Abstract:

In the context of global climate change, the strategic value of the Arctic region has been steadily increasing. As a near-Arctic country, Japan has continuously adjusted its Arctic policy to engage in cooperation, development, and governance of the region. This paper presents an analytical framework based on geopolitical role theory and systematically reviews the evolution and driving forces of Japan's Arctic policy since World War II. The study finds that Japan has gradually constructed a policy framework centered on three core aspects: Arctic shipping routes, resource development, and national defense security. The evolution of this policy can be divided into three stages: The embryonic period, the growth period, and the adjustment period. Japan's geopolitical role in Arctic affairs has transitioned from explorer to actor, and finally to a frustrated participant. The driving forces behind Japan's involvement in Arctic affairs and the evolution of its policy are its economic interests and the pursuit of political benefits tied to its goal of becoming a "normal state." However, the implementation of this policy has been constrained by multiple factors, including a lack of domestic policy coordination mechanisms, insufficient technology for Arctic development, a lack of international rule-making power, and intensified geopolitical competition, which has made the path to development fraught with challenges. Given the similarities and commonalities in geographical location, roles, and interests between China and Japan in Arctic affairs, understanding the evolution and motivations behind Japan's Arctic policy provides important insights for China's formulation of its own Arctic policy.

Key words: Japan, Arctic policy, role theory, geopolitical roles

摘要：

在全球气候变暖的背景下，北极地区的地缘战略价值不断提升，日本作为典型的近北极国家，通过不断调整北极政策参与该地区的合作、开发与治理事务。本文基于地缘政治角色理论构建分析框架，系统梳理了日本北极政策的演化路径及其动因。研究发现，日本逐步构建起以北极航道、资源开发和国防安全为核心的政策框架体系；其演化过程可分为萌芽期、成长期、调整期3个阶段，在北极事务中的地缘政治角色也逐渐由探索者发展为行动者，最后转变为受挫者。日本参与北极事务的地缘政治角色及政策演化的核心动因主要源于经济利益以及追求“正常国家化”的政治利益；然而，其北极政策实施进程受到国内政策协调机制缺失、北极开发技术欠缺、国际规则主导权缺失及地缘政治竞争激化等多重约束，致使日本的北极发展之路充满荆棘。中日两国在北极地区的地理位置、北极事务参与身份、利益诉求等具有共通性和相似性。因此，探究日本北极政策的演化及动因，对中国制定北极政策具有重要的借鉴意义。

关键词: 日本, 北极政策, 角色理论, 地缘政治角色