Japan-U.S. Cooperation After the Coronavirus Pandemic:
From a Security Perspective
July 28, 2020
Author: Hidetoshi Hirata
Categories: A Vision for Post COVID-19 U.S.-Japan Relations
Hidetoshi Hirata, Lt. General (retired), Japan Air Self-Defense Force, examines U.S.-Japan cooperation post-COVID-19 from a security perspective, providing an analysis on challenges and emerging threats to the U.S. and Japan, changes in the security environment due to COVID-19, competition continuum, and what the future of U.S.-Japan cooperation looks like.
Tags: competition continuum, COVID-19, security alliance, U.S.-Japan Alliance
Pacific Trident III: The Strengths and Weaknesses of the US Alliance System under Gray Zone Operations
June 25, 2020Author: John Hemmings
Categories: Tabletop Exercise
In this reflection piece, Dr. John Hemmings gives his insights as an observer of the Pacific Trident III Tabletop Exercise, noting what he observed were the main concerns of the participants and the applicability of the game play to real-world scenarios. He analyzes some of the principal strengths of the U.S. alliance system during the game, as well as its principal weaknesses.
Tags: gray zone tactics, security alliance, territorial disputes
My Vision for the Japan-U.S. Alliance After COVID-19
June 17, 2020Author: General Shigeru Iwasaki
Categories: A Vision for Post COVID-19 U.S.-Japan Relations
When did this virus start infecting people? That has yet to be precisely determined, but at present, it seems the infection started sometime between November and December of 2019. Initially, China reported that only animal-to-human transmission was possible and not human-to-human transmission, but when we examine the scope of the infection, the latter has clearly become undeniable. If there is no human-to-human transmission then containment of the infection can be relatively easy, but containment becomes incredibly difficult once human-to-human infection occurs due to the mobility of our modern society. Due to advances in technology, humans can almost cross the world in as little as 12 hours. Tracing a disease that spans oceans and continents remains an insurmountable burden.
Tags: COVID-19, multilateralism, national security
Japan’s Response to the Issue of Climate Change: An Innovative Transition Towards a Zero-Carbon and Resilient Society
May 28, 2020Author: Kazuo Matsushita
Categories: Japan Looking Ahead
Since climate change is accelerating more rapidly than previously thought, we must swiftly take more robust action. At the same time, investment in sustainable energy sources, clean energy technologies, and infrastructure brings opportunities for innovation, sustainable and inclusive growth, competitiveness, and job creation. Accelerating the virtuous cycle of environmental protection and economic growth is urgent. As an advanced international economy, Japan has to take the lead in this endeavor.
Tags: climate change, decarbonized society, environmental issues, zero-carbon emissions
Activating the U.S.-Japan Alliance in 2020 – Starting with Medicines and Trade
May 14, 2020Author: Ambassador Kurt Tong
Categories: A Vision for Post COVID-19 U.S.-Japan Relations
The close alliance of the United States and Japan has made significant and positive contributions in tackling a variety of regional and global issues over the years. Now, facing the special challenges of 2020 and the coronavirus epidemic, can this powerful partnership once again be put to work to the benefit of broader humankind?
Tags: COVID-19, international trade policy, medicine, national security