This timely volume examines the rationale for the bilateral U.S.-Japan security relationship in light of post-Cold War realities and the overall East Asian geopolitical environment. Leading analysts on both sides of the Pacific look at the treaty itself, and at existing and potential challenges to the alliance, from the perspective of building a more balanced, sustainable partnership. The discussion is designed to stimulate a much-needed, well-informed public debate to help ensure the alliance's relevance and resilience into the twenty-first century. A blend of short commentaries and longer analytical assessments, the volume is predicated on the assumption that the alliance has served and, if properly managed and maintained, can continue to serve the national security interests of both nations. While most of the authors are committed to maintaining the U.S.-Japan alliance as the linchpin of East Asian security, they offer many different approaches and recommendations