Line of Advantage: Japan's Grand Strategy in the Era of Abe Shinzo

Japan has developed a deliberate and successful grand strategy to manage China's rising economic and military power. Under Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, Japan has pursued closer security cooperation with the US and other democracies, established a more centralized national defense system, and advanced rules and norms to preserve the open regional order in the Indo-Pacific. Michael J. Green's book "Line of Advantage" provides an insiders perspective on Japan's strategic thinking and its economic, defense, and diplomatic priorities toward China, the US, the two Koreas, and the Indo-Pacific region.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

No other country has devised a grand strategy for managing China's rising economic and military power as deliberately or successfully as Japan. Seeking to counter Chinese ambitions toward regional hegemony, Japan has taken an increasingly assertive role in East Asia and the world. During the tenure of Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, the country pursued closer security cooperation with the United States and other democracies, established a more centralized national defense system, and advanced rules and norms to preserve the open regional order in the Indo-Pacific that is crucial to its prosperity and survival—all while managing an important economic relationship with China.

In Line of Advantage, Michael J. Green provides a groundbreaking and comprehensive account of Japan's strategic thinking under Abe. He explains the foundational logic and the worldview behind this approach, from key precedents in Japanese history to the specific economic, defense, and diplomatic priorities shaping contemporary policy toward China, the United States, the two Koreas, and the Indo-Pacific region. Drawing on two decades of access to Abe and other Japanese political, military, and business leaders, Green provides an insiders perspective on subjects such as how Japan pursued competition with China without losing the benefits of economic cooperation. Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of Japan's new active role, Line of Advantage sheds new light on a period with profound implications for the future of U.S. competition with China and international affairs in Asia more broadly.

Japan's strategic thinking under Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is rooted in a deep understanding of its historical and geopolitical context. The country has long been concerned about the rise of China and its potential impact on regional stability and the global economy. Recognizing the need to counter Chinese ambitions, Japan has taken a number of steps to assert its influence in East Asia and the world.

One of the key aspects of Japan's strategy is its closer security cooperation with the United States and other democracies. Under Prime Minister Abe, Japan has strengthened its defense relationship with the United States, including through the implementation of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty and the joint development of advanced defense technologies. Japan has also expanded its security cooperation with other countries in the region, such as Australia, South Korea, and India, to create a network of allies that can collectively deter Chinese aggression.

Another important aspect of Japan's strategy is its emphasis on economic development and cooperation with China. Japan is the second-largest economy in the world and has a significant trade relationship with China. While Japan has pursued competition with China in areas such as technology and innovation, it has also sought to maintain close economic ties with China to ensure its prosperity and stability.

Japan has also advanced rules and norms to preserve the open regional order in the Indo-Pacific that is crucial to its prosperity and survival. This includes promoting free trade and investment, upholding the rule of law, and promoting regional stability and security. Japan has also played a key role in resolving regional conflicts, such as the North Korean nuclear crisis and the South China Sea dispute, through diplomacy and dialogue.

Despite these efforts, Japan's strategy toward China has faced challenges and criticisms. Some critics argue that Japan's assertive role in the region could lead to tensions and conflicts with China, which could have negative consequences for regional stability and the global economy. Others argue that Japan's economic relationship with China is too close and could undermine its independence and sovereignty.

In conclusion, Japan's strategic thinking under Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is a complex and multifaceted approach that seeks to balance competition with China with economic cooperation and regional stability. While Japan has faced challenges and criticisms, its strategy has been successful in asserting its influence in East Asia and the world and in preserving the open regional order in the Indo-Pacific. As China continues to rise, Japan will likely continue to play an important role in shaping the future of international affairs in the region.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231204675