Stephen Harner
Former US State Department Official
Nov 07, 2013
Following the “2+2” meeting between Japan’s foreign and defense ministers and their Russian counterparts, Stephen Harner examines the substance of the meeting and compares it to the recent “2+2” meeting between Japan and the US, noting the US-Japan defense alliance is fueling an arms race and nurturing militarism in the Asia-Pacific.
- The US-Japan Alliance is the Source of Instability, Not Japan’s Constitutional Revision or New Ships
Aug 30, 2013
Examining recent developments in the Asia-Pacific Stephen Harner posits that the true source of instability in East Asia is a result of the post-WWII alliance between the U.S. and Japan, rather than efforts to expand Japan’s constitution and enlarge its maritime presence.
Jul 27, 2013
The decisive election victory of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, New Komeito, gives the ruling coalition control of both houses of the Diet for the first time in six years. While the election is seen as an embrace of ‘Abenomics,’ Stephen Harner urges Abe to reform his nationalist policies.
Jul 06, 2013
How vital is resolution of the Senkaku/Diaoyu territorial dispute to Sino-US relations? As Stephen M. Harner explains, the United States has undertaken high-level exchanges with key influencers in Japan in an attempt to pressure Japan to concede on the issue.
Jun 06, 2013
One of the crucial factors in defining the success of Sunnylands will be the discussion of the US pivot to Asia. The current situation and future plans of the US shift are cause for instability in the region. Positive change can only come if the US relinquishes some responsibility to China and other regional powers.
May 10, 2013
Recently, US foreign policy experts have argued that China’s military power presents major implications for the US and Japan’s ability to maintain regional stability. However, Stephen Harner argues the US and Japan must recognize the changing geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific and recognize the dangers of the current security order.
Mar 21, 2013
Despite high tensions and risks between China and Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, finding the way out may lead to constructing a new U.S.-China-Japan geopolitical order with better prospects for maintaining regional peace and security.