Leaning Seaward

Geoffrey F. Gresh is professor of international relations at the National Defense University, Washington, D.C., and author of To Rule Eurasia’s Waves.

“Leaning Seaward offers a kaleidoscopic view of Japan’s rise as a maritime great power, shedding light on its geography, economy and trade, industry and infrastructure, and strategy. It is a must-read for those interested in the newly emerging maritime order of the Indo-Pacific.”—Narushige Michishita, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Tokyo“At a time when Japan’s responsibilities as a maritime power are increasingly visible, Leaning Seaward offers an informed look at how its decisions in the maritime domain are affecting both regional stability and global expectations. Gresh’s analysis is grounded, timely, and directly relevant to today’s policy debates.”—Kono Taro, former Japanese Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Digital Minister“With the world’s third-largest navy and a coastline longer than America’s, Japan knows that its national identity and fate will hinge on its ability to keep the seas free and open. In this excellent volume, Gresh lays out the stakes and the key developments by which Japan is asserting agency over its maritime destiny.”—Matt Pottinger, former US deputy national security advisor and distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution“Leaning Seaward is a fascinating look at how Japan is reclaiming its place as a maritime great power in the twenty-first century. Geoffrey Gresh brings history, strategy, and contemporary politics together in a vivid account of how the oceans are reshaping Japan’s role in the world.”—Admiral James Stavridis (ret.), 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, author of The Restless Wave, and coauthor of 2084“Leaning Seaward offers a timely and comprehensive analysis of Japan’s strategic maritime transformation in the 21st century. Japan’s emergence as a maritime great power is not merely a narrative of defense and diplomacy—it is a testament to innovation, resilience, and strategic foresight. This volume is essential reading for policymakers, scholars, and anyone seeking to understand the evolving dynamics of maritime security and economic strategy in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”—Atsushi Sunami, president, Sasakawa Peace Foundation