The Uses of Institutions: The U.S., Japan, and Governance in East Asia

"A group of distinguished experts on the U.S. and Asia focus on multilateral institutions in a new and refreshing way. They wisely avoid the one-sided approaches of neo-liberal interdependence or the extreme cynicisms about cooperation of the realists. Instead they see institutions as the tools of states, toolsthat not only constrain but also provide opportunities for states to exploit, enhance, or manipulate bilateral relations and establish boundaries to achieve their goals. This is a truly realistic view of East Asian relations that transcends the previous cliches and moves the field in new and welcome directions." - Ellis Krauss, Professor, Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, University of California, San Diego