‘Addressing Challenges in an Indo-Pacific Way’: Japan’s 2023 Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and the reframing of Security and Global Governance

Sammanfattning

This research analysed the 2023 version of Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific, focusing on the framing and implementation of its second pillar incorporating non traditional security issues, and examined what this addition to the framework reveals about Japan’s role and status in the Indo-Pacific region at a time of great-power competition and multipolarity. This study was conducted using a case-study approach, supplemented by a comparative analysis when examining the 2023 FOIP in relation to ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Countries. A qualitative content analysis method was used to systematically review the literature and official documents from the Japanese government, ASEAN and Pacific Nations. The findings showed that the inclusion of non-traditional security issues in Japan’s 2023 FOIP led to a redefinition of the concept of security and a transformation of cooperation, as well as a shift in the framework’s approach and target audience. Furthermore, the results revealed that Japan could be regarded as a system-shaping power capable of setting the agenda and disseminating standards and practices that subsequently influence international governance. Through its new approach, Japan seeks to bridge the gap between developed and emerging nations and could emerge as an alternative to the U.S. and China in the Indo-Pacific region.