Into the Tiger's Den: Japan and the Tripartite Pact, 1940

What is it about?

This is a diplomatic history of Japan's decision to join Nazi Germany and sign the Tripartite Pact in September 1940. I show how fears of phantom German desires to exercise political control over Southeast Asia ironically convinced Tokyo to bind its fate with Berlin.

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Why is it important?

This scholarship shows a new understanding of Japan's decision to join the Tripartite Pact, and highlights the impact of perception (whether true or not) on major foreign policy decisions. It also helps scholars understand another reason Japan declared the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.