Development of Foreign Policy Relations Between Japan and Russia: a Retrospective Analysis

The article provides a retrospective analysis of the development of political relations between Japan and Russia from the middle of the XIX century to the present. The international relations have a nearly three-hundred-year history that reflects various periods of recession and recovery, stability and tension. There was and is a diplomatic struggle of states for financial strength, influence on the world stage, standing up for the national interests in the territorial issue, etc. But despite such moments, these relations did not go beyond the boundaries of “peaceful”. Russia and Japan, as strong players in the Pacific region, have always understood the need for cooperation and have looked for it in political, economic and cultural formats. At the present stage relations between Japan and Russia include different areas: security, economy, culture, science. But the unsigned amicable agreement, which has been delayed for more than 70 years, does not provide ample opportunities for further development of productive mutually beneficial relations. Through the “prehistory” of modern bilateral relations between Russia and Japan, the sequence and nature of relations between the countries is determined. The key aspect that determines the sequence and nature of relations between countries is the historical connection. The material of the article is ranked by time periods (stages), the factors that influenced each of the stages are investigated, and the main problems of the relationships are determined. Special emphasis is placed on the problems of our times, in particular the territorial issue of the Southern Kuril Islands, which were formed historically. Today the relations are based on solving common problems in the economy, security and energy. Within the framework of common interests Japan and Russia are seeking to resolve a long-running dispute. Thus, the article consistently reveals the “prehistory” and the nature of modern bilateral relations. The stages and factors that influenced each of the stages are studied, the corresponding conclusions and forecasts are made.

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