The Rise of Liberal Japan
Japan has become more willing to use its power, and more aware of changes in the external balance of power, owing primarily to China's rapid rise. But while Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has taken a more nationalistic stance than most of his predecessors, other Japanese are putting forth a liberal vision that seeks to strengthen international institutions.
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Most people looking at the rise of Asian power focus on China and India. They often forget that Japan’s $5 trillion economy is the second largest in the world – more than China and India combined – with a per capita income that is ten times that of China. In addition, Japan spends $40 billion annually on defense, and has one of the top five military forces in the world. China’s economy is growing more rapidly, and its total size will probably overtake Japan’s in a decade or two, but any serious analysis of power in East Asia must include Japan as a major factor.