Publication

This study discusses how domestic politics in Japan and South Korea and the ongoing dispute over the Liancourt Rocks, combine to impede strategic rapprochement between the two countries. More specifically, the author analyzes the ultimate and proximate causes of the politicization of the Liancourt Rocks dispute, then outlines the consequences this politicization is having on Japan-South Korea relations. Finally, she concludes by suggesting that mainstream politicians should manage the dispute by reducing the salience of the Liancourt Rocks among citizenry in both countries so that actions of individual extremist politicians will no longer be rewarded.