Time to Rethink Russia Policy in Japan

In an earlier column, I argued that Japan's diplomacy toward Russia should be grounded in two forms of realism.

The first is the need to critically reassess the assumption that taking a conciliatory approach toward Russia will lead to progress in peace treaty and territorial negotiations.

The second is to rethink "realism" from Japan's perspective. Realism in international relations is generally discussed from the standpoint of great powers. Japan, however, is not a great power and must consider what a realistic foreign policy looks like from its own position.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's landing on Etorofu Island in the Northern Territories on August 13 illustrates the need for the first form of realism. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration has maintained Japan's sanctions on Russia and support for Ukraine, but has refrained from taking a harder line than previous governments.