Researcher ORCID Identifier
0009-0002-9704-0641
Graduation Year
2024
Date of Submission
4-2024
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
International Relations
Reader 1
Professor Aseema Sinha
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2024 Justin Shen
Abstract
As Japan moved into the 21st Century, they had to make the crucial decision to either remain hedging against the expanding China, or switch to a policy of counterbalancing the threatening neighbor. Under the lens of offensive realism, Japan is in a worrisome position without a standing army and an uncertain future under an unraveling bipolar world. While counterbalancing would signal a stronger position alongside a coalition of allies in hopes of containing a larger threat, there are potential barriers that may impede Japan’s ability to evolve. This paper examines the way in which the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between Japan, the United States, India, and Australia play a critical role in the overall strategy for Japan to comfortably shift towards soft counterbalancing. Three core concepts of the economy, unresolved issues between China, and military theory are discussed to explain the vital role the QUAD discussions had. Lastly, additional comments on future areas of interest for Japan are analyzed as well.
Recommended Citation
Shen, Justin, "A Shift from Hedging to Counterbalancing: An Analysis of Japanese Foreign Policy and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue" (2024). CMC Senior Theses. 3589.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3589
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
