author

 
 

Meta

Robin Emmott
For Robin Emmott's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
WORLD / FOCUS
Jun 16, 2022
The Baltic states want more NATO. They won't get all they seek.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Baltic states have been calling for their region to receive the biggest buildup of combat-ready NATO forces in Europe since the end of the Cold War.
Japan Times
WORLD
May 12, 2022
NATO to welcome Nordic members as Ukraine pushes back Russian forces
Allies expect Finland and Sweden to be granted membership quickly, diplomats and officials have said, paving the way for increased troop presence in the Nordic region.
Japan Times
WORLD
Apr 4, 2022
Why Putin faces 'more NATO' in the Arctic after Ukraine invasion
As nonmembers, Finland and Sweden don't have the protection of NATO's guarantee that an attack on one ally is an attack on all, but moves to join the alliance are growing more likely.
Japan Times
WORLD / FOCUS
Mar 21, 2022
Amid fears of further Russian expansionism, NATO looks to its weakest link
An emboldened Moscow could encircle NATO's new Baltic members, cutting them off from the alliance — if a new Iron Curtain is to fall, NATO needs to ensure its members are not behind it.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Feb 26, 2022
Putin's end-game? Split Ukraine and install 'tame' leadership.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine looks designed to take Kyiv and create a land corridor south to the Black Sea, splitting the country into two, military analysts and former officials said.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Feb 19, 2022
U.S. and allies united if Russia invades, but at odds over other scenarios
That ambiguity could slow the pushback Putin will face if Russia repeats past tactics like identifiable cyberattacks or stepped-up support for pro-Russian separatists.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Jan 19, 2022
Best supporting actor? NATO in secondary role if Russia invades Ukraine.
NATO would be likely to reinforce its troop presence in the Black Sea and the Baltics while fending off cyberattacks if Russia were to invade Ukraine, diplomats and former officials said.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Sep 2, 2021
Afghanistan pullout spurs EU to revive rapid reaction force
The chaotic withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan has shown that the European Union needs to intervene militarily in a crisis without relying on U.S. troops, senior EU officials say.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / FOCUS
May 15, 2020
As China pushes back on coronavirus, Europe wakes to 'Wolf Warrior' diplomacy
As Beijing seeks to control the damage to its global reputation, the government is pushing hard to control the story from Berlin to Bratislava
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Nov 13, 2019
European concerns could spell end of Iran nuclear deal and new U.N. sanctions
Europe's threat to trigger a mechanism that could reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran marks a significant breakdown in diplomacy to try to save the 2015 nuclear deal and could presage its death knell, diplomats say.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 11, 2019
China struggles to ease concerns over 'Belt and Road' initiative as summit looms
China is struggling to ease worries about President Xi Jinping's signature plan to build a new Silk Road as it readies for a major summit in late April, especially among Western nations wary about debt, transparency and Chinese influence.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 12, 2018
'You, Angela': Trump claims victory after forcing NATO leaders into crisis talks with tirade
U.S. President Donald Trump hailed a personal victory at a NATO summit on Thursday, saying allies had sharply increased defense spending commitments after he provoked a crisis session with a tirade at European leaders.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Jul 10, 2018
As Trump confounds, Jim Mattis seen as quiet champion among NATO allies
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will only play a supporting role to President Donald Trump at this week's NATO summit — an event that by definition is focused on heads of state from the trans-Atlantic alliance.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
May 7, 2018
EU defense structure after Brexit starting to take shape
A broad European military strategy involving Britain after Brexit has started to take shape with France at its center, often in negotiations far from the Brussels spotlight and, in one top-level EU meeting, without the U.K. defense minister.
WORLD / Politics
Apr 2, 2017
Beijing cozies up to EU in wake of Trump's 'America First' policy
China has launched a charm offensive with the European Union since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, shifting its stance on trade negotiations and signaling closer cooperation on a range of other issues, European diplomats say.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Mar 29, 2017
Trump's policies on trade, climate and the U.N. push China toward EU
China has launched a charm offensive with the European Union since U.S. President Donald Trump took office, shifting its stance on trade negotiations and signaling closer cooperation on a range of other issues, European diplomats say.

Longform

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.
For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on