Constructed Territories: Featuring A Fantasy of East Asian Border Disputes

Abstract

The author considers practical and historical aspects of territorial conflicts between Japan and neighboring countries, i.e. with Russia on South Kuril islands (Northern territories), with China on Diaoyudao (Senkaku) islands and with Korea on Tokto (Takeshima) island. Theoretical issues of so called “constructed territories” in these three cases are analyzed. These constructed territories act as a diplomatic tool for a state to maximize its interests in the international field. But no win for no country in this dangerous game is expected.