Japan's Foreign Policy, 1945-2003: The Quest for a Proactive Policy

by Kazuhiko Togo

This book describes major aspects of Japanese foreign policy from WWII to the present. Bilateral relations with the US, China, Korea, Southeast Asia, Russia, Europe and the Middle East as well as multilateral diplomacy are analysed. Written by a former diplomat who was deeply involved in major issues of postwar Japanese foreign policy, it provides fascinating insider views on policy making in Tokyo. The book explains how and why Japan is developing a more proactive foreign policy and highlights vital policy issues which it is facing at the turn of the century. It is written with exceptional clarity and is accessible and friendly to any reader who is interested in modern Japan.

Genres: History, Japan

486 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1

Reviews

[Yalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kazuhiko Togo's work is a masterful presentation and analysis of Japan's post-WWII foreign policy until 2003. His personal knowledge and insight as a diplomat shines through the text and gives it a very unique point of view and authority. The text is neither stuffed with a barrage of facts and figures nor is it only a flimsy cover for one man's musing and storytelling about his own endeavors - it is a truly great work that analyzes Japan's foreign policy objectively, soberly, and with the necessary touch of humanity. The conclusion offers a candid discussion of those problems which will continue to keep Japan back in the future and thus, invites a great degree of discussion for the future.