Publication

This paper discusses the growing pressure within Japan to carry out a fundamental review of both its constitution and its defense policy. The author demonstrates that generational, political, and strategic developments have led policy makers to consider rewriting or amending the 1947 "peace constitution" so as to strengthen Japan's right of (collective) self defense. At the same time, "internationalist", "alliance nationalist", and "neo-nationalist" circles are conducting a debate over the future direction of Japanese defense policy. The author argues that the most crucial variable in the evolution of Japan’s defense policy will be the importance it places on continued strategic ties with the US.