Japan's defence priorities and aspirations

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the presence of continuities and the extent to which there is a new balance in Japanese security policy in light of the changes that have been taking place over the last 18 months. Accordingly, the paper has two main parts. First, it discusses the overall shape and contour of Japan's security evolution and tries to provide a picture of how the different reforms link, or fail to link, together. Second, it examines two pillars of Japan's evolving security policy: 1) the refocusing of Japan's defence doctrine and capabilities; and 2) the deepening of Japan's defence diplomacy around the region. The paper then concludes with some observations on whether can find a balance in this challenging new international environment. Show more