... the new interpretation of the right to collective self-defense. It did not impose restrictive measures against Japan on imports of food or other goods, as was the case with Europe.
Russia's desire to establish genuinely good-neighborly relations with Japan is not of an ad hoc nature and reflects the country's long-term strategy, which manifested itself in the period preceding the Ukrainian crisis. Back in 2012, despite the displeasure of Beijing, Russia brought the Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean oil pipeline (ESPO) to its Pacific coast, allowing Japan and other Pacific countries to buy oil from Eastern Siberia. When in 2012 the ...
... would eventually have to make a choice.
The events of July-August 2014 show that this choice has been made – in favor of America. Under pressure from Washington and the influence of deep-rooted pro-American lobby in the Japanese establishment, the Japanese government toughened its stance against Russia
[2]
.
It should be noted that throughout the “Ukrainian crisis”, the two countries’ leaders had no direct contact, not even by telephone. Prime Minister Shinzō Abe emphasized that he highly valued his good personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Moscow appreciated ...
Interview with Akiama Masahiro
Interview
The complicated international situation notwithstanding, soft power remains a key tool in Russia's foreign policy kit. We asked
Akiyama Masahiro
, President of the Tokyo Foundation, to discuss Japan's use of soft power, Russia's image abroad and the main obstacles facing Russian soft power.
Japan appears to be the world's most successful user of soft power, while Russia is just starting to promote itself in this area. What steps do you think ...
