"In this issue of the NBR Analysis, Michael Armacost, President of The Brookings Institution and former Ambassador to Japan, and Kenneth Pyle, Professor of History and Asian Studies in the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington and President of The National Bureau of Asian Research, analyze the enigma of Japan[alpha]s Korea policy through an examination of Japan[alpha]s unique interests and constraints. They explore Japan[alpha]s possible role in reunification in light of its relations with the United States as well as Korea ..."--Forward.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The U.S.-Japan relationship may be the most important bilateral relationship in the world. But the strains of acrimonious trade negotiations and troubles related to U.S. bases in Okinawa have reduced public support on both sides for a strengthened security relationship. So the United States must develop an integrated and coherent strategy toward Japan (1) to encourage the Japanese to assume a more responsible international security position, (2) to discourage Japan from leaving a strong American alliance, and (3) to work with America in providing leadership in the Pacific and, by extension, throughout the world.

The robust growth of Asian economies and the end of the Cold War have radically changed the economic and security relationships that have bound the United States and Japan since the end of World War II. The Japanese are building a dominant position in the Asia Pacific economy, while the United States is reducing its military presence and asking whether it can compete with Japan economically in the region. China's growing economic and military strength adds new challenges for both countries. What should the new U.S. policy in Asia be? What role will Japan take in regional security? Can the two countries' economic relations in the region be mutually beneficial, or will Japan's reduced need for U.S. Military protection put the two nations on a collision course? In this timely collection of original essays, sponsored by the American Assembly, some of America's leading Asian experts offer answers to these important questions. The contributors' examination of U.S.-Japan relations fills an important need by paying special attention to the broader context of change in the Asia-Pacific region.