Japan as a ‘Nuclear Umbrella State’: Embedded in the US Nuclear Strategy

Abstract

From a perspective of neorealism, this chapter examines the development of the US nuclear strategy and its implications for Japan’s nuclear identity as a ‘nuclear umbrella state’. To this end, it contextualizes the historical background of the US nuclear strategy during the Cold War era, its continuity and transition in the post-Cold War period, as well as the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) by the US administrations from President Bill Clinton to President Donald Trump. While analyzing the US nuclear strategy, relevant policy debates by Japanese politicians in the National Diet are to be observed. In addition, multiple perspectives of international relations theory are provided to consider the implications of the US nuclear strategy for Japan’s nuclear identity. The findings in this chapter will indicate to what extent Japan has been embedded in the US nuclear strategy. It finally attempts to explore whether it is feasible for Japan to get itself out of the US ‘nuclear umbrella’.