Lexington Books Limits to Power: Asymmetric Dependence and Japanese Foreign Aid Policy (Studies of Modern Japan)

Why does the Japanese government often alter its course of action under pressure from the United States, even when doing so apparently undermines Japans own interests? Japans marked responsiveness to U.S. preferences regarding foreign aid policy appears counterintuitive, since Japans demonstrated capability to donate funds rivals and has previously surpassed that of the U.S. In Limits to Power, Akitoshi Miyashita posits that Japans deference to the will of the U.S. results from Japans continuing role as the more dependent partner in the two countries interdependent diplomatic and economic relationship. Miyashita critically reviews the existing literature on Japanese foreign aid, then tests his own argument against five case studies. After analyzing critical junctures in Japans history of foreign aid to China, Vietnam, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, he concludes that Japans consistent sway under U.S. opinion reflects an act of will on Japans part, rather than a lack of coherent policy stemming from bureaucratic politics. Limits to Power boldly challenges current arguments that Japan has successfully distanced itself from reactive politics.