Japan challenges America

the long version

With the U.S.-Japan alliance in jeopardy, former diplomat Harrison Holland argues that both sides must take bold steps to avert a catastrophe that could well destabilize economic, political, and security conditions in Asia. The full international community is affected by the growing crisis, and this book provides an invaluable insider's perceptions of its causes and consequences and what can be done to check the slide toward serious confrontation. Holland illuminates those aspects of life in Japan that influence behavior, shape policy, and affect public opinion in a society that often prefers to be left alone to seek a better life. He weighs the obstacles to better economic relations; the security dilemmas facing Japan; and a rigid political structure that has been slow to adapt to the surge of modern technology, to the demands of rapid international change, and to the internal and external calls for a more responsible Japanese role in world affairs. Can the alliance survive the present turmoil? Despite the daunting obstacles, Holland concludes that solutions must and will be found.