Fragmented Regionalism: Japan's Approach to East Asian Economic Institutions

FAIN: FO-50102-09

Saori N. Katada
University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA 90089-0012)

Has Japan's dream of taking regional leadership ended with its economic downturn and the rise of China? After more than a century of mixed results, it may appear that Japan has given up and retreated. I argue that this is not the case. To the contrary, the Japanese government is more interested than ever in engaging in East Asia, especially in the form of building regional economic institutions. My book, "Fragmented Regionalism," will be the first to examine in depth Japan's emerging strategy to influence the "regional economic architectures" of East Asia. These regional architectures include free trade agreements, and funding and currency cooperation, which are crucial to securing East Asia's continued stability and prosperity. By focusing on Japan's initiatives in building institutions in these areas, my book examines the sources of Japan's policy priorities, the implications of those priorities on the regional economy, and the future of Japan's leadership in the region.

Associated Products

Japan's New Regional Reality: Geoeconomic Strategy in the Asia-Pacific (Book)
Title: Japan's New Regional Reality: Geoeconomic Strategy in the Asia-Pacific
Author: Saori Katada
Abstract: Since the mid-1990s, Japan’s regional economic strategy has transformed. Once characterized by bilateralism, informality, and neomercantilism, Japanese policy has shifted to a new liberal strategy emphasizing regional institution building and rule setting. As two major global powers, China and the United States, wrestle over economic advantages, Japan currently occupies a pivotal position capable of tipping the geoeconomic balance in the region. Japan’s New Regional Reality offers a comprehensive analysis of Japan’s geoeconomic strategy that reveals the country’s role in shaping regional economic order in the Asia-Pacific. Saori N. Katada explains Japanese foreign economic policy in light of both international and domestic dynamics. She points out the hurdles to implementing a state-led liberal strategy, detailing how domestic political and institutional changes have been much slower and stickier than the changing regional economics. Katada highlights state-market relations and shows how big businesses have responded to the country’s interventionist policies. The book covers a wide range of economic issues including trade, investment, finance, currency, and foreign aid. Japan’s New Regional Reality is a meticulously researched study of the dynamics that have contributed to economic and political realities in the Asia-Pacific today, with significant implications for future regional trends.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: https://www.worldcat.org/title/1127795085
Primary URL Description: Worldcat page.
Access Model: Print and ebook (not open access)
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 9780231190732

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