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.
Ishiba’s high-stakes meeting with Trump ended with a pleasant surprise, but concerns remain
February 14, 2025
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
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
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
While the deliverables were modest, the meeting nonetheless was significant in demonstrating the countries' shared commitment in protecting the trilateral cooperative framework against domestic political volatility in each capital.
August 1, 2024
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
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
President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida's new vision of a US-Japan alliance resets the balance of equal partnership
April 10, 2024