"Kevin Cooney's Japanese Foreign Policy Since 1945 is a masterful overview of Japan's evolving role on the world stage from supine defeat at the end of World War II, through the U.S. occupation and on to becoming America's strongest Asian ally. The book's most important contribution is its forward projection which foresees Japan's new foreign policy and security roles in the 21st century with a more independent military and Constitutional changes that will permit more global security action. Professor Cooney expects Japanese society to be more open to foreign influence, and he sees a new security agenda that will encompass environmental concerns, international peacekeeping, and disaster relief. These new responsibilities will go far to remake Japan into a 'normal nation.'" - Sheldon W. Simon, Arizona State University"