Japan and Russia are often referred to as ‘distant neighbours’. In the early days of Shinzo Abe’s second term in 2012, Japan sought to open a new era of bilateral relations with Russia. However, recent negotiations on the Kuril Islands/Northern Territories territorial dispute have stalled. Despite Abe’s extensive efforts to resolve the dispute, no concrete agreement was reached before he left office.
Participants
Alexander Bukh, Senior Lecturer, International Relations, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
Natasha Kuhrt, Lecturer, Dept of War Studies, King’s College London
Chair: Mathieu Boulègue, Research Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme
