Reflections of a practitioner: strategic adaptation in Japan since the 1970s. (1st July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nishi, Masanori
• Is Part Of: International affairs. Volume 94:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 905
• Page End: 909
• Publication Date: 2018-07-01
• Subjects: Japan -- grand strategy -- hedging -- Asian security -- US-Japan alliance; International relations -- Periodicals; World politics -- Periodicals; 327.05
• DOI: 10.1093/ia/iiy056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-5850

Abstract

Abstract: Much of Japan's defence policy through the period of detente until the end of the Cold War, was designed by Vice-Minister of Defense Seiki Nishihiro. Minister Nishihiro was responsible for drafting two key documents—the National Defence Program Outline (NDPO) and the Japan–US Defence Guideline (Guideline)—which have underpinned Japan's defence policy since the mid-1970s. Diplomatic normalization by Japan and the United States with the People's Republic of China meant (PRC) meant that military buildup against the PRC was no longer necessary. However, the NDPO rationalized the existing level of Japan's military capabilities as being required to meet the security environment and justified the incremental buildup of capabilities as necessary in case of an emergency. Though revised several times, the two documents still effectively outline Japanese defence policy and its relations with the US today. Currently, Japan faces two difficult challenges: the rapid growth of Chinese military power in the last two decades and North Korea's development of nuclear warheads. In order to meet these challenges, Japan has recently further updated the two documents to improve military capabilities and effectiveness. It will be key for Japan to remember its success in defence policy during the Cold War and stay confident with its posture while maintaining enhanced military cooperation with the US.