2022 Year in Review

P H O T O : K Y O D A / A P I M A G E S
In 2012, Abe yet again emphasised a regional security paradigm, compiling an
essay reaffirming the importance of a “democratic Asian security diamond” to
counteract a “Lake Beijing” from eventuating. Such advocacy has been pivotal to
both the formation and reinvigoration of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,
otherwise known as the QUAD.
P A G E 3 1
In reflecting on Australia, Abe contributed considerably to Australia-Japan
relations. During his first term, Abe “signed the foundational” Japan–Australia
Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation with John Howard, enabling
comprehensive engagement between the two countries. Furthermore, Abe and
former Australian PM Tony Abbott held a particularly strong rapport, with both
overseeing the formation of a ‘special relationship’ and the Japan-Australia
Economic Partnership Agreement in 2014. Abe therefore laid the foundations
and capitalised on both countries' ever-growing convergence of interests
epitomised by maintaining the rules-based order. As a result, “Australia’s
relationship with Japan has never been more close”.
FINAL THOUGHTS
For a figure synonymous with division and controversy, it seems pertinent that
Abe’s state funeral is clouded in discord. Shinzo Abe will nonetheless remain
Japan’s “most influential politician of recent decades” due to his political
longevity and impact on a global scale. The State Funeral is due recognition of
this.