Japan's Dual Hedge | 2002 | Publications

Japan's Dual Hedge

Eric Heginbotham and Richard J. Samuels

Foreign Affairs Vol. 8, No. 5 (September/October 2002)

After September 11, Tokyo was quick to declare its support for the U.S. war in Afghanistan. Much of the promised military assistance quickly evaporated, however, because Japan covets its business ties around the world, even those with U.S. enemies, and is loath to jeopardize these lucrative links. Tokyo defines security in economic, not just military, terms--even when this means parting company with Washington.