Tuke, Victoria (2011) Japan’s foreign policy towards India : a neoclassical realist analysis of the policymaking process. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis analyses the formation of Japanese foreign policy through the case study of
relations with India. The study concentrates on three streams of Japanese diplomacy;
namely economic relations, nuclear policy and security issues through the theoretical
framework of neoclassical realism (NCR). This approach, considered the ‘third
generation’ of the mainstream paradigm, utilises neo-realism’s focus on structural
factors and ultimately places primacy on systemic forces. Yet NCR seeks a more
nuanced appraisal of foreign policy and incorporates internal structures into analysis.
The dissertation argues that structural factors including India’s economic growth, the
rise of China and facilitation provided by the US, initiated interest in India and
continues to shape the development of policy. ‘China-hedging’ does not provide the
only rationale. Furthermore, whilst structure is vital, with differing influential weight
dependent on policy, it is unable alone to explain the exact nature and timing of policy
decisions. In order to achieve this, the domestic ‘black box’ needs to be explored
through analysis of unit-level variables such as policymakers’ perceptions, business
interests, public opinion and norms. Elites in Japan have been particularly slow to
appreciate India’s strategic worth despite favourable environmental conditions. The
business community is noted as an important influence but whilst public opinion plays a
minimal role overall, the prevalence of norms is able to dictate how policy is framed.
The scope of the research project is confined to approximately the past two decades,
though attention is given to historical relations to place contemporary analysis in
context. Empirical data was sourced from academic, government and media outlets in
addition to extensive interview fieldwork in Tokyo, Delhi, London and Washington DC.
This thesis contributes to a nascent literature on an increasingly important area of not
only Japan’s diplomacy but the regional dynamics of region no scholar of international
relations can ignore.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DS Asia J Political Science > JQ Political institutions (Asia, Africa, Australia, Pacific Area, etc.)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Japan -- Foreign relations -- India, Japan -- Foreign economic relations -- India, Nuclear energy -- Government policy -- Japan, National security -- Japan
Official Date:	September 2011
Dates:	Date Event September 2011 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Politics and International Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Hughes, Christopher W. ; Higgott, Richard A.
Sponsors:	University of Warwick. Dept. of Politics and International Studies ; British Council
Extent:	xiv, 453 leaves : ill.
Language:	eng

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