Episode Notes:

Russia has established new barracks on disputed Kuril islands near Japan, adding to their overall military presence. Both Russia and Japan claim sovereignty over the islands since Soviet forces seized them from Japan at the end of World War II.

Joshua Walker, Global Head of Strategic Initiatives at the Eurasia Group, joins the WarCast to discuss the situation. (~10 minutes)

[ 0:17 ] Introduction
[ 0:38 ] Significance of the Islands
[ 2:18 ] Why no settlement
[ 3:32 ] What the troops indicate
[ 4:42 ] Why Abe has focused on the Islands
[ 6:18 ] How the U.S. and China matter
[ 8:17 ] Advice to Abe