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This thesis examines the foreign policy evolution of Japan from the time of its modernization during the mid-nineteenth century though the present. It is argued that infringements upon Japanese sovereignty and geopolitical vulnerabilities have conditioned Japanese leaders towards power seeking policy objectives. The core variables of statehood, namely power and sovereignty, and the perception of state elites are traced over this broad time period to provide a historical foundation for framing contemporary analyses of Japanese foreign policy. To facilitate this research, a unique framework that accounts for both the foreign policy preferences of Japanese leaders and the external constraints of the international system is developed. Neoclassical realist understandings of self-help and relative power distributions form the basis of the presented analysis, while constructivism offers crucial insights into ideational factors that influence state elites. Social Identity Theory, a social psychology theory that examines group behavior, is integrated to conceptualize the available policy options. Surveying Japanese foreign policy through this framework clarifies the seemingly irreconcilable shifts in Japan's foreign policy history and clearly delineates between political groups that embody distinct policy strategies and norms. Consequently, the main contribution of this thesis lies in the development of a theoretical framework that is uniquely positioned to identify historical trends in foreign policy. Owing to the numerous shifts in modern Japan's foreign policy history, this research identifies and examines three distinguishable Japanese “states”: Meiji Japan (1868 - 1912), Imperial Japan (1912 - 1945), and postwar Japan (1945 - present).

This thesis is devoted to long-term stagnation of the Japanese economy and potential solutions addressing such issue. The aim of this thesis is to propose a suitable solution to Japan's long-term stagnation. Firstly, the theoretical as well as practical basis of current Japan's stagnation is described. Economic theory and basic economic principles are explained within the theoretical background in order to apply such knowledge to the real economy correctly. Then, Japan's economic development from the second half of the 20th century till present is outlined within the practical background with an emphasis on "Lost decade" and persisting stagnation to better understand the way the Japanese economy functions. Secondly, the causes of Japan's "Lost decade" and persisting stagnation are presented. The theoretical basis of the causes of long-term stagnation is outlined with an emphasis on economic policy as a key instrument that affects the real economy. Then, the causes of Japan's long-term stagnation are deeply analyzed including a confrontation of selected causes by the author. Lastly, potential solutions addressing the issue of long-term economic stagnation are discussed. Existing solutions that aim to end Japan's stagnation are described and assessed. The main contribution of the author lies in proposing a solution to Japan's long-term economic stagnation from the author's perspective including specific measures to restore economic growth.