Commentary / Japan Jul 26, 2019

Time for Japan to reassess its Russia policy

Recent airspace violations show that efforts to boost security cooperation have failed to bear fruit.

Commentary / Japan Jun 19, 2019

Prioritize access in Japan-Russia dispute

By prioritizing access to the islands and acknowledging that current negotiations won't lead to their return, Japan will gain a freer hand in dealing with Russia.

Commentary / Japan Nov 16, 2018

The high price of a two-island deal

The most basic condition for the return of Shikotan and Habomai would be for Japan to accept that the territorial dispute has been permanently resolved.

Commentary / Japan Sep 13, 2018

What lies behind Putin's peace proposal

The Russian leader's offer is a political move aimed at gaining a tactical advantage.

Commentary / Japan Apr 3, 2018

Japan's Indo-Pacific strategy falls short

The government must demonstrate that its commitment to international law and democratic values is more than just a fig leaf.

Commentary / Japan Mar 27, 2018

Japan and the Skripal poisoning: The U.K.'s fair-weather friend

Prime Minister Abe should demonstrate that Japan is a reliable security partner.

Commentary / Japan Feb 15, 2018

Abe's Russia policy and Aegis Ashore

Shinzo Abe's attempts to get Japanese access to the disputed islands off Hokkaido have been complicated by Tokyo's moves to buy the Aegis Ashore missile interception system.

Commentary / Japan Jun 1, 2017

Shinzo Abe and the arrogance of power

Given the whiff of corruption and arrogance already emanating from the Abe adminstration, supporters of liberal democracy should be worried about what the next four years portend.