The Japan–South Korea Identity Clash: East Asian Security and the United States (Contemporary Asia in the World) Paperback – March 7, 2017
by Brad Glosserman (Author), Scott A. Snyder (Author)
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Japan and South Korea are Western-style democracies with open-market economies committed to the rule of law. They are also U.S. allies. Yet despite their shared interests, shared values, and geographic proximity, divergent national identities have driven a wedge between them. Drawing on decades of expertise, Brad Glosserman and Scott A. Snyder investigate the roots of this split and its ongoing threat to the region and the world.
Glosserman and Snyder isolate competing notions of national identity as the main obstacle to a productive partnership between Japan and South Korea. Through public opinion data, interviews, and years of observation, they show how fundamentally incompatible, rapidly changing conceptions of national identity in Japan and South Korea―and not struggles over power or structural issues―have complicated territorial claims and international policy. Despite changes in the governments of both countries and concerted efforts by leading political figures to encourage U.S.–ROK–Japan security cooperation, the Japan–South Korea relationship continues to be hobbled by history and its deep imprint on ideas of national identity. This book recommends bold, policy-oriented prescriptions for overcoming problems in Japan–South Korea relations and facilitating trilateral cooperation among these three Northeast Asian allies, recognizing the power of the public on issues of foreign policy, international relations, and the prospects for peace in Asia.
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Editorial Reviews
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Easy to read, this book covers a very timely topic, as many pundits, officials, and experts are struggling with the issues that are raised. I can think of no book on Japan and South Korea together and on their relationship that is a serious rival. -- Gilbert Rozman, Princeton University
In The Japan–South Korea Identity Clash, Brad Glosserman and Scott Snyder unbundle one of the most consequential and seemingly illogical puzzles in contemporary East Asia. Whether or not scholars and policymakers agree with their call for a bold American move to reset relations between these two critical allies and democracies, it is impossible to ignore the authors' pathbreaking analysis―or the strategic consequences they point to in the current impasse. -- Michael J. Green, former special assistant to the president and senior director for Asia at the National Security Council
Brad Glosserman and Scott Snyder lay bare in this book the dueling narratives of Japan and South Korea. Both modern, democratic, and market-driven economies animated by twenty-first-century possibilities, Japan and South Korea nevertheless are mired in historical resentments and misunderstanding that continually cloud the future. This political alienation between Seoul and Tokyo provides a vexing challenge for American foreign policy, and the authors here offer valuable insights into how to mitigate and manage the bruised feelings, apprehensions, and latent rivalries that shape one of Asia's most dynamic and least understood relationships. The Japan–South Korea Identity Clash is required reading for anyone seeking to better understand both the possibilities and the inherent limitations of this complex relationship. -- Kurt M. Campbell, former assistant secretary of State for Asia and Pacific affairs, 2009–2013
A thoughtful and enlightening read. ― Japan Times
This book offers crucial insights into the identity variables that have changed amid the shifts in domestic and external circumstances such as Korea's democratization and newfound national pride, and the end of the Cold War that brought the core allies of the U.S. together under America's strategic leadership. ― The Korea Herald
A useful overview of an important trilateral relationship. ― Foreign Affairs
A quick and satisfying read that will appeal to scholars, students, and policy makers.... Recommended. ― Choice
A comprehensive study that masterfully weaves in a wide range of related topics. ― Seoul Journal of Korean Studies
A highly readable and invaluable analysis. ― Journal of American-East Asian Relations
A critically important and essential addition to academic library Interntional Studies reference collections in general, and Korean-Japanese supplemental studies reading lists in particular. ― The Midwest Book Review
About the Author
Brad Glosserman is the executive director of the Pacific Forum, an independent program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Scott A. Snyder is senior fellow for Korea studies and director of the program on U.S.–Korea policy at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Product details
Publisher : Columbia University Press; Reprint edition (March 7, 2017)
Language : English
Paperback : 240 pages
ISBN-10 : 0231171714
ISBN-13 : 978-0231171717
Reading age : 22 years and up
Item Weight : 9.6 ounces
Dimensions : 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #1,364,712 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#561 in Korean History (Books)
#1,399 in International Diplomacy (Books)
#2,277 in Japanese History (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars 10 ratings
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Brad Glosserman
Brad Glosserman is deputy director of and a visiting professor at the Center for Rule Making Strategies at Tama University in Tokyo, Japan. He is also senior advisor (nonresident) at the Pacific Forum International, in Honolulu, where he served for 13 years as executive director. He is the author of Peak Japan: The End of Great Ambitions, (Georgetown University Press, 2019) and coauthor, with Scott Synder, of The Japan-South Korea Identity Clash (Columbia University Press, 2015), a study of national identity in Japan and South Korea and its impact on U.S. alliances. He is also editor, with Tae-hyo Kim, of The Future of U.S.-Korea-Japan Relations: Balancing Values and Interests (CSIS, 2004).
His opinion pieces and commentary regularly appear in media around the globe, and he has written dozens of monographs on U.S. foreign policy and Asian security relations. Other articles have appeared in scholarly journals throughout the region, and he has contributed numerous chapters to books on regional security. He is a frequent participant in U.S. State Department visiting lecture programs as well as the US Navy’s Regional Security Education Program, and speaks at conferences, research institutes, and universities around the world. He is a guest lecturer at the Osaka University School of International Public Policy and an adjunct lecturer at the Management Center of Innsbruck (MCI). Prior to joining Pacific Forum, Mr. Glosserman was, for 10 years, a member of The Japan Times editorial board, and he continues to serve as a contributing editor for that newspaper. He is also the English-language editor of the journal of the New Asia Research Institute (NARI) in Seoul.
Mr. Glosserman holds a J.D. from George Washington University, an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and a B.A. from Reed College.
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TL
4.0 out of 5 stars If you accept that this is not an academic book, you'll enjoy it
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2015
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Glosserman and Snyder know East Asia, they know it very well. This timely and informative book covers the gamut of issues that are currently impacting Korea, Japan, and US and their various security arrangements. Moreover, the exhaustive list of polls, interviews, and anecdotes highlight their wealth of experience in dealing with East Asia Regionalism. There really isn't any major development in the region that is not touched.
Nevertheless, this is clearly a policy book (not an academic book), exemplified by the interesting suggestions for trilateral cooperation in the final chapter and the weak theory development in the first. Although Glosserman and Snyder contend that identity is critical to understanding regional relations and overcoming historical animosities, the concept is underdeveloped and not consistent throughout the book. Chapter Two is the closest to operationalizing identity (Japan's), but reads more like a laundry list of polls and various issues that impact Japanese security politics instead of a coherent conception of identity. Moreover, there is little explanation on what poll or what percentage of respondents is significant. In some places, a 50% outcome is significant, and in others 60% is not. There's also little context given to when the poll was given and how various international and domestic events may have impacted the polls (this is done at times, but inconsistently applied). Chapter Three is more problematic because it has less data (half the citations and much less polling data) and is more descriptive of Korean politics, as opposed to analytical. And some of the descriptions are lacking - some regimes are discussed for less than two pages (some even less than one). Identity as a variable is also much less called upon in the chapter. As a result, by Chapter Four, identity plays a background role in Japan-Korean relations. The chapter provides a great summary of various highs and lows in the relationship, but rarely calls upon how identity shaped the relationship beyond Korea dislikes Japan for the past, and Japan has not done a great job addressing historical issues. By the time Chapter Five and Six discusses the US, it's difficult to determine exactly what to do with the identities in regards to regional cooperation. I believe that if the polling data went back further than the previous 15 years, a longer discussion of what identity really means (how it develops, is maintained, and changed) was provided, and other discourses were analyzes (textbooks, editorials, etc.), then we could get a better idea about what issues form the core aspects of Korean and Japanese identity. Since the book covers so much without clear operationalization of identity, it seems that all of the important developments in their histories are their identities.
Regardless of the shortcomings in theory development, I would highly recommend this book for policymakers interested in novel ways of addressing weaknesses in the alliance and general audiences interested in East Asia security and politics. The book provides a lot of data that is worth hunting down and analyzing and many eye-opening anecdotes. It's also a quick and easy read - you can finish in under a day if you commit yourself - although I would recommend going back to catch interesting details and polling data results. Accept the book for what it is, an easy-to-digest rundown of an important region with complex histories. They cut through a lot of the political games played by the Koreans and Japanese and reveal core issues that need to be addressed and possible ways to overcome past failures. Although I am skeptical that their suggestions would bear fruit, especially since they do a great job at elucidating the animosity that has developed over the years, they are not unreasonable suggestions. The US needs to play a greater role, it is a stakeholder in the region and its importance will only grow. Moreover, Japan and Korea will eventually have to change their paths because the status quo is simply not working and the poor relations will eventually have more dire consequences than hurt feelings.
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5.0 out of 5 stars This book provides great insight into a topic of immediate policy relevance
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2015
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This book provides great insight into a topic of immediate policy relevance. It also makes an important contribution to scholarship in International Relations. The on-going tensions between South Korea and Japan presents a strategic problem for the U.S., which has strong alliances with each of these states. It also presents a puzzle for scholars of International Relations, given that there are good reasons for thinking that these states should have better relations than they do. The book synthesizes a vast quantity of public opinion data to explain why historical grievances continue to plague relations between South Korea and Japan and offer an intriguing proposal for a trilateral U.S.-Japan-ROK deal to resolve them.
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Michael Griswold
4.0 out of 5 stars History is the Kingmaker in East Asia
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2015
Japan and South Korea are democracies in Asia who are allied with the United States. That is where the two countries seem to diverge at least diplomatically. The core puzzle of this book seems to be “Why do these two important countries with similar interests in East Asian security and trade among other areas, not cooperate better with each other and the United States more broadly? As the authors point out, there exist a number of International Relations theories to account for this anomaly, but these are ultimately inadequate to explain the paradox.
The authors take a new tack by focusing on the identity of the two states. Identities are often formed through history and Japan and South Korea have a number of historical grievances that often provoke clashes and derail cooperation. This book is one part study of historical grievances mixed with public opinion data, so that the novice to issues of East Asian relations won’t be confused, yet looks at the East Asian security development from a new angle.
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JBM
4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended Reading on East Asia Geopolitics
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2015
On a challenging and complex topic, Glosserman and Snyder provide a solid analysis that can be easily digested both by long-term Japan-ROK watchers and also relative newcomers. The focus on national identities as a point of comparison is smart and instructive and informs their analysis and description of some of the pitfalls in the relationship between Tokyo and Seoul. The importance of trilateral relations with the US is constantly a theme, but does not cloud their analysis and the book rightfully focuses first on an approach to improve bilateral ties.
The recommendations at the end are bold and creative but are likely to be critiqued as unrealistic or idealistic. The most contentious one might revolve around Japan’s decision to withdraw its claim to Dokdo-Takeshima. But a deeper dive through their recommendations shows that there is a lot of merit to the main pillars of the “grand bargain” approach. The “no war clause”, Tokyo’s support for Korean unification, and Seoul’s acceptance and acknowledgment that Japan’s security and defense reforms are not threatening, are all important and achievable goals. I believe there is also space – indeed there needs to be space – for a mutually acceptable resolution on the issue of “comfort women” as recommended by the authors.
Even on Dokdo-Takeshima, there are ways to potentially work through this (even if it is not an official back down from Tokyo).
Highly recommended reading for those interested in the geopolitics of East Asia and the future of US alliances in the region.
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The Japan-South Korea Identity Clash: East Asian Security and the United States
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The Japan-South Korea Identity Clash: East Asian Security and the United States
by Brad Glosserman, Scott A. Snyder
3.54 · Rating details · 28 ratings · 5 reviews
Japan and South Korea are Western-style democracies with open-market economies committed to the rule of law. They are also US allies. However, despite their shared interests, shared values, and geographic proximity, divergent national identities have driven a wedge between them. Drawing on decades of expertise, Brad Glosserman and Scott Snyder investigate the roots of this split and its ongoing threat to the region and the world.
Glosserman and Snyder isolate competing notions of national identity as the main obstacle to a productive partnership between Japan and South Korea. Through public opinion data, interviews, and years of observation, they show how fundamentally incompatible, rapidly changing conceptions of national identity in Japan and South Korea--and not struggles over power or structural issues--have complicated territorial claims and international policy. Despite changes in the governments of both countries and concerted efforts by leading political figures to encourage US-ROK-Japan security cooperation, the Japan-Korea relationship continues to be hobbled by history and its deep imprint on ideas of national identity. This book recommends bold, policy-oriented prescriptions for overcoming problems in Japan-Korea relations and facilitating trilateral cooperation among these three Northeast Asian allies, recognizing the power of the public on issues of foreign policy, international relations, and the prospects for peace in Asia.
Brad Glosserman is the executive director of Pacific Forum CSIS. Previously, he served on the editorial board of The Japan Times. His writing, commentary, and analysis on U.S. foreign policy and developments in Asia appear in publications around the world.
Scott A. Snyder is senior fellow for Korea studies and director of the Program on US–Korea Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. He writes regularly on issues in US–Korea relations and Northeast Asian politics and security for CFR's Asia Unbound blog and for Forbes.com. (less)
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Hardcover, 240 pages
Published May 26th 2015 by Columbia University Press
ISBN0231171706 (ISBN13: 9780231171700)
Edition LanguageEnglish
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Eustacia Tan
Aug 27, 2015Eustacia Tan rated it liked it
When I picked up this book, I was expecting a long, thoughtful discourse on how Japanese and South Koreans viewed themselves, and how that influenced their relationship. What I got, was not quite that.
The Japan-South Korea Identity Clash seems to have devoted more space to interpreting various polls on how the countries view each other and themselves. I like the fact that they have data, but I was expecting more than just a book explaining the different poll results. There might have been other aspects, but this was my main impression of the book - that it's basically poll results.
For me, the most interesting part of the book would be the last two chapters, when the author took poll findings and tried to apply them to policy. Basically, the author thinks that Japan should take steps to improve relations by getting rid of what the polls says is the biggest obstacle in their relationship. Yup, that's the Takeshima/Dokdo islands. We actually discussed this in JLC, although my main takeaway was that a video of the Korean navy dancing to Gangman Style (over the islands) existed.
Yeah... the debate I was expecting didn't really materialise, although that wasn't the fault of the teacher. He invited the Korean students to speak repeatedly, but they were all really diplomatic about it (I'm guessing they didn't want to risk their grades, even though this teacher was one of the most relaxed teachers in the school - those kids were serious about getting into Todai).
Basically, this book is not meant for beginners to Japan-South Korea politics (so, people like me). I appreciate that there was a lot of data, and that the authors took the time to explain it, but it felt dry to me, and the policies a bit too idealistic to come true.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
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Margaret Sankey
Sep 25, 2016Margaret Sankey rated it liked it
Gee, why can't South Korea and Japan get it together and replace the hub and spoke alliances they have with the US, but not with each other, to reinforce our pivot to Asia and make it easier. They both developed on parallel tracks after WWII, and they've achieved market economies, rule of law and democracy, and China is a regional threat to them both. Glosserman and Snyder use public opinion polls to explore why, despite top level moves to closer cooperation, the intangible of historical memory and national identity (rather than a clash of territorial claims or tangible issues) makes this difficult even several generations after their last active hostilities. (less)
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Summerfire
Mar 13, 2021Summerfire rated it it was ok
Could have cut out about 30 pages. The last two chapters were extremely repetitive.
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Joseph Spuckler
Oct 08, 2020Joseph Spuckler rated it really liked it
Shelves: political-science
The Japan-South Korea Identity Clash: East Asian Security and the United States by Brad Glosserman and Scott A. Snyder is a study of the current East Asian international political environment. Glosserman is the executive director of Pacific Forum CSIS. Previously, he served on the editorial board of The Japan Times. His writing, commentary, and analysis on U.S. foreign policy and developments in Asia appear in publications around the world.Snyder is a senior fellow for Korea studies and director of the Program on US–Korea Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. He writes regularly on issues in US–Korea relations and Northeast Asian politics and security for CFR's Asia Unbound blog and for Forbes.com.
For those old enough to remember, the Cold War was a simpler time. For the most part countries fell into one of the two major camps -- democratic capitalists or authoritarian socialists. This is a bit over-simplified description of the bipolar world but is adequate for general discussion. Many deep-seated local problems were overshadowed by the larger struggle of so-called capitalism versus communism. When communism fell the predicted peaceful world order did not come into being. Instead, new problems arose. Yugoslavia collapsed into a collection of warring factions. The two hundred and fifty ethnic identities of the former Soviet Union began exerting their claims for recognition, most notably Chechnya. The black and white system the past turned into a system of infinite grays.
In East Asia, Japan, South Korea, and China suddenly became a sensitive area for American policy and international policy. Japan in the twentieth century had been the aggressor in the region for a good portion of the century occupying both Korea and portions of China. In China, Japan was remembered for it atrocities. Korea and China have also had their struggles in the past. In the new century, China is now the second largest economy in the world surpassing Japan and divided Korea is growing with a standard of living rivaling Japan in the south. Japan believing that it has earned its position of influence in the world has been petitioning for a permanent position on the UN Security Council. Divided Korea suffers from not only division but the thinking that it is the small country in the mix. Complicating matters more is (China's ally) North Korea’s aggressive behavior to both South Korea and Japan.
The Japan-South Korea Identity Clash offers current polling data on the populations of both South Korea and Japan concerning a variety of current issues. For example, the younger Korean generation is not as concerned about reunification as the older generation. They grew up under the current system and tend to accept it, possibly viewing reunification as diluting their standard of living. Both Japan and South Korea support the United States for their international security, but Japan does not want to live in a US type system. It prefers a European social democracy. Interesting patterns emerge as some Koreans believe US presence is responsible for the North Korean nuclear program and that the US presence may be causing problems with its relations with China.
The Japan-South Korea Identity Clash provides a detailed study of the regions growing and changing concerns. Japan and Korea share historic problems between their nations some that Japan merely wishes to forget and the same that Korea demands an apology. In the region of three powerful economies, there are deep tensions under the surface. America has been the traditional protector and moderating effect as an ally to both Japan and Korea. With the rise of China, maturing democracies, a young voting generation that does not see or remember the Cold War, there are new trends in political and social behavior that are developing in this region. This is a timely and informative study involving the three largest economies in the world along with the eleventh largest or about half the entire world’s GDP.
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Ji
Jan 11, 2017Ji rated it really liked it
A bit of a disappointment in the first chapter (much of the information presented was redundant or irrelevant, giving the image of 'filler' paragraphs), the rest of the book was clear and well drawn out. As a Korean, I can confirm the Korean identity explained in the book has been well illustrated.
The historical political background on both countries was an interesting view as well, although the fact that there wasn't more analysis on the relations between the two countries.
Furthermore, certain events or words were dropped in with background or solid explanation, making it potentially confusing for beginners of Korean or Japanese history.
Nonetheless, it was an interesting read detailing the interactions of Korea and Japan and suggests decent strategies for a future orientated alliance between the two. (less)
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