Abstract
This thesis examines the state-level multilateral regional strategy that Japan has utilized in the Asia-Pacific region from the late 1960’s until now. The thesis demonstrates how this strategy has enabled Japan to mitigate the effects of its two most challenging foreign policy constraints in the region. These constraints are identified as the constraint of Japan’s negative wartime legacy (history constraint), and the continuing influence that the United States exercises on Japan (U.S. influence constraint). The thesis finds that Japan’s multilateral regional engagements provide a forum to develop a common regional identity and shared interests in the region leading to a climate of reconciliation for Japan and its neighbors mitigating the effects of the history constraint. In addition, Japan’s multilateral regional engagements provide a forum for Japan to project a status of equality with the United States reducing their influence as a constraint on Japan.