Publication

This paper brings Japan’s medieval and early modern history into conversation with comparative theorizing about war and politics. In Japan as elsewhere, military lords offered security against marauders in exchange for taxes. The authors' analysis suggests that the willingness of peasants to pay for protection varied considerably by topography. Mountain and island communities placed relatively low value on security provided by overlords because they were able to protect themselves. They argue that this calculation had bearing on subsequent constitutional development and whether or not mobilization for war induced kings to make concessions to those providing manpower and resources needed for war.