As Political Instability Distracts America, Japan is Charting a New Future

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In The Media

As Political Instability Distracts America, Japan is Charting a New Future

Unfortunately, the promise of U.S. democracy and the vitality that often flows from its liberty and diversity is in danger of being overwhelmed by tribalism and economic inequality.

By James L. Schoff

Published on Oct 5, 2020

Source: National Interest

Bitter and deepening political division in the United States is a serious challenge for Japanese foreign policy — a challenge that is likely to grow in the coming year amid political dysfunction and the impact of COVID-19.

US political decline is not a new phenomenon but it is becoming more acute under President Donald Trump, who has taken an already politicised US electorate and amplified it. Unfortunately, the promise of US democracy — and the vitality that often flows from its liberty and diversity — is in danger of being overwhelmed by tribalism and economic inequality. This would make the United States a less reliable bilateral and multilateral partner for Japan.

Read the Full Text

This article was originally published by the National Interest.

About the Author

James L. Schoff

Former Senior Fellow, Asia Program

James L. Schoff was a senior fellow in the Carnegie Asia Program. His research focuses on U.S.-Japan relations and regional engagement, Japanese technology innovation, and regional trade and security dynamics.

Recent Work

Paper
A High-Tech Alliance: Challenges and Opportunities for U.S.-Japan Science and Technology Collaboration
- James L. Schoff, Douglas E. Rake, Joshua Levy
Commentary
What’s the U.S. Take on Russia-Japan Relations?
- James L. Schoff

Political Reform Foreign Policy North America United States East Asia Japan

Carnegie India does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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