'Natural Partners' in Challenging Waters?: Japan–NATO Co-Operation in a Changing Maritime Environment. Issue 3 (3rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patalano, Alessio
• Is Part Of: RUSI journal. Volume 161:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2016-05-03
• Subjects: Military art and science -- Periodicals; Naval art and science -- Periodicals; 355.005
• DOI: 10.1080/03071847.2016.1193356
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0307-1847

Abstract

Abstract : Japan–NATO co-operation has come a long way from the initial political contacts of the 1990s, with Japan's contribution to reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan a core factor in the development of the partnership. Alessio Patalano, however, argues that it is the counter-piracy operation in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean which has been critical to the development of a more robust form of military interaction and has set the foundations for an enhanced partnership. He explains why maritime security can continue to play a central role in driving co-operation forward, notwithstanding the need for both actors to respond to the return of peer competition at sea.