For Richer, For Poorer: The New U.S.-Japan Relationship
Is the rapid shift in the relative wealth of Japan and the United States the underlying source of the tensions between the two countries? That is only one of the many penetrating questions considered in this thoughtful, well-informed examination of one of the most important segments of international relations. How Washington and Tokyo deal with one another is of more than bilateral importance, as the book shows, but most of the many suggestions for reducing the dangers and improving the prospects focus on "we and they." The author, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense who now works for Westinghouse, had the advice of a study group at the Council on Foreign Relations in writing this valuable book.
Related
An economic bnoom is underway in China, and the United States is in danger of isolating itself from the benefits. A forward-looking policy would not only offer tremendous opportunity for American investment,trade and jobs, but it could also be a force for political moderation in Beijing.
We had best take note of Micronesia. It is, with Samoa and Okinawa, the one area of the world where "American colonialism" is an incontrovertible presence, where our responsibilities are not a matter of policy preference but of law. Except for Papua-New Guinea, which is officially headed for independence, it is the only remaining U.N. Trust Territory, and a unique one at that. No one knows where this splattering of Pacific islands is headed politically and perhaps only the Defense Department really cares. But having completed 21 years under American authority, the Micronesians are expected to vote soon on whether they will freely associate with the United States or strike out on their own.
The United States and Japan approach a changing relationship. Japan wants the continued nuclear guarantee of the United States but is restive at the protracted American control of Okinawa and the irksome problems arising from American military bases in Japan. The natural desire of a leading industrial nation for a more "independent" foreign policy, including what is vaguely expressed as "autonomous defense," appears to be steadily growing. At the same time, the United States, under a new Administration and in a post-Viet Nam period, can be expected to reassess its responsibilities overseas, particularly in Asia. The simultaneous meeting in Japan of these forces for change could, if the gears mesh smoothly, produce a healthy transition toward a sounder, more mutually responsive Japanese-American relationship. On the other hand, misunderstandings or misplaced expectations on either or both sides could block such a happy result and damage the interests of both countries.

Sign-up for free weekly updates from ForeignAffairs.com.