Publication alert | Expert survey shows broad alignment between Japanese, Australian and American experts on principles, but not application of Japan’s National Defense Strategy

A survey released today by the United States Studies Centre (USSC) at the University of Sydney, in conjunction with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) explored opinions of national security experts in Japan, Australia and the United States regarding Japan’s new National Defense Strategy.

“On the overarching principles, there was remarkable alignment between Japanese, Australian and American experts on Japan’s NDS, revealing the strong stake allied partners have in the outcomes of the implementation,” USSC CEO Dr Michael Green stated.

Operationalising Japan’s security role in Asia: A survey of experts in Japan, the United States and Australia canvassed the views of 51 leading Australian experts, 65 leading Japanese experts and 59 leading US experts on the progress and priorities of Japan’s 2022 National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Defense Build-up program.

CSIS Senior Adviser and Japan Chair Christopher Johnstone noted, “The results of this survey indicate striking strategic alignment and underscore that in many ways we are moving in the direction of a de facto trilateral alliance.”

The survey found the biggest points of difference were not around values, but implementation. Where the American experts preferred integration, Japanese experts favoured indigenisation of defence procurement, even if it meant additional time and expense.

“For Japan, the challenge of preserving autonomy in the context of a close alliance with the United States is an issue that dates to the signing of the security treaty. The results here indicate that to some degree the dilemma persists,” Mr Johnstone added.

“It is precisely these logistical questions where allies and partners need to test assumptions and work together to find solutions in order to ensure the long-term success of these strategies,” Dr Green concluded.

Operationalising Japan’s security role in Asia: A survey of experts in Japan, the United States and Australia by USSC CEO Dr Michael Green, CSIS Senior Adviser and Japan Chair Christopher Johnstone, USSC Director of Foreign Policy and Defence Prof. Peter Dean, CSIS Senior Fellow with the Japan Chair and Deputy Director for Asia Nicholas Szechenyi, USSC Research Fellow Tom Corben and USSC Research Associate Shizuka Takada is now available for download.