Theory and Practice: Discussing the Nexus
between the Concept of Comprehensive
Security and Japan-Gulf Relations
0Summary

There has been a paucity of literature on Japan’s relations withthe Arab Gulf states (i.e., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Omanand Bahrain), particularly from conceptual and theoreticalperspectives. In this light, this study aims to shed light on theconcept of comprehensive security and discuss to what extent
the concept reflects the Japanese authorities’ foreign policy
approach vis-a-vis the Arab Gulf states over the past decade.
1AuthorKazuto Matsuda
Affiliations
MA in Gulf Studies program,
Gulf Studies Center, Qatar University

Introduction
Little has been scholarly discussed on Japan-Gulf relations (e.g., Matsuda, 2022; Tsujigami and Horinuki,2015; Heng, 2022). In particular, conceptual and theoretical discussions on their ties are scarce. In fact,
the existing literature on this particular subject of inquiry often emphasizes their economic andhydrocarbon trade facets (e.g., Abdullah and Al-Tamimi, 2015; AlShamsi and Kandil, 2001; Al-Tamimi,2013; Calabrese, 2009; Nakajima, 2015; Niblock and Malik, 2013; Sharif, 1986).

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Objective & Method

What is "comprehensive security"?

To discuss the congruence between theconcept of comprehensive security and thedevelopment of Japan's foreign policy
approach towards the Arab Gulf states overthe past decade, based on qualitative analysisof the primary and secondary sources.

It argues that "security has multiple dimensions.,
not only the defence of its territory andsovereignty from external military attack, butalso against threats such as those to the secureflow of energy resources to Japan and, hence,
to the prosperity of Japan's economy" (Miyagi,2011, p. 2)

Discussion
Over the past decade, the nature of Japan-Gulf relations has been developing into comprehensive
relations, encompassing both hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon sectors (Matsuda, 2022; Saito andJanardhan, 2020; Watanabe, 2022)
However, Japan's energy security remains the primary driving force behind the diversification ofrelations beyond hydrocarbon trade.

4Conclusion
Although Japan-Gulf ties have been morphing into comprehensive relations, which include nonhydrocarbon sector cooperation, the concept of comprehensive security still retains its explanatory
power vis-a-vis Japan's relations with the Arab Gulf states.

5References

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Al-Tamimi, Naser. 2013. Asia-GCC Relations: Growing Interdependence. ISPI, (179), 1–12.
Calabrese, John. 2009. The Consolidation of Gulf-Asia Relations: Washington Tuned In or
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Heng. (2022). Japan in the Gulf: Hedging between Washington and Tehran? The
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Matsuda, Kazuto (2022). Japan-Gulf Relations: Discussing the Major AnalyticalTendencies (Qatar University Gulf Studies Center Working Paper No. 4).
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