US Allies in Asia Grapple With Once-Unthinkable Options: Essay

During a state visit to the US in 2015 by Japan’s then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the enduring alliance between the two nations was on full display. At a White House dinner, President Barack Obama toasted Abe with sake from his home prefecture of Yamaguchi and attempted a haiku to celebrate their relationship. For his part, Abe invoked the Motown classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to capture Japan’s unwavering commitment to America.

The next day, as he became the first Japanese prime minister ever to address a joint meeting of Congress, Abe reflected on the decision to ...