‘Steady as She Goes’: Effect of the Fukushima Disaster on Australia-Japan Relations

Abstract

This paper analyses the effect of the March 11, 2011 (3/11) disaster on bilateral relations between Australia and Japan. It explores key areas of cooperation and conflict in the bilateral relationship and evaluates the extent to which these were affected by the Fukushima disaster. While the main focus is on bilateral energy relations, the paper also considers broader security and trade relationship between Canberra and Tokyo. The paper accounts for change and continuity in mutual political and economic interests, perspectives towards security cooperation, and ideational factors. The argument put forward is that the Australia-Japan relationship has been strengthened in the aftermath of the 3/11 disaster.