
TOKYO -- Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's contribution to diplomacy and security cannot be underestimated. While having significantly reinforced the Japan-U.S. alliance, his Indo-Pacific initiative has prompted major nations to rethink their geopolitical strategies.
Abe boldly advocated "proactive diplomacy" and racked up impressive achievements. But this was only one side of the man. Behind the scenes, the prime minister feared that the Japan-U.S. alliance could collapse and a sense of urgency prompted him to single-mindedly pursue his goals.