Japanese technology and U.S. national security

Abstract

The United States relationship with Japan has evolved considerably since World War II. Japan, once defeated and occupied by the United States, now assails U.S. global economic and technological leadership. This thesis examines the effect Japanese technology has upon U.S. national security. Japanese technology has become a critical element of many U.S. defense weapons systems. A supply disruption could harm military readiness. Moreover, a decline in U.S. technological innovation, production, and sales, could severely harm U.S. global commitments and foreign policy. This rivalry is placing strains upon U.S.- Japanese relations. Debate has arisen in the United States about how these perceived problems should be handled. Some advocate letting the free market solve the problem while others propose managed trade solutions. The United States also needs to reevaluate its entire policy with Japan and the Asia- Pacific region, in light of a changing world environment and increasing U.S. financial difficulties.