Introduction to Japan, the European Union and global governance: setting the scene

Abstract

The introductory chapter of “Japan, the European Union and Global Governance” sets the scene for the different discussions that follow in the edited volume. International relations between the European Union and Japan throughout the 1970s to 2020 are complex and have ranged from antagonism and neglect to the close ties that developed after 2010. This history needs to be kept in mind when discussing successes such as the Economic Partnership Agreement and Strategic Partnership Agreement that were signed in 2018. Although international trade is one of the main drivers of the EU - Japan relationship, the introductory chapter also touches on other issues that are close to the heart of EU - Japan cooperation. These issues include but are not limited to: security, international finance and the rule of law. Lastly, the introduction situates the rest of the book within the context of the 2020 Covid-19 crisis and its impact on EU - Japan relations.