ABSTRACT
Over the past two centuries the combination of isolation and dependence has been important in defining the psychological environment within which the Japanese conduct their foreign relations. Physical isolation and absence of desirable commodities, resources, or market potential helped spare Japan from foreign invasion and exploitation. The Japanese practice of protecting even the most non-competitive economic activities means loss of export opportunity for foreign producers and substantially higher costs to Japanese consumers. Because of its size, the extent of its population, and the potential for economic development, China has occupied an important place in Japan's foreign policy considerations. Japan has continued a relationship with countries of central Europe as a matter of normal business. Japan's subordination of its foreign policy interests to American strategic doctrine and its junior-partner status began to change with the end of the Vietnam War and liberalization in China. Japan will continue to play an important and probably expanding role in the international security system.
