Japan and the Security of East Asia

Abstract Three strategic security options are at Japan's disposal: unilateralism, bilateralism and multilateralism. The option chosen will have fundamental impacts on the security structure of East Asia in the next century. However, any decision for just one option would only infringe upon Japan's security, and thus destabilize the region. A synthesis between unilateralism, bilateralism and multilateralism should be found. Despite the potential disadvantages of multilateralism, a more active participation in regional and global management could possibly enhance Japan's security, should both the U.S and China feel that they could benefit from this. To determine the synthesis will be the strongest intellectual challenge for the Japanese elite in the twenty-first century.