Japan’s Policy on the Territorial Dispute with Russia under the Second Abe Administration
Japan’s Policy on the Territorial Dispute with Russia under the Second Abe Administration

Summary/Abstract: This article analyzes the diplomatic strategy employed by Prime Minister AbeShinzō regarding the dispute with Russia over the Northern Territories (SouthKuril Islands). After returning to the post of prime minister in December 2012,Abe put much emphasis on approaching Russia in order to strengthen mutuallybeneficial economic exchange as well as to counterbalance the Chinese influencein the region. Nevertheless, the territorial dispute with Russia over the NorthernTerritories remained an obstacle in achieving full partnership between both countries.This article argues that, despite Abe’s strong command over foreign policy-makingand his eagerness to establish a relationship of trust with President Vladimir Putin,the unstable international environment has complicated the resolution of the dispute.The analysis relies on the neoclassical-realist interpretation of foreign policymaking.According to this theory, it is the structure of the international systemthat delineates the constraints on the rational foreign policy of a given country. Atthe same time, however, depending on circumstances, domestic-level factors mightexert a significant impact on the pace and intensity of diplomatic endeavors.1 Inthis vein, the policy agenda, political strategy, and institutional prowess of the AbeCabinet were important factors in pushing forward negotiations over the territorialdispute with Russia. Nevertheless, it is the international determinants that mostheavily influenced the extent to which President Putin was willing to compromiseon the Northern Territories issue.

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