The threats to security in Southeast Asia have been serious and constant since the end of the Second World War. The book provides an absorbing account of the evolution of a key axis of regional stability - defence contacts between Japan and Australia, tracing the relationship from the early post-war period to the post-9/11 present. Though most works have focused on their economic nexus, Japan and Australia’s defences and security ties have assumed increasing importance since the mid-1990s. With problems such as North Korea’s nuclear program and the China-Taiwan standoff threatening regional stability, the two countries have sought to strengthen bilateral relations, and indications are that this relationship is likely to grow in the future.Japan, Australia and Asia-Pacific Security explores the evolution of their relationship in the broader context of Asia-Pacific security, addressing regional, sub-regional and transnational issues. This captivating book will be welcomed by those with an interest in Asian politics, international relations, and security studies.
