Japan Between Asia and the West - Economic Power and Strategic Balance (Hardcover)

Although Japan seeks economic competitiveness with the West and economic dominance in Asia, it does so mainly through cooperative use of economic resources. Because of differences in what Americans and Asians want from Japan, Tokyo often cooperates just enough to achieve its competitive objectives while rarely challenging the United States, threatening Asia, or pushing hard in international institutions.

This book studies Japan's balance between the United States and East Asia by focusing on its use of economic power -- defense spending, consumption, and investment -- to advance its political and strategic as well as economic interests. The book also investigates Japan's direct use of economic resources, namely aid and sanctions, and by extension, discusses Japan's relations with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank.