Abstract: Economics and security have become entwined in recent years to the point that the concept of economic security has not only been established in the general political debate but also led to governments presenting strategies to manage and enhance economic security.  This shift in sentiment and action has come about for several reasons. The globally integrated economy, while beneficial in many ways, relied on just-in-time deliveries based on seamless supply and logistics chains. During the COVID 19 pandemic, these were disrupted which led to shortages of medicines and medical supplies as well as food stuffs and energy. Many governments began to develop plans to on the one hand increase production of critical goods at home and on the other develop more resilient supply chains. In October 2021, the first minister in charge of economic security was appointed in Japan and six months later a law promoting economic security was enacted setting out the government’s priorities. In this research project we examine the concept of economic security, the Japanese policy and implementation strategy and the tools deployed.

Bio: Dr Åsa Malmström Rognes is a research fellow at the European Institute of Japanese Studies and Center for Asian Studies at Stockholm School of Economics. She is also affiliated with Uppsala University. She has spent many years working in Asia and conducts research on Asian economies, financial markets and geoeconomics. Current research projects include Japan’s approach to economic security, economic integration in ASEAN and financing the green transition in Korea. She has a MSc from Stocholm School of Economics and a PhD in economic history from Uppsala University.

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