Overview
2008 - 2010
Between 2008 and 2009, there were numerous developments including the inauguration of a new administration in the U.S., changes in China after the Beijing Olympics, and revival of Russia's diplomatic influence in its sphere of influence that heralded the largest restructuring of the international order since the end of the Cold War. After that, in 2010, the U.S. announced its intention to sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, Chinese diplomacy became more hard-line, and Russian's stance toward the Northern Territories changed. On the other hand, elections in 2009 brought a new political party to power in Japan, but the new government's domestic and foreign policies remain unsettled, and the government is insufficiently responding to changes in the international environment. In this research, I clarify the nature of these changes, particularly in the international order since 2008, make forecasts of changes in the international arena, and consider, in a fundamental manner, how Japanese diplomacy should respond to these changes. I also provide advice on practical policies issues.
October 17, 2008 - July 31, 2010
