This event is jointly sponsored by the Australian Foreign Affairs and the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs

As the power balance changes in Asia, Japan has been making an historic shift away from its post-war pacifism. Like Australia, Japan is bracing for a challenging new era in which China is challenging the dominance of the United States, its ally. This shared predicament is prompting talk in Canberra and Tokyo about whether the two could form an alliance. So, how is Japan responding to a changing Asia? Will Australia and Japan become allies? Will Takaichi reshape the nation?

Join us at the launch of the latest issue of Australian Foreign Affairs – Tokyo Rising: Japan's Big Choices which explores Japan’s options as it adopts a new military and strategic posture - and the consequences for Australia. Hugh White, Justin Bassi and Lauren Richardson will discuss Japan’s future in Asia and the prospect of an Australian alliance. Moderated by Carolyn Bull.

Speakers

Hugh White is Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs. He was the principal author of Australia's Defence White Paper 2000 and his publications include How To Defend Australia and The China Choice.

Justin Bassi is the Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. His previous roles included Chief of Staff to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marise Payne, Cyber Intelligence Mission Manager at the Office of National Intelligence, and National Security Adviser to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Lauren Richardson is a Lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs. She taught Northeast Asian Relations at the University of Edinburgh and Keio University (Japan) and is working on a book on Japan-Korea relations.

Carolyn Bull is the director of RAND Australia. She previously served as deputy head of The Australian National University's National Security College and worked at the Office of National Intelligence.

Image credit: Sanae Takaichi press conference / Cabinet Public Affairs Office (CC BY 4.0 / Government of Japan)

Additional information:
Registration is required for this event. If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please email bell.marketing@anu.edu.au. Accessible parking spaces are available around campus should you require them.

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Contact the host of Tokyo Rising: Japan's Big Choices