Opinion polls in both Japan and the United States show continued strong support for their security alliance and economic relationship, but Trump administration trade policies, its withdrawal from international agreements, and its undermining of multilateral institutions is stressing bilateral ties in ways not seen in decades.

While headlines relating to U.S.-Japan relations are currently dominated by elections, budget battles, and regional security tensions, it is worth stepping back and viewing the relationship in a multidisciplinary context.

Japan experts discuss the political consequences of Prime Minister Abe’s resignation, and the implication it has on Japanese foreign policy regarding U.S, China, and rest of the Pacific Rim.