Publication

This publication challenges the claim that Japan has become the "Britain of Asia," a loyal US ally willing to back-up Washington’s foreign policy with its own contributions of military power. After analyzing a wide set of polls, the author argues that the Japanese public remains skeptical of the utility of offensive military actions for suppressing WMD proliferation and terrorist networks. Thus, the study warns US foreign policymakers not to expect Japan to play a key-role in the war on terror, as public opinion will curtail the range of action of Japanese politicians.