What kind of Geo-Political situation would a surviving Imperial Japan be facing or working within without an OTL entrance into the second World War. In other words, a scenario without a December 7th attack nor entry into Russia before an end to hostilities in Europe. Thus for this scenario, Japan remains out of the conflict and the war in Europe proceeds likely along the lines of an eventually American (Western allies) entrance and similar meet up with Soviet forces to defeat Germany. So ignoring that conflict, and setting a post war in which Europe looks very OTL 1945ish but Japan hedged her bets and remained out. Jumping ahead into this 'Cold War' to around 1960, how would a surviving Japan have looked and changed things?
Initial thoughts revolve around China. Would trade restrictions from the United States have forced changes? Would the Soviets suddenly be more receptive to even indirect partnership with Japan versus American strength?
How would atomic policy play out if perhaps Europe's war ended before final development and use of American weapons? Would Japan be forced under the umbrella of Soviet direction until she developed her own?
Even if Japan was enticed or forced out of mainland China, would control of Manchuria, Korea, Formosa allow for Japan to be much more of an economic force? Would Indian independence have been influenced by, or following independence, might fall into the Japanese orbit?
A lot would depend on if the Cold War became a three power situation where Japan was able to retain or gain power enough to stand up to the USSR and US. Would a constant threat of 2 joining against 1 be a force for peace or usher in guaranteed war.
Initial thoughts revolve around China. Would trade restrictions from the United States have forced changes? Would the Soviets suddenly be more receptive to even indirect partnership with Japan versus American strength?
How would atomic policy play out if perhaps Europe's war ended before final development and use of American weapons? Would Japan be forced under the umbrella of Soviet direction until she developed her own?
Even if Japan was enticed or forced out of mainland China, would control of Manchuria, Korea, Formosa allow for Japan to be much more of an economic force? Would Indian independence have been influenced by, or following independence, might fall into the Japanese orbit?
A lot would depend on if the Cold War became a three power situation where Japan was able to retain or gain power enough to stand up to the USSR and US. Would a constant threat of 2 joining against 1 be a force for peace or usher in guaranteed war.