The Northeast Asian Regional Security Complex: Japan-Russia Defense Relations

Anthony V Rinna

doi:10.22452/ijeas.vol5no1.4

Abstract

This paper addresses Japan-Russia defense relations in the context of Japan's defense policy shift regarding the reinterpretation of the Japanese constitution's Article 9, Russia's recalibration of its military forces in the Asia-Pacific, and the rise of Chinese military power in Northeast Asia. It argues that as Northeast Asia comprises a regional security complex, the security relationship between Japan and Russia, is not solely contingent upon Moscow and Tokyo's handling of bilateral affairs. Rather, external factors that involve both Japan and Russia separately also affect this bilateral security relationship. Despite the Japanese and Russian governments' efforts toward improving bilateral defense relations in light of the Kuril Islands/Northern Territories dispute, Moscow and Tokyo's respective defense policies in response to the rise of China's military prowess in Northeast Asia also affect Japan-Russia defense relations. Specifically, Japan and Russia's buildup of their navies in order to counter the rise of China's maritime prowess may also cause military tensions between Moscow and Tokyo.

Highlights

After several years of relative neglect, the Russian Federation is attempting to re-assert itself as a major power in the Asia-Pacific region
This paper addresses Japan-Russia defense relations in the context of Japan's defense policy shift regarding the reinterpretation of the Japanese constitution's Article 9, Russia's recalibration of its military forces in the Asia-Pacific, and the rise of Chinese military power in Northeast Asia
The coincidental development of a revision in Japan's defense policy as well as Russian endeavors to revitalize its military prowess in the Asia-Pacific, will likely have a significant effect on Northeast Asia's security environment

Summary

Introduction

After several years of relative neglect, the Russian Federation is attempting to re-assert itself as a major power in the Asia-Pacific region. This endeavor has been termed Russia's "pivot to the East”. Moscow's relations with Tokyo, comprise an important aspect of this Russian effort to augment its economic and political stature in the Asia-Pacific This has been true in the economic facet of their relationship, as the two sides have sought increased cooperation on commerce and trade. In addition to Russia's efforts to strengthen its ties with East Asian powers, Russia's "pivot" entails a revival of its Asia-Pacific military forces with an end goal of securing its eastern territories against a number of potential security threats. Because Japan and Russia are geographically juxtaposed in a security environment that comprises security threats for both countries, Japan and Russia have responded by fortifying their military capabilities against these threats, including China's rising military prowess

Regional Security Complex Theory and Primary Institutions

Findings

Conclusion