Prime minister Hatoyama Yukio’s (2009–2010) views on Japan’s foreign policy in the context of the search for a new grand strategy

Abstract

The article examines the views of Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio (2009–2010) on Japan’s foreign policy and its role in the international community. Hatoyama’s views and rhetoric are analysed within the context of Japan’s political elites’ longstanding search for alternatives to the Yoshida doctrine, which underpinned Japan’s grand strategy throughout the Cold War. While Hatoyama’s attempts to modify Japan’s diplomatic approach have often been considered incoherent or naive, the article argues that, drawing partially from the concepts regarding Japan’s role on the international stage that were introduced in the 1990s, Prime Minister consistently advocated development of a new strategy. Its parameters were different from both the Yoshida doctrine and the emerging course towards a more robust security policy, which was fully implemented under the second administration of Abe Shinzo (2012–2020). This strategy was based on Japan’s proactive role in upholding global stability through non- military means, reducing its dependence on the US, deepening integration in East Asia, and achieving friendly ties with China.

Keywords

• hatoyama
• dpj
• foreign policy of japan
• yoshida doctrine
• east asian community