Description
Book SynopsisLine of Advantage provides a groundbreaking and comprehensive account of the new grand strategy that emerged in Japan under Abe Shinzō. Michael J. Green draws on on two decades of access to Abe and other Japanese political, military, and business leaders, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of Japan’s approach.
Trade ReviewThis is a detailed and thoughtful analysis of the strategic ambitions of one of Japan’s most important postwar political leaders. Its strength lies in its identification of Abe as one of Japan’s most important foreign policy thinkers and its detailed account of how Abe capitalized on foreign policy opportunities to better position Japan in a world that is increasingly challenging its postwar strategy. -- Sheila A. Smith, author of
Japan Rearmed: The Politics of Military PowerFor a time, the United States was AWOL from our traditional duty as leader of the West. Michael J. Green thoughtfully and professionally chronicles the ascent of Abe into that void. Academically rigorous yet guided by a master policy maker’s feel, this is a book that Asianists will use as a resource well into the future. -- Richard L. Armitage, former deputy secretary of state and president of Armitage International
In this extremely timely book, Michael J. Green sheds light on Japan’s emergence as a leader in its strategy on China, as well as in Abe’s politics and diplomacy. Green, a highly experienced scholar-practitioner, demonstrates formidable knowledge and profound insight on Japan’s history, geopolitics, and statecraft, peppering the text with many personal and intimate conversations with top U.S. and Japanese decision makers. He envisions the U.S.-Japan alliance as the twenty-first-century equivalent of the Anglo-American alliance, wearing the mantle of the Pacific mission and maritime strategy of John MacMurray and George Kennan. -- Yoichi Funabashi, author of
Meltdown: Inside the Fukushima Nuclear CrisisLine of Advantage is a splendid book for developing an understanding of Japan’s changing grand strategy and its development across the political spectrum * East West Notes *
Green knows Japanese foreign policy like few others. -- Andrew J. Nathan * Foreign Affairs *
Named an editor's pick best book of 2022. * Foreign Affairs *
A splendid book....a valuable resource for interested scholars, policy-makers, government officials, and even a more general audience of Japanese politics enthusiasts. It is an essential read to understand how Japan intends to navigate the years and decades to come. * International Affairs *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
A Note on Transliteration of Japanese Words and Names
Introduction
1. The Historic Roots of Modern Japanese Grand Strategy
2. China
3. The United States
4. The Indo-Pacific
5. Korea
6. Internal Balancing
Conclusion: The End of the Yoshida Doctrine
Notes
Index
