So Nippon (Japan) are the crux of the difference between the USA & OZ.
If it was more about 'Politics' - then the USA would be the 'influence' and Japan would indeed continue to 'commercially' kill  whales under the cloak of Science.
If it was about the 'Whales', then it would be more about the influence of OZ.

So we shall see what the 'truth of the matter is?
Is it the 'Politics' through the International Court?
Or the subject matter of the Whales themselves as pushed by OZ ?

Me thinks that the 'Politics' (legality) will win out and Nippon (Japan) will continue to commercially kill whales with about 5% dedicated to the science of knowing how to kill whales more effectively, efficiently and as un-sustainably as an over-populated nation can do beyond their own 'empty' waters.

OZ is going to learn a valuble lesson in life about 'political'  POWER.  and that OZ polititians are really 'pissants' compared to USA. 

...just because you are 'down-trodden' convicts and of small population. Do you think the 'World' is gonna feel sorry for you? Welcome to the 'big world'.
Nippon (Japan) will 'still' be given the right to commercially kill whales - wether it means anything to them or not!