NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) is a well-known expression that signifies local discontent against foreign military bases. Both South Korea and Japan faced strong NIMBY responses from local communities when the two countries attempted to relocate and expand U.S. military bases within their borders. While South Korea has moved forward in responding to local opposition, Japan has not made clear progress. What explains these disparate outcomes? This research attempts to answer this question focusing on the role of central and local governments. Results are based on field research in Pyeongtaek, South Korea and Okinawa, Japan.

Dr. Hyon Joo Yoo is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Trinity University, San Antonio, TX. Her research and teaching interests include U.S. alliances in East Asia, South Korea-China relations, and Chinese foreign policy. She was an East Asia Institute (EAI) fellow on Peace, Governance, and Development in East Asia, a Korea Foundation fellow and an Abe fellow of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC). She was also a Northeast Asia Visiting Fellow at the East West Center, Washington, D.C. 

NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) is a well-known expression that signifies local discontent against foreign military bases. Both South Korea and Japan faced strong NIMBY responses from local communities when the two countries attempted to relocate and expand U.S. military bases within their borders. While South Korea has moved forward in responding to local opposition, Japan has not made clear progress. What explains these disparate outcomes? This research attempts to answer this question focusing on the role of central and local governments. Results are based on field research in Pyeongtaek, South Korea and Okinawa, Japan.

Dr. Hyon Joo Yoo is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Trinity University, San Antonio, TX. Her research and teaching interests include U.S. alliances in East Asia, South Korea-China relations, and Chinese foreign policy. She was an East Asia Institute (EAI) fellow on Peace, Governance, and Development in East Asia, a Korea Foundation fellow and an Abe fellow of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC). She was also a Northeast Asia Visiting Fellow at the East West Center, Washington, D.C.