Abstract
In recent years there has been considerable analysis and speculation, both within and outside Japan, on the future direction of Japanese foreign policy. Although this is not an altogether new preoccupation, there does appear to be a greater willingness to discuss openly such previously ‘taboo’ subjects like constitutional reform and the possible uses of Japanese military in international peacekeeping roles. The Japanese Constitution has been an important determinant of foreign and defence policies. Article 9 of the Constitution and the spirit of international pacifism gave Japan a unique position within the international community. It led to a relative withdrawal and disengagement from international political issues. These precepts of Japanese foreign policy are being increasingly questioned. For example, according to one Japanese analyst it is time for Japan to take a second look at the constitutional arrangements even if the review resulted in reaffirming existing arrangements.1 The liberalisation of the parameters of debate, the present soul-searching and impetus to redefine Japan’s international role and security interests can be attributed to the changed international conditions like, for example, the disintegration of the Soviet threat and end of the Cold War.KeywordsJapanese GovernmentRegional SecurityRegional CountryThreat PerceptionASEAN MemberThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
Published Version
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