Part of the East Asia NRC’s Current Issues in East Asia Series.

Monday, April 8, 2019
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Chung-wen Shih Conference Room, Suite 503
Elliott School of International Affairs
1957 E Street, NW, Washington, District Of Columbia 20052

About the Event:

In the New Cold War era of the 1980s, Japan expanded its defense buildup. Japan began the common studies regarding the protection of 1000 miles Sea lane of communication with the United States. Moreover, SDF acquired the Aegis Combat System, the next generation support fighter (F-2) and increased the number of P-3C and F-15. Additionally, Nakasone administration abolished the 1% of GNP ceiling for defense budget.

Do those changes in Japan’s security policy imply a return to the balance of power politics? Could Soviet threat and pressure from United States explain Japan’s policy in 1980s? Are there any other more important factors? Mr. Wang will explain those questions in the seminar.

Mr. Wang Rui is a PhD student in Keio University, Japan. He is currently a visiting scholar in The Sigur Center for Asian Studies.

Mike M. Mochizuki – Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University, Specialist in Japanese politics