Emerging technologies and geopolitical divides: The transformation of the US-Japan alliance

Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit to the United States in April underscored the profound transformation afoot in U.S.-Japan relations. While traditional security interests remain paramount, seizing the potential of emerging technologies — such as AI, quantum computing, and advanced semiconductors — amid intensifying geopolitical competition is a new North Star for the alliance. In recent years, Washington and Tokyo have redoubled efforts to nurture new technologies and cutting-edge manufacturing ecosystems, while buttressing cybersecurity and protecting sensitive data.

On May 2, the Center for Asia Policy Studies at Brookings hosted a panel of policy experts from Washington, DC, and Japan to discuss ways in which the twin tasks of technology promotion and protection stand to shape the U.S.-Japan alliance and broader regional dynamics. Panelists addressed ongoing efforts in the United States and Japan to develop technology hubs, strengthen the resilience of supply chains and critical infrastructure, and enhance data security. They assessed areas where interests and capabilities both align and diverge in this new era of rapid technological development.

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