interests of both countries in Asia. In recent years, increasing assertiveness from China, North Korea's nuclear weapons, and other challenges have pushed the alliance to make historical adjustments, including enhancing Japan's military role. The U.S.-Japan alliance is based on shared vital interests and values, including stability in the Asia-Pacific region, preservation and promotion of political and economic freedoms, support for human rights and democratic institutions, and ensuring prosperity for the peoples of both countries and the international community as a whole. Japan provides bases and other support to U.S. forces necessary to maintain stability in the region. Over the past decade, the Alliance has been strengthened through a review of core defense principles that better define Japan's non-combat role in regional contingencies, the renewal of the host nation support agreement for U.S. forward-deployed forces in Japan, and the Defense Policy Review Initiative. The full-scale war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, and Russia's nuclear coercion in the conflict have sparked a debate in Japan regarding the future course of national security policy, including its nuclear future. Immediately following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Abe commented that Japan should discuss the concept of joint nuclear weapon use with the United States, as some members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization do. However, Japan appears to remain committed to its role as a proponent of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. The article discusses the main directions of cooperation between the United States and Japan as military-political allies in the present day. In particular, it highlights the mechanism of regular and ad-hoc meetings and dialogues on security issues within the U.S.-Japan military-political alliance. Additionally, the article examines the specifics of cooperation between the two states in the development of missile defense technology, the development and joint production of military capabilities, as well as in the space domain.