Russo-Japanese conflict in the Koril Islands between American influence and the rise of China (reality and prospects)

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the reality and future of the Russian-Japanese conflict over the Kuril Islands, along its objective is to investigate the variables of this conflict in light of the current international updates related to the hegemony of the United States of America and the rise of China. This study is based upon the historical approach to trace the course of the conflict, the descriptive approach to describe the conflict management process, and the analytical approach to highlight the various motives affecting the conflict and building scenarios. The study reaches the conclusion that the dispute over the Kuril Islands between Russia and Japan extends in history and is currently managed by peaceful means, and that the United States of America is the reason for the failure of the solution because of its bargaining with Japan for the eternal stay on the island of Okinawa if it makes any concession to Russia, while the rise of China worries Japan as well. Russia worries, which may have a positive impact on resolving the future conflict between Russia and Japan.