Sachio Nakato (Ritsumeikan University), Srabani Roy Choudhury (Jawaharlal Nehru University)

This seminar explores the dynamics of Japan-S. Korean relations regarding the N. Korean nuclear threat. In particular, it explores how security cooperation between Japan & S. Korea differed following the 3rd & 4th (as well as 5th & 6th) N. Korean nuclear tests. In contrast to existing explanations, this lecture focuses on the convergence & divergence of strategic priorities between both countries, apart from external threat perception. It argues that the credibility of U.S.' commitment to protect its allies from the increasing North Korean nuclear threat is a constant & hence not a defining factor in Japan-ROK relations. Finally, cooperation & conflict over historical issues influence security relations between both countries but are not constant. This lecture argues that convergent/divergent interactions in strategic priorities, and the degree of discord and cooperation in historical issues between the two nations determine the levels of security cooperation between Japan & S. Korea.