Explaining Soviet-Japanese relations, 1972-1985: Domestic politics versus the global superpower rivalry

Two different explanations have been advanced in the study of Moscow-Tokyo relations in 1972-1985. The first (the Domestic Politics Model) focuses on changes in their domestic politics, while the second (the Superpower Relations Model) emphasizes the vicissitude of the global superpower rivalry. The key question is which model best explains the evolution of Soviet-Japanese ties.;The results of testing illustrate four findings. First, the framework (detente or deterioration) of Moscow-Tokyo relations is to a large extent conditioned by prior movements in superpower conflicts. Second, when the superpower tension is low, Soviet-Japanese relations are advanced in both contexts of domestic politics and the international environment. Third, when the superpower tension is in transition, Moscow-Tokyo relations are largely affected by the external environment. Finally, when the superpower tension is high, USSR-Japan relations are governed by the international environment, and are slightly modified by Japan's domestic politics.;These findings suggest that the superpower perspective provides the cause-effect explanations of Soviet-Japanese ties in the changing international environment, and that the domestic perspective helps explain whether or not a certain policy is adopted in a particular situation.;In addressing the models, first, three successive periods are classified in the context of changes in both superpower relations and domestic politics: Period I (1972-1976), Period II, (1977-1980), and Period III (1981-1985). Second, three different modes of national behavior are advanced: diplomatic, military, and economic. Finally, tensions in the three modes of behavior in 1972 to 1976 become the baseline, and the developments of tensions in the other two periods are compared.