Project
US-Japan Alliance
Improving U.S. and Japanese policymakers’ understanding of shared security and political challenges as both countries face new regional dynamics
About the Project
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.
Project Team
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Research & Writing
Commentary
Shipbuilding is not merely an industry. It is a strategic capability that supports national defense, energy infrastructure, and maritime security.
April 23, 2026
Commentary
Joint US-Japan cooperation on military shipbuilding and repair at Pearl Harbor could send a powerful signal while boosting strength and prosperity.
March 20, 2026
Commentary
Trump’s green light to Nippon Steel hints at new momentum for U.S.-Japan shipbuilding cooperation.
June 4, 2025
Commentary
Honoring the legacy of Joseph Nye Jr., another key architect and champion of the U.S.-Japan alliance.
May 13, 2025
Commentary
The U.S.-Japan alliance lost a key advocate—his enduring legacy remains vital.
April 21, 2025
Commentary
Growing U.S. attention toward the Arctic may push Japan’s defense establishment to dust off its Cold War playbook.
April 4, 2025
Policy Memo
How U.S. congressional leadership can stabilize the Indo-Pacific amid growing uncertainty
April 2, 2025
Policy Memo
Adapting the U.S.-Japan alliance to emerging geostrategic, economic, and technological challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
March 27, 2025
Policy Memo
Despite its limitations, U.S.-Japan command and control coordination presents opportunities for creative solutions.
March 14, 2025
Commentary
Ishiba’s high-stakes meeting with Trump ended with a pleasant surprise, but concerns remain.
February 14, 2025
Commentary
Ishiba’s meeting with Trump is a pivotal moment to prove his leadership and define his role as a “Japan First” prime minister.
February 6, 2025
Policy Memo
President-elect Trump’s unconventional approach to alliances can press U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to forge a stronger coalition.
November 26, 2024
Commentary
As Trump takes a second term, Indo-Pacific allies scramble to determine how they will again respond to an “America First” approach to foreign policy and security.
November 6, 2024
Commentary
While a new Joint Force Command is an ambitious step for the US and Japan, its implementation will be critical for its continued success
July 29, 2024
Commentary
Now that Biden and Kishida have shown their vision for the future of the US-Japan alliance, the real hard work begins to bring this vision into reality.
June 13, 2024
Commentary
President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida’s new vision of a US-Japan alliance resets the balance of equal partnership
April 10, 2024
Report
Examining Japan’s 2022 nuclear debate and its implications for the U.S.-Japan alliance with actionable recommendations for extended deterrence in Japan.
February 28, 2024
Commentary
Revamping Japan’s industrial base and efforts to solidify the implementation of policy into practice will lift the alliance to new levels.
February 7, 2024
Commentary
The new vision for the U.S. Marine Corps will impact cooperation with allies as well.
July 24, 2021
Commentary
In May 2020, more than 40 world leaders urged the UN to act against cyberattacks on healthcare, and some experts say cyberattacks on COVID-19 related health facilities could qualify under the criteria for ‘use of force.’ The stability of healthcare systems is threatened by the overwhelming pandemic, but a more harmful risk is manmade collapse through malicious actions: cyberattacks.
March 11, 2021
Commentary
As Japan works on its next generation fighter, joint development with the United States has challenges and rewards
September 1, 2020
Op-Ed
This article was originally published in Issue 69 (August 2020) of The Diplomat Magazine. The full article is available in the magazine.
August 26, 2020
Op-Ed
This article was originally published in Japan Times.
July 10, 2020
Op-Ed
This article was originally published in The Diplomat Magazine (Issue 68).
July 9, 2020
Op-Ed
This article was originally published in the Diplomat
June 23, 2020
Op-Ed
This article was originally published in The Diplomat.
May 29, 2020
Stimson in the News
February 4, 2019
Policy Paper
October 20, 2010
Book
October 20, 2010
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