Fighting Without Weapons, Trading Without Profit… Shinzo Abe’s visit to the USA

... enthusiasm about the TPP’s prospects shown by Shinzo Abe in his speech to the US Congress is perplexing. There is a very strong lobby, primarily in the agricultural and motor vehicle industries, actively condemning Japan’s participation in the TPP talks. The main reason for the keenness shown by the Japanese prime minister is most likely his desire to confirm once again for all to hear the USA’s key role not only in the security of the Asia-Pacific region but also in its economic development. One gets the impression that at this stage Japan is not ready to change the paradigm of its own foreign policy conduct and is willing to make many sacrifices for the USA. At the same time it is ...