Oil Dependence, Strategy and Foreign Policy. The Case of Japan

Abstract

Oil became one of the most important material for economies and militaries in the 20th century. It has been affecting international relations and has been influencing foreign policies for more than a century. In my paper I would like to examine the history of Japan and its energy security related to oil. My paper tries to show how Japan has been adapting to the vulnerability of its nation from potential dangers related to oil supply. I would like to examine two case studies through which I try to show how important oil was in the Japanese economy and how it dictated foreign policy decisions in the 20th century. Furthermore, I highlight the contemporary challenges of Japan related to oil in the 21st century.