For the best part of two millennia Japan was an aggressively reclusive country. Its relations with the outside world were characterized by suspicion and insularity and it was not until 1869, under the Emperor Meiji, that the basis was laid for Japan's status as a modern industrial power. Following Japan's increasing militarism in the early-20th century until its attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941, this book also traces the development of Japan that occurred after its defeat in World War II. Japan's current position as a superpower is analyzed and Robert Harvey reaches conclusions about its balance of power and continued growth, as well as Japan's impact on the rest of the world.