Japanese Diplomacy and East Asian International Politics, 1918–1931

This book provides an overview of East Asian international politics during the early interwar period, examining the foreign policy trends of major powers such as Japan, China, Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union. It argues that East Asia experienced four waves of international change, including the transition to the post-World War I international order, the rise of Nationalist China and the Soviet Union, the Japanese invasion of Manchuria, and the Japanese implementation of the North China Buffer State Strategy. The book also discusses the diversity of views towards China among Japanese actors and how these shifted over time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate tapestry of East Asian international politics during the early interwar period, offering a comprehensive overview of the various foreign policy trends pursued by the major powers involved, including Japan, China, Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union. Drawing upon extensive original research, the author presents a compelling argument that East Asia underwent four distinct waves of international change during this crucial era: the transition from the post-World War I international order, the emergence of Nationalist China and the Soviet Union as influential actors in East Asian international politics, the Japanese invasion of Manchuria, and the subsequent implementation of the North China Buffer State Strategy. Each of these waves brought forth unique challenges, requiring the powers, particularly Japan, Britain, and the United States, to collaborate and find innovative solutions. However, as time progressed, the complexities of these challenges grew, making cooperation increasingly difficult.

The book also explores the Washington System, widely perceived as a rupture with the past, and challenges this notion by highlighting the continued presence of spheres of influence diplomacy. It examines the ideological approaches of the United States and the Soviet Union, which played a significant role in shaping the foreign policies of these nations. Furthermore, the book provides a rich and detailed account of the diverse perspectives held by Japanese actors regarding China, shedding light on the shifting dynamics of their attitudes over time.

By examining these complex and interconnected events, the book offers valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of East Asian international politics during the early interwar period. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the historical roots. The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license, allowing for widespread dissemination and collaboration.

Weight: 780g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032675930