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Report on the guest lecture (Professor, Daito Bunka University: Garren MULLOY)

Since 1945, it has appeared impossible to separate issues of Japanese security from those of the US alliance. This relationship has been considered the benefactor for Japan’s economic recovery, the enabler of Japan’s adherence to Article 9 and a pacific post-war period, and also thereby as a thorn in the side for those that resent US dominance, patronage, and leadership.

However, what has this relationship really meant for Japan, its security since 1945, and its place in the world today? This presentation will examine these questions.

It will also re-consider how secure Japan has felt and feels today, and the causes of insecurity? It will look at how Japan has attempted to secure itself, through the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and other means, and how US influence can be evaluated.

Finally, there will be a consideration of Japan’s strategic security options. Are there any meaningful alternatives to the close embrace of the US, either as complimentary alignments, such as the Quad (with Australia and India), or Special Partnership Agreements, bilaterally with countries such as the UK, or multilaterally with institutions such as the EU and NATO, or through the less defined Free and Open Indo-Pacific approach?