Event Report: Japan’s Grand Strategy in the International Relations of Space
On November 19th, Saadia Pekkanen, Job and Gertrud Tamaki Endowed Professor of International Studies and Adjunct Professor of Law and Political Science at the University of Washington in Seattle, delivered a presentation on Japan's role in the international relations of space.
Professor Pekkanen began by posing a fundamental question in international relations: Why do states behave the way they do? She explained that the core concepts used to explore this question are just as relevant to the study of space. Far from being an obscure field, the study of space in international relations reveals its integral role in social connectivity, economic infrastructure, and military preparedness, including nuclear deterrence. Furthermore, 95% of space technologies serve dual purposes, supporting both civilian and military applications. The growing significance of space in the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry further underscores its importance in shaping the future global order.
Professor Pekkanen then discussed the rationales for her focus on space, Japan, and grand strategy. She highlighted three key points: first, the predominance of lawyers in space policy discussions has left room for deeper international relations analysis. Second, Japan’s distinctive trajectory in space policy and security deserves closer examination, particularly in the context of its historical and contemporary international relations strategies. Finally, the concept of grand strategy offers a valuable framework for analyzing Japan's statecraft in a domain where technological, economic, and military concerns intersect.
Turning to Japan’s role in space, Professor Pekkanen noted its remarkable achievements despite limited funding. With an annual space budget of approximately $4 billion, Japan has accomplished significant milestones, including contributions to international missions and the development of critical satellite infrastructure. She argued that Japan’s grand strategy in space represents a multi-front approach, enabling the country to leverage advanced technology in economic competition, uphold its image as a pacifist nation, and set pragmatic international expectations.
To achieve its grand strategy goals, Japan has actively engaged in economic, technological, military, and diplomatic spheres. For example, Japan has fostered innovation through initiatives like its $7 billion space strategy fund, which supports firms like Mitsubishi, Toyota, and various startups in expanding their presence in commercial space ventures. Japan has also strengthened bilateral and multilateral space partnerships, participating in initiatives such as the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum and the Artemis Accords. Militarily, Japan has integrated space into its national defense strategy as part of its broader security framework. Moreover, while Japan is typically aligned with the United States, it has also pursued an independent space policy, engaging proactively with a wide range of global actors, issues, and technologies.
The presentation concluded with a lively question-and-answer session. Attendees raised questions about Japan’s domestic political dynamics, the dual-use nature of space technologies, and the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Pekkanen for sharing her insightful research and to the audience for their active and thoughtful participation.
