Sweden, Japan, and the Long Second World War: 1931-1945

Description

Lottaz and Ottosson explore the intricate relationship between neutral Sweden and Imperial Japan during the latter's 15 years of warfare in Asia and in the Pacific. While Sweden's relationship with European Axis powers took place under the premise of existential security concerns, the case of Japan was altogether different. Japan never was a threat to Sweden, militarily or economically. Nevertheless, Stockholm maintained a close relationship with Tokyo until Japan's surrender in 1945. This book explores the reasons for that and therefore provides a study on the rationale and the value of neutrality in the Long Second World War. Sweden, Japan, and the Long Second World War is a valuable resource for scholars of the Second World War and of the history of neutrality. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Lists of figures, pictures, and tables Preface Acknowledgments List of abbreviations Chapter 1 Introduction A Scandinavian neutral and a belligerent faraway Neutrality and the problem of being friends with enemies The long Second World War 1931–1945 Wartime diplomacy Notes Chapter 2 In the beginning: Early Swedish–Japanese relations The impact of 1905 From the Great War to the interwar period Institutions and decision makers Notes Chapter 3 Trade under protest: A war in all but name International politics National politics Diplomacy Trade Summary Notes Chapter 4 Fading protest: Total war in China International politics National politics Diplomacy Trade Summary Notes Chapter 5 Staying relevant: Total war in Europe International politics National politics Diplomacy Trade Summary Notes Chapter 6 Fully engaged: Total war in the Pacific International politics National politics Diplomacy Trade Summary Notes Chapter 7 In the end: Widar Bagge, Japan, and the end of World War II The Bagge peace feeler Diplomats in action in Stockholm Concluding remarks References Chapter 8 Conclusion After war Final remarks Notes Bibliography Appendix Index