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.

"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.

Though North Korea has survived longer than many expected, its fate remains uncertain. At any time it could collapse. The United States and its allies thus need to be ready to adapt to a post-North Korea world. The critical question for the United States is the future of its military forces in Korea and Japan. Unification, or any significant lowering of the North Korean threat, could lead the United States to cut its military presence in Asia. This book presents the arguments in favor and against a continued long-term U.S. military presence in Korea and Asia and explores different possible force structures for U.S. forces after unification. It concludes by explaining that after Korean unification the United States military deployment in Korea and Japan, including a large ground component, is vital for the security of the region.