Japan Between Asia and the West: Economic Power and Strategic Balance. By Ming Wan. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe, 2001. 240p. $62.95 cloth, $24.95 paper

Extract

Japan's rapid ascent from economic decimation and military occupation to the world's second largest economy is often described as miraculous. So stupendous was the growth of Japan's economy during the 1960s and 1970s that by the 1980s, numerous books had been published with hubristic titles about Japan's position vis-à-vis the United States in the world political economy, such as Japan as Number One and Japan in the Passing Lane. Japan is lauded for its economic prowess and often touted as a model of development to be emulated by other countries. Its economic position in international affairs, however, is not matched with commensurate political influence. This is due in part to Article 9 in the “MacArthur” Constitution in which Japan declared it would forgo offensive military capabilities. Moreover, an avuncular military relationship with the United States allowed Japan to free ride on American grand strategy during the Cold War. This strategy was a linchpin of the Yoshida doctrine and is still the foundation of Japan's security policy in the post–Cold War era. The dichotomy between Japan's economic position and its political position in international affairs has led to a myriad of catchphrases regarding Japan's foreign policy. It is referred to negatively as engaging in “checkbook diplomacy,” that Japan is a “bank with a flag,” that Japan has “power without purpose,” or that Japan is merely “buying power.”