The world is faced with a diverse range of security challenges in the post-Cold War era. As globalization continues apace, alternative options, other than the military, are needed to counter these challenges and ensure greater peace and stability. This new book is concerned with the security policy of Japan and in particular how it can exert its economic strength to alleviate the military tension on the Korean peninsular and surrounding region. It also provides a thorough analysis of new trends in Japanese security policy, the strengthening of its role in the region and the changing nature of the alliance with the US. Japan's Economic Power and Security is the first study to investigate, in depth, Japan's reaction to the diplomatic, military and economic security crisis generated by North Korea. Christopher W. Hughes reinterprets conventional views of Korean Peninsular security, Japanese foreign and security policy and the function of economic power in ensuring peace and stability.