US-Japan Alliance

Improving U.S. and Japanese policymakers’ understanding of shared security and political challenges as both countries face new regional dynamics

The U.S.-Japan alliance is a living, ongoing partnership. This project focuses on expanding working-level interactions between the U.S. and Japanese defense establishments. The project provides key analysis to policymakers who draft the policies that govern the alliance, while working with experts in the military and the policy community to understand the challenges of the alliance in a historical and contemporary context. Through engagement with officials, the project identifies and raises awareness of specific issues — from strategic messaging to the nuts and bolts of alliance interactions — that can lead to misunderstanding and tension.

Book
Yuki Tatsumi • Alex Bollfrass • Pamela Kennedy

Latest

Report
Examining Japan’s 2022 nuclear debate and its implications for the U.S.-Japan alliance with actionable recommendations for extended deterrence in Japan
Yuki Tatsumi • Pamela Kennedy • Kenji Nagayoshi
Commentary
Revamping Japan's industrial base and efforts to solidify the implementation of policy into practice will lift the alliance to new levels
Commander Jonathan Dorsey • Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan M. Walker
Commentary
The new vision for the U.S. Marine Corps will impact cooperation with allies as well.
Alec Bohlman
Commentary
The COVID-19 pandemic provides leverage to set effective international norms against cyber threats
Sonoko Kuhara
Op-Ed
Japan’s 2021 defense budget is set to be its largest ever but is this trajectory fiscally sustainable?
Yuki Tatsumi
Commentary
As Japan works on its next generation fighter, joint development with the United States has challenges and rewards
Thomas Lattanzio
Op-Ed
As Washington considers a troop withdrawal from South Korea, Tokyo must prepare for its own Special Measures Agreement negotiations
Yuki Tatsumi
Commentary
Aegis Ashore’s cancellation brings not only political ramifications but opportunities for the U.S.-Japanese alliance
Thomas Lattanzio

News & Commentary

Commentary
Revamping Japan's industrial base and efforts to solidify the implementation of policy into practice will lift the alliance to new levels
Commander Jonathan Dorsey • Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan M. Walker
Commentary
The new vision for the U.S. Marine Corps will impact cooperation with allies as well.
Alec Bohlman
Commentary
The COVID-19 pandemic provides leverage to set effective international norms against cyber threats
Sonoko Kuhara
Op-Ed
Japan’s 2021 defense budget is set to be its largest ever but is this trajectory fiscally sustainable?
Yuki Tatsumi
Commentary
As Japan works on its next generation fighter, joint development with the United States has challenges and rewards
Thomas Lattanzio
Op-Ed
As Washington considers a troop withdrawal from South Korea, Tokyo must prepare for its own Special Measures Agreement negotiations
Yuki Tatsumi
Commentary
Aegis Ashore’s cancellation brings not only political ramifications but opportunities for the U.S.-Japanese alliance
Thomas Lattanzio
Op-Ed
The revision of defense planning documents is critical for ensuring Japan’s national security policy institutions can respond to the evolving security environment.
Yuki Tatsumi

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38 North: News and Analysis on North Korea