"Japan is an important ally of ours. Japan and the United States of the Western industrialized capacity, 60 percent of the GNP, two countries. That's a statement in and of itself"

Dan Quayle’s statement underscores the significance of the relationship between Japan and the United States, specifically regarding their combined economic and industrial power within the Western world. By labeling Japan as an “important ally,” Quayle is recognizing the geopolitical and strategic partnership that the two nations share, especially in the context of the post-World War II era and the shifting balances of global influence during the late twentieth century.

The mention of “Western industrialized capacity” brings into focus the broader context of the economic alliances among developed nations. The use of the term “Western” when referring to both the US and Japan, even though Japan is geographically located in East Asia, signals the integration of Japan into the Western sphere of influence and its embrace of market-based, industrial economies. This distinction is an acknowledgment of the ideological alignment, as much as the economic one, suggesting Japan’s partnership reflects shared values and interests beyond simple geography or culture. It is a subtle reminder of how, since the end of World War II, Japan has played a key role in the Western economic and security framework, notably within organizations like the G7 and under the US-Japan Security Alliance.

Notably, Quayle states that together, Japan and the US account for “60 percent of the GNP” among Western industrialized nations. This statistic emphasizes the overwhelming economic dominance these two countries possess and, by implication, their influential roles in shaping global economic policies, technological advancements, and standards of living. The phrase “That’s a statement in and of itself” draws attention to the sheer magnitude and importance of this fact, suggesting that the strength of their combined economies serves as a testament to the significance of their alliance. It underlines how their partnership not only benefits their own national security and prosperity but also plays a pivotal role in the global balance of power and the stability of the international economic system.