ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to frame the debate on Japan's current alignment policy through the creation of so-called strategic partnerships with other countries in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. It starts with an overview of what Japan has called its "increasingly severe security environment", followed by an outline of the changes that, as a result of the threat perceptions in the region, have taken place in Japan's defence and security policy. The chapter examines the value-based rhetoric driving Japan's current alignment policy, and outlines the contours of the key partnerships Japan is forging in Asia and beyond, before drawing general conclusions in the light of Japan's security policy, the regional security architecture, and global governance. Within this regional environment Japan has been adjusting its security policy, in particular under the second Abe administration. As of 2012 the Abe administration has taken number of significant measures to adapt its security policy.
