"In recent years, the United States and Japan have each undertaken a dramatic overhaul of various crisis and consequence management structures for the prevention of, and response to, natural and manmade disasters. Precisely at this time of organizational change, the two countries have a unique opportunity to incorporate new patterns of cooperation and to share appropriate resources and technologies for strengthening their abilities to protect their citizens, as well as those of less developed and/or capable third countries. This bi-national study by the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis (IFPA) and the Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP) at Osaka University examines four recent crises, including the Kobe earthquake, Tokaimura nuclear accident, and the September 11 terrorist attacks, and analyzes changes now underway in the military and civilian areas of crisis and consequence management in both countries. The study then outlines steps that policy makers can take to promote effective, efficient cooperation and make the most of the U.S.-Japan alliance."--BOOK JACKET.