Masaaki Shirakawa, governor of the Bank of Japan, discusses the effects the March earthquake, tsunami, and events surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant had on the Japanese economy, as well as the resilience and adaptability of the Japanese people.

Masaaki Shirakawa, governor of the Bank of Japan, discusses the effects the March earthquake, tsunami, and events surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant had on the Japanese economy, as well as the resilience and adaptability of the Japanese people.

This meeting was part of the C. Peter McColough Series on International Economics.

Writing for the Washington Post, Nicholas Eberstadt argues that for all of its many weaknesses, North Korea employs a coherent and consistent strategy for nuclear negotiations.

Japan's ability to rebound from its triple disaster in March will require more than just rebuilding; it will demand restructuring in areas from energy and farm policy to decentralization of power, write Brian P. Klein and CFR's David S. Abraham.

This issue guide provides a range of background and analysis on Japan's earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis.

Nuclear expert John Ahearne says critics should be careful about drawing conclusions when so much remains unknown, but regulators will need to proceed with safety reviews to bolster public confidence.

As Japan struggles to control problems at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, it also must grapple with questions about nuclear power in the face of immediate and long-term energy needs.

Before a historic earthquake-tsunami combination killed thousands and triggered a partial meltdown at one of its nuclear power plants, Japan won a reputation around the world for being extraordinarily prepared for disaster. In the aftermath of Fukushima Daiichi, Washington must now evaluate if the United States could do any better than – or even as well as – Japan in similar circumstance.

David S. Abraham says that while the disaster in Japan has brought the nation closer together, it has divided the community of foreigners living there.

Sheila A. Smith discusses the challenges facing Japan as it begins to rebuild after the earthquake and tsunami.

CFR's Michael A. Levi discusses the pros and cons of nuclear energy in light of Japan's nuclear crisis.

The U.S. Navy's maritime strategy, in which humanitarian missions play a prominent role, is based on a debatable assumption that credible enemies have largely disappeared and that competition of the seas is something of the past, says defense expert Seth Cropsey.

In light of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Michael A. Levi asks, "What would backpedaling on nuclear power mean for the United States?"

Sebastian Mallaby says Japan's tragedy underlines the advantages of central banking.

In the aftermath of Japan's earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis, Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow for Global Health Laurie Garrett discusses the health concerns the country faces.

Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow for Global Health Laurie Garrett criticizes NRC chair for sowing panic when he said Japan is understating health risks.

Laurie Garrett says the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has "launched a tsunami of panic that has spread further worldwide than the real tsunami that devastated much of Japan on March 11."

Japan bears only some resemblance to the Asian countries ravaged by the 2004 tsunami, but their recovery experiences could provide valuable insights to leaders in Tokyo, writes CFR's Joshua Kurlantzick.

David S. Abraham discusses his decision to leave Japan, based in part on the lack of reliable information available since the earthquake.