Japan’s promotion of liberal values in the Indo-Pacific: between internal and geopolitical realities

Details

Supervisors

Struye de Swielande, Tanguy

Faculty

Faculté des sciences économiques, sociales, politiques et de communication

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences politiques, orientation relations internationales, à finalité spécialisée: diplomatie et résolution des conflits

Abstract

enSince the end of WWII, Japan has been considered a peaceful and pacifist state, qualities that stem from the country’s promotion of liberal values. However, given its history, Tōkyō has faced internal and geopolitical tensions that have challenged its liberal stance and led it to adopt certain realist positions. As a result, many are concerned about a return to a militarised Japan, despite its continued promotion of liberal values. This thesis focuses on these points to understand how Japan promotes liberal values in the Indo-Pacific region and how these values have evolved over time. This question is further refined to examine how this evolution may position Japan as a key factor in maintaining a liberal order in the Indo-Pacific amid geopolitical and internal tensions. With a focus on the history of Japan’s foreign policy, Tōkyō’s relationships with institutions, the means it uses to promote liberal values, and the internal and external tensions, we argue that Japan is still following a “pragmatic liberal” approach, but that this concept is being challenged by the current Japanese Prime Minister and the world we are evolving in.