Yen-Backed Security? Japan's Growing Security Relations with Southeast Asia

YCAPS is delighted to announce next event in the Community Conversations seminar series in the Okinawa community! This event will feature Dr. Ryan Ashley, Fellow, Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI).

Since 2012, Southeast Asian states across the geopolitical spectrum have consistently expanded defense ties with Japan. Why? This talk will frame Japan as a regional leader that earned its position as the region's most trusted security partner through decades of reciprocal economic engagement that cultivated strategic trust among Southeast Asian elites. When regional shocks in 2012, above all China's seizure of Scarborough Shoal and ASEAN's failure to coordinate a collective response, forced a reassessment of security options, that trust was activated. Southeast Asian governments did not turn to Japan as a proxy for the United States or a hedge against China. They turned to Japan because they already had confidence in how it would behave.

Registration: Optional via this Google Form.

Schedule:

• 14:30-15:15 Refreshments & Networking (food & drinks)
• 15:15-16:30 Presentation and Q&A

Location: (for parking, see below )

Vessel Hotel Campana Okinawa

〒904-0115 Okinawa, Nakagami District, Chatan, Mihama, 9−22

goo.gl/maps/PsF7icULPM3rgoKx9

Parking:

Depot Island Parking Lot

〒904-0115 Okinawa, Nakagami District, Chatan, Mihama

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Ti7CyGnTBwieDVo6

Speaker:

Dr. Ryan Ashley holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, a Master’s in Security Studies from Angelo State University, a Master’s of Arts in Asian Studies from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and History from George Washington University. Ryan has operational experience in the United States Air Force with special operations and conventional forces across the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. He is also currently an Adjunct Lecturer with the Air Force Special Operations School teaching courses on East and Southeast Asian politics, culture, and security. His research focuses on the security relations between Japan and countries of Southeast Asia.

Format: This event will be off-the-record.
Moderators: Luc Maccionni, YCAPS Local Chapter Leader, Okinawa
Seminar Cost: Free of charge

Registration: Optional via this Google Form