Changing Japan's National Security Strategy: Is it in Japan's Interest?

Abstract

Abstract : For more than 60 years, since the end of World War II, there has been a widely shared public consensus in Japan that the Japanese government should abide by the pacifistic guidelines decreed by its constitution. Since the end of WWII, Japan has remained at peace due to constitutional restrictions, the vigilance of its peace movement, and the commitment of the United States to provide for its security. Collectively these factors have enabled Japan to focus on economic initiatives thus creating a new model of a major power whose economic power was not matched by its military might. Today, Japan is under immense pressure from the United States to shoulder more of the burden of its own security and participate in the preservation of peace throughout the world. This paper will investigate whether a change to Japan's national security strategy is in its best interest. In particular, this paper will examine the current political climate (both domestically and abroad) and discuss the potential concerns to the revision of the constitution. Additionally, this paper will investigate the potential for other alternatives for changing Japan's strategic doctrine. Finally, a way forward for Japan's national security strategy will be recommended.