A Germany in the Pacific": The role of Japan in Russia’s turn to Asia

Abstract

This paper examines the role of Japan in Russia’s recent strategic, economic, and ideational reorientation towards Asia. It focuses on the current state of bi-lateral relations, in particular developments before and after the 2012 APEC summit held in Vladivostok. The paper draws attention to emerging opportunities between the two countries, in particular in the spheres of energy, security, and the potential for increased Japanese investment in the Russian Far East. It also addresses the issue of the territorial dispute over the Southern Kurils / Northern Territories and its impact on the Russian-Japanese relationship. The paper charts a renewed effort amongst some in the Russian political and intellectual elite to emphasise Japan as a key partner for Russia’s national development strategy. It also draws the attention to the various and diverging understandings of national identity amongst this elite; the nature of Russia’s integration into the Asia-Pacific Region; and the context of changing regional geopolitics.