Leadership growth from regional to global: Japan expands its vision for leadership in upholding the Democratic order

On May 14, 2025, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) announced the creation of a new intraparty group. Its focus is to strengthen and develop the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) doctrine.

The group is led by LDP Supreme Advisor Tarō Asō, a former prime minister. He co-developed FOIP with the late Shinzō Abe.

The group includes 57 parliamentarians, such as Sanae Takaichi and Takayuki Kobayashi. They are being promoted by Asō’s faction to replace Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

According to Tarō Asō, global security has shifted from peaceful coexistence to a state of war. His goal is to craft a “grand strategy” for Japan’s security development over the coming decades.