This book examines how and where Japan's multi-tiered security approach, which was put forward as a policy that emphasizes Japan's more active role in shaping the regional security order in the light of the changing geopolitical balances in the East Asia-Pacific in the post-Cold War period, has evolved in the context of China's rise in the 2000s, 2010s and present. This book categorizes Japan's foreign and security policy into three tiers: bilateralism, multilateralism, and minilateralism. The book offers valuable insights into Japan's foreign and security policies within East Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region, including the region's geopolitical landscape and Japan's relationships with major stakeholders. It also contributes to understanding inter-regional dynamics and the application of balance of power theory. The book targets policymakers involved in foreign and security policy decisions, as well as academics, researchers, journalists, and international relations students interested in Japan and the East Asia/Indo-Pacific region.

Oktay Kucukdegirmenci is a Dr. in the field of International Relations / International Politics. Kucukdegirmenci obtained his doctoral degree in the department of International Politics at Shandong University in China in 2024. His research areas are China’s foreign policy, Japan’s foreign policy, China-Japan relations, Asia-Pacific security multilateralism, and geopolitical issues.