Japan: The Emerging Defence Debate
23 Jan, 2001 · 453
Dr Subhash Kapila comments on the changing contours of Japanese strategic doctrine
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The Korean War prodded the United States to create full-fledged Japanese armed forces comprising all the three services, euphemistically termed Ground Self ? Defense Force (Japanese Army); Maritime Self. Defense Force (Japanese Navy) and Air Self Defense Force (Air Force)?
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In a reversal of its original policy, the
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In the post-Cold War era the
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Despite its security being assured, a domestic Japanese defense debate has begun taking shape from last year onwards, calling for changes.?
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Japanese Domestic Defense Debate?
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The Japanese nation shunned domestic defense debates for nearly half a century.? This arose from its subjection to nuclear bombing in 1945.? The Japanese revulsion for war and especially nuclear weapons was genuine and understandable.
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However, contemporary regional strategic developments, which will be analyzed later below have prompted the following defense debate:?
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????????????????????? Japanese politicians belonging to a wide spectrum have openly begun articulating the need for a debate to amend the ?peace constitution.? Demands for amendment of Article 9 especially is gaining ground.?
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????????????????????? Japanese participation in UN Peace-keeping Forces has so far been confined to the provision of logistics forces.?? The Japanese feel that, commensurate with its economic and political power, these constitutional amendments would? permit full Japanese participation in UN operations.?
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Japanese threat perceptions are generally reflected in its in the Annual White Papers of the JDA.
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Significantly, articulations are now being made in Japanese think tanks about
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Regional Security Environment Stimulating Defense Debate in
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The regional security environment
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????????????????????? Strategic coalition of
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There is a growing feeling in
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Conclusion
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