The Future of Japan in the Asian Security Balance
Historically Japan has been a very dynamic country, prone to years of stability followed by short, frantic periods of change. Very often, these periods of change were precipitated by external forces pressing a new international model to emulate on the Japanese. The last major change occurred following the end of the Cold War, except the Japanese were not presented with a model to emulate and are now in the process of formulating how to respond to the new world order. As a result of this international change, elements within Japan are changing too. Nationalism is on the rise and with it, support for a more active and capable Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). Domestically, any increase in capability of the JSDF puts strain on Japan's "Peace Constitution,” bringing it closer to total revision. Japan's principle allies, the U.S and Australia, support Japan's remilitarization as a counterbalance to China's rise and as a means to increase Japan's own participation in the international community. The issue of Japan's nuclearization however is hotly criticized by the international community and among the Japanese people. Japan may eventually remilitarize, but will not consider nuclearization as long as it can rely on the U.S.
Japan, nuclearization, remilitarization, U.S., peace constitution article IX, Defense and Security Studies
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations