Masanori Okano, who served as the director of Japan's National Security Secretariat (NSS) until October last year, recently contributed an article to the US foreign policy journal 'Foreign Affairs'. In his piece, Okano emphasizes that there has been a "dramatic change" in US foreign policy, compelling allies such as Japan to fundamentally reconsider their strategies towards the United States. He underscores a growing concern among allied nations regarding the United States' unilateral approach to international relations under the Trump administration's 'America First' policy.

In his analysis, Okano points to several actions taken by the Trump administration, including tariff policies that favor domestic industries, increased security obligations imposed on allied nations, military operations in the Middle East and Venezuela, territorial claims over Greenland, and the withdrawal from international organizations. He argues that these moves have caused significant distress among US allies, highlighting a shift where the United States is weakening its own established systems and prioritizing its national interests over cooperative international management.

Moreover, Okano suggests that the changes in US foreign policy might be "irreversible," indicating a long-term alteration in the dynamics of international relations. This perspective raises serious implications for how countries like Japan might need to navigate their diplomatic strategies moving forward, considering the uncertainties posed by America's evolving stance on global cooperation and security frameworks. As a result, Japan and similar allies may need to reassess their dependencies and strategies in light of these developments.