Japan is shifting onto a new trajectory for a more muscular national security policy, US-Japan alliance ties functioning for regional and global security, and the encirclement of China's influence in East Asia. The author explores how PM Abe Shinz?'s doctrine may prove contradictory and counter-productive to Japanese national interests.
"This concise volume provides a timely update on recent developments in the security sphere, particularly focusing on the current Abe government's policies. ... The research is thorough and well-presented, though curiously formatted in the style of a collection of short articles. ... In sum, this is a very welcome update on Japanese foreign and security policies that does East Asian specialists a notable service through its collation and analysis ... ." (Thomas S. Wilkins, Japanese Studies, Vol. 36 (1), June, 2016)
"This timely book is a valuable companion to understanding the foreign and security policy initiatives undertaken by the second Abe Shinz administration. The book's six brisk chapters assess the origins, domestic impact, and international ramifications of Abe's security and diplomatic revolution. ... this book is required reading for understanding the contours of change in Japan's security system in the Abe era and it will appeal to Political Science and Japanese Studies scholars, as well as practitioners and students." (Giulio Pugliese, Asien, Vol. 139, April, 2016)
"This timely book is a valuable companion to understanding the foreign and security policy initiatives undertaken by the second Abe Shinz administration. The book's six brisk chapters assess the origins, domestic impact, and international ramifications of Abe's security and diplomatic revolution. ... this book is required reading for understanding the contours of change in Japan's security system in the Abe era and it will appeal to Political Science and Japanese Studies scholars, as well as practitioners and students." (Giulio Pugliese, Asien, Vol. 139, April, 2016)