Japan rearmed : the politics of military power / Sheila A. Smith.

Author/creator Smith, Sheila A., 1959- author.
Format Book
PublicationCambridge, Massachusetts : Harvard University Press, 2019.
Copyright Date©2019
Descriptionxi, 333 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm
Subjects

Contents Japan in the Cold War -- The Self-Defense Force abroad -- Mobilizing the military -- The Constitution revisited -- Relying on borrowed power.
Abstract Article Nine of Japan's postwar constitution, drafted in 1946 under U.S. Occupation, claims that the Japanese people "forever renounce the use of force as a means of settling international disputes." During the Cold War, the alliance with the United States allowed Japan to develop a largely defensive military, the Self-Defense Forces. Yet in the decades since, Japan has considered new ways to use its military. Demands from Washington for greater Japanese military participation in coalition forces and a gradual embrace in Japan of contributing to UN peacekeeping led to overseas deployments. Entering the 21st century, North Korea's nuclear and missile proliferation and China's growing maritime assertiveness have challenged Japanese strategists to confront their hesitancy over the use of force. This book examines this ambivalence over the military as an instrument of power and argues that the accelerating changes in Japan's relationship with the United States and with its neighbors are forcing Tokyo's political leaders to confront the idea that they may need to order their military to do what all militaries are expected to do: prepare for war.-- Provided by publisher.
General note"Council on Foreign Relations books".
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
Genre/formHistory.
LCCN 2018042063
ISBN9780674987647 hardcover
ISBN0674987640 hardcover

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks UA845 .S625 2019 ✔ Available Place Hold