Extended Deterrence Dialogue (2010–present)

U.S. Agencies

Department of Defense
Department of State
Joint Staff
U.S. Strategic Command
U.S. Pacific Command

Japan Agencies

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Defense
Self-Defence Forces

Meeting Frequency

1x to 2x/year

Context

Stemmed from bilateral consultations in 2009 on strategic issues raised by the impending U.S. Nuclear Posture Review and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Quadrennial Defense Review to seek Japanese input and to avoid surprising Japan as Washington considered nuclear reductions. The allies regularized the dialogue in 2010, and it is now held once or twice each year, usually involving a site visit in one of the countries related to strategic deterrence infrastructure.

Goals

To ensure policy transparency and coordination on issues related to extended deterrence and nuclear deterrence for Japan and Japan-based U.S. forces.
To jointly explore new problems of extended deterrence, often through the use of tabletop exercises.
To familiarize each other with their countries’ military capabilities devoted to Japan’s defense.

Significance

In light of North Korea’s continued development of nuclear weapons and medium- and long-range missile systems (and the United States’ evolving policy vis-à-vis nuclear weapons and missile defenses), the allies use the Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) to jointly explore current and emerging nuclear threats to the alliance, to consider possible deterrence strategies, and to evaluate requirements for the future. Site visits underscore the fact that U.S. declaratory statements regarding the nuclear umbrella are backed by demonstrable capabilities, and they convey to Japanese officials the significant investments that support it. The dialogue also seeks to enhance deterrence by better integrating nuclear and conventional capabilities in the alliance for a tailored deterrence strategy, especially vis-à-vis North Korea, and in more general terms regarding theoretical China scenarios. The EDD provides Japan with an official channel to share its perceptions about extended deterrence with the United States, which helps Washington gauge the effectiveness of its efforts to reassure Japan in an efficient manner.