Research On The Transition Of US-Japan Security System In The Cold War On The Basis Of Asymmetric Alliance Theory

In international politics, alliance is universal phenomenon. Nation states form alliances to tackle the possible threats and danger and seek security cooperation. There are various models of alliances, they could be divided into symmetric alliance and asymmetric alliance according to the size and strength, as well as the contribution of the member states in the alliance. Within an asymmetric alliance, the relatively weak state could not match up with the powerful state in strength and capacity. As they could not guarantee their own security all by themselves, they have to seek an alliance relationship with the powerful state at the possible cost of autonomy and independence in exchange of security protection. The powerful state obtains the dominant status in the alliance, and it could use it as an approach to gain additional interest. The weak state is so dependent on the security protection that it could be easily controlled by the powerful state. Though the weak state is in a disadvantageous position, it could have its own interest demand to change the unequal status within the alliance. The US-Japan alliance formed after the World War Ⅱ is a typical asymmetric alliance. The United States, as one of the two superpowers in the post-war era, was the undisputed leader of the alliance. Japan, who was defeated in the war, had to sacrifice its independence to exchange for the support and protection of the US to regain its economic strength and international status. The US-Japan Security Treaty reached in1951was the symbol of US-Japan alliance relationship and US-Japan security system. The treaty was in no way a will of just one side, it was the outcome of an interest balance between these two countries. Both U.S. and Japan could achieve their national interest by forming an alliance with each other. However, the inequality and asymmetry of the alliance was a great harm to the sovereignty and independence of Japan. With the recovery of Japan’s strength and the rise of nationalism, Japan had generally developed an interest demand of changing the security system. In1960, a new security treaty was reached by both sides and Japan’s demand was met. The new treaty was a readjustment of the alliance relationship and reallocation of the interest within the alliance. The cooperation between Japan and US was strengthened and the foundation of the alliance was solidified. In1978, Japan and U.S. announced Japan-US defense cooperation guidelines, the content of the security cooperation was more specified and reciprocal, the US-Japan alliance was in a substantial military cooperation stage.