Event Report: “Zeitenwende” in Germany and Japan? Continuity and change in Germany and Japan's foreign policy after the Cold War
On October 5th, 2023, the Centre for the Study of Global Japan hosted Professor Takumi Itabashi, a professor of international history at the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Law. Professor Itabashi delivered a presentation on “Zeitenwende (historic turning point),” comparing German and Japanese foreign policy developments in the post-Cold War era. The event was co-hosted by the Centre for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies.
Professor Itabashi began by discussing "Double Westbindung," West Germany's dual integration into NATO and European institutions. He also examined former German Chancellor Willy Brandt’s Ostpolitik, a policy of “change through rapprochement,” which became a foundation of West German foreign policy. Even as the Christian Democratic Union assumed power under Chancellor Helman Kohl, Ostpolitik was maintained.
Professor Itabashi then turned to Japanese foreign policy. He emphasized Article 9 and the Japan-US Security Treaty as the two foundations of Cold War diplomacy. The two agreements gave numerous privileges to the US, such as allowing US military bases to be established within Japan’s national boundaries. Professor Itabashi also highlighted Japan’s engagement within Asia, particularly the provision of economic assistance to China and South Korea.
Professor Itabashi then outlined more recent foreign policy developments in both countries. He explained that Germany was “surrounded by friends and partners” as the Cold War concluded. However, this changed with Russian aggression in Eastern Europe and the challenges posed by China’s rise. Japan gradually assumed a more proactive international role after the Cold War through UN Peacekeeping Operations in the 1990s and the US-led “War on Terror” in the 2000s. The 2010s became another important watershed. For instance, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration passed the Legislation for Peace and Security in 2015, which allowed Japan to exercise part of the right of collective self-defence.
Professor Itabashi concluded with a discussion of the similarities and differences between the two countries. Although both countries are strong supporters of the US-led international order, their decision-making mechanisms are distinct. The Russo-Ukrainian War has raised important questions about Ostpolitik, while the war largely accelerated pre-existing trends in Japan’s national security policymaking. Professor Itabashi emphasized the urgent need for both countries to reexamine and renew their diplomatic approaches.
Following the panel discussion, there was a lively question-and-answer period with the audience. Audience members asked a variety of questions, such as whether Germany’s reluctance to reduce its reliance on Russia was because of the legacy of Ostpolitik or because of economic interests.
We would like to thank Professor Itabashi for his informative presentation, as well as the audience that was in attendance for an engaged Q&A session.
