The Japanese-American Military-Political Alliance: Secrets of Longevity

The reasons for the creation of the Japanese-American Military-Political Alliance and the factors that were conductive for its existence after the conclusion in 1951 of the first Treaty on Security Guarantees between Japan and the Unites States are analyzed. The present successor of this treaty, the Treaty on Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the Unites States, which was concluded in 1960, constitutes the foundation of alliance relations between Tokyo and Washington. The content of these treaties, the obligations of the participants according the articles of the treaties, and the evolution of the interpretations of these mutual obligations in accordance with changes in the international situation and in relations in the Asia-Pacific region are considered. Finally, the growing possibilities for Japan to play a more independent role in this bilateral alliance and the reasons why Tokyo has not taken steps to explore them are evaluated.