Conclusion

Abstract The concluding chapter examines how the analysis of Japan’s case contributes to broader debates over grand strategy and reflects on the country’s future trajectory as its power base fluctuates. By emphasizing Japan’s liminality and the value of historical institutionalism, the chapter argues that static theories, such as neorealism or neoclassical realism, cannot adequately explain Japan’s evolving grand strategy of the last 150s years. The chapter also underscores the applicability of the liminality concept for other country cases beyond Japan. The chapter then concludes by examining how this research offers guidance and implications for the future course of Japan’s grand strategy. Accordingly, the manuscript closes with a discussion of trends in Japan’s contemporary foreign policy, given increasing uncertainty and new challenges Japan faces and the world following the 2024 and 2025 elections, during which the LDP lost its majority in both the Lower and Upper Houses, and Donald Trump secured a second term as President of the United States.