Dear SSJ Forum members,

We would like to share with you some new and updated NBR resources on post-earthquake relief and impact. NBR has also made some recent research on Japan and nuclear energy free to access. Links and information are below.

"Japan's Post-Quake Economic Outlook: Recovery and Reconstruction," an interview with William W. Grimes, National Asia Research Associate

To better understand the economic impact of the recent tragedy in Japan, NBR spoke with National Asia Research Associate William W. Grimes (Boston University), an expert on the political economy of Japan and East Asia. Without downplaying the seriousness of events, Grimes explains the economic repercussions may not be as bad as some initially feared. He addresses what impact reconstruction spending will have on Japan's economy, how the global economy will be affected, and how the crisis with the Fukushima reactors may affect energy policy.

Read the full interview at:
http://www.nbr.org/research/activity.aspx?id=126

Amidst Trial, Ties That Bind: Enduring Strength in the U.S.-Japan Alliance

Over the course of the recent crisis, the United States and Japan have engaged in far-reaching cooperation, providing relief and aid to the affected areas of northeast Japan. Read a full account of Operation Tomodachi, the U.S. Armed Forces operation currently supporting disaster relief efforts in Japan, including PACOM Commander Admiral Robert Willard's trip to Japan.

See daily updates at:
http://www.nbr.org/research/activity.aspx?id=121

"After the Quake: Implications for Japan's Political Future," an interview with Daniel Sneider, National Asia Research Associate

To better understand the rapidly unfolding events in Japan and what this will mean for the nation's political future, NBR talked to Daniel Sneider (Stanford University), a National Asia Research Associate. Read the full interview to learn more about how Japan's divisive political parties are responding to the tragedy, how its leadership has performed during this crisis, and who are the stand-outs to guide its recovery.

Read the full interview at:
http://www.nbr.org/research/activity.aspx?id=124

Upcoming Event - Engaging Asia 2011

The March 30 half-day conference "Engaging Asia 2011:
The 112th Congress and Post-Crisis Asia" will assemble high-level experts from government and academe to offer insight into the transformations underway in Asia and the implications for formulating U.S. policy, with emphasis on the role of Congress. Featured speakers include Ambassador Ron Kirk (USTR) and Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA).

To learn more and RSVP:
http://www.nbr.org/research/activity.aspx?id=117

Recent NBR research on Japan and nuclear energy (Free to access for a limited time)

"A New Stage for the U.S.-Japan Alliance?" by Kenneth B. Pyle, Michael Finnegan, Michael J. Green, Kent E.
Calder, Andrew L. Oros and Yuki Tatsumi
Link:
http://www.nbr.org/publications/element.aspx?id=447

"The Implications of Expanded Nuclear Energy in Asia"
by Charles D. Ferguson
Link:
http://www.nbr.org/publications/element.aspx?id=462

"Managing Unmet Expectations in the U.S.-Japan Alliance" by Michael Finnegan
Link:
http://www.nbr.org/publications/element.aspx?id=405

"Updating the U.S.-Japan Alliance," an interview with Mike Finnegan, Richard Lawless, and Jim Thomas
Link: http://www.nbr.org/research/activity.aspx?id=77

Tracy Timmons-Gray
The National Bureau of Asian Research