Jonathan Berkshire Miller

While they may not garner the same headlines as China’s energy politics in the region or U.S. counterterrorism work in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, Japan’s efforts across Africa are increasing in depth and scope. As the dynamic states of Africa continue to evolve and develop a range of international partnerships, Tokyo should keep its eye trained on maintaining a strong economic presence on the continent. more

Japan's newly elected prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has been branded as a “nationalist” and “hard-liner." However, while Abe’s position on Japan's territorial disputes with China and South Korea may be less ambiguous than his predecessor's, he will face the same vexing challenges in addressing them. As a result, he is likely to adopt a tempered and strategic approach to regional relations. more

ASEAN’s engagement with Asia and the rest of the world is determined by more than its members’ relationships with China and the U.S. While the latter two will remain the most powerful actors in the region, it would be myopic to dismiss the influence of other key players. Because of its geography and economic synergies, Japan in particular will play a critical role in helping ASEAN meet its potential. more

The unprecedented visit of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to the disputed Dokdo islets last week marks the first time a South Korean head of state has made an official visit and represents a dramatic escalation in the territorial dispute with Japan, which also claims sovereignty over the atoll. The timing cannot have been worse for those in both countries hoping for a strategic détente. more

Earlier this month, Abu Dhabi officially green-lighted construction of its first nuclear power plant, under the stewardship of the Korea Electric Power Corporation. The historic construction highlights how the oil-flush region has been forced to recalibrate its energy strategy. For Seoul, it represents a successful first step toward establishing itself in the region as a trusted energy and commercial partner. more

In recent months, news outlets in Japan and the U.S. have reported that Mongolia is negotiating with those two countries to serve as a regional depository for spent nuclear fuel. The Mongolian Foreign Ministry was quick to dismiss the reports. But the discussions highlight a larger struggle over global nuclear market share, with the U.S. and Japan positioned against industry rivals Russia and France. more

In March, reports surfaced that Mongolia and the U.S. had been holding informal discussions on a proposal to build a regional depository of spent nuclear fuel in Mongolia. News of the story spread quickly, and Mongolian public opinion came out decidedly against the proposal. Though Mongolia officially denied the reports, it made sure not to cast any doubt on its interest in the continued growth of its uranium exports. more