A Tipping Point for Japan’s Foreign Policy

The Islamic State has posted a video showing the execution of journalist Kenji Goto, a fate shared by other foreign captives after governments refused to pay ransoms that would strengthen the extremist group. Many Japanese had hoped that the journalist might be included in a prisoner exchange negotiated by Jordan; the Islamic State limited its promise to sparing a captured Jordanian pilot’s life, and Jordan has asked for proof of life. Hardliners in Japan suggest the execution signals need for a strong defense stance by Japan, revisions in the constitution and stronger positions on such conflicts. “Since the second world war, Japan has pursued what has been imaginatively called ‘omnidirectional diplomacy,’” writes David Pilling. “Crudely put, that has meant pretending to be everyone’s friend while pursuing its own economic interests. Meanwhile, the nasty business of defending Japan has been outsourced to the US.” The US spends more on defense than the next 15 countries combined. That has not deterred beheadings of US civilians. Still allies like Japan are expected to help with costs and difficult policies, and Pilling concludes, “For Tokyo, the days of sitting on the fence are ending.” – YaleGlobal