The U.S.-Japan Security Alliance: Why It Matters and How to Strengthen It »

TED OSIUS is the State Departments' regional environmental affairs officer for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Examines the evolving dimensions of U.S.-Japanese security arrangements.

Booknews

U.S. Foreign Service officer Osius argues that U.S. and Japanese interests coincide enough to warrant strengthening their security alliance. He reviews the reasons why, suggesting that it helps prevent tensions between Japan, China, and Japan's other neighbors from boiling into conflict. It also helps Japan and U.S. manage potential regional conflicts. He examines challenges to continuing the alliance, including Japanese public opposition to U.S. military presence and growing Japanese militarism , and suggest they can be overcome. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)