This book provides the most comprehensive assessment of Russia-Japan relations between 2000 and 2020 that is available in English. It is clear-eyed in its analysis of the formidable political, economic, and strategic reasons for inertia, yet it is never pessimistic. Peter W. Richardson reminds readers that, in the long run, the realization of genuine peace and reconciliation between Russia and Japan is 'desirable, possible, and necessary.'

James D.J. Brown, Professor of Political Science, Temple University, Japan Campus, Japan

This book is a highly detailed survey of Russia-Japan relations, focusing on key areas of bilateral interaction: strategic, economic, and political, from 2000-2016. Richardson uses both Russian and Japanese primary sources to illustrate that the Putin period represents the lowest point of cooperation, and the complete atrophy of relations. The main obstacle to thawing these relations remain in the lack of a peace treaty, the deadlock over the disputed islands, and the legacy of the Second World War. As the author makes plain, this situation looks unlikely to change, given the increasingly nationalistic policies of the Putin regime.

Natasha Kurht, Senior Lecturer of International Peace & Security, King's College, London, UK