Wolf Mendl explains the historical roots of Japan's foreign policy, especially the Asia-versus-the-West debate. The book provides an analysis of Japan's relations with the countries of Northeast and Southeast Asia. It also makes comparisons with the policies of powers of equal status in the post-War world. Various policy options are discussed, as are the determinants and characteristics which are likely to govern the conduct of Japan's external relations.

Wolf Mendl explains the historical roots of Japan's foreign policy, especially the Asia-versus-the-West debate. The book provides an analysis of Japan's relations with the countries of Northeast and Southeast Asia. It also makes comparisons with the policies of powers of equal status in the post-War world. Various policy options are discussed, as are the determinants and characteristics which are likely to govern the conduct of Japan's external relations.

Japan's relations with Southeast Asia differ in quantity and quality from relations with its immediate neighbours in Northeast Asia. The region includes the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Since the opening of the country in the mid-19th century, Japan's interest in this area, which is both geographically and psychologically remote from itself, has varied over time. In the early years of the 20th century, Japan's interest was limited to trade and investment in some of the European colonies which could support its industry and export market. During the...