Grand strategy of Japan

Year 2024, Volume: 6 Issue: 11, 353 - 366, 09.10.2024

Levan Gegeshidze

Abstract

The article's purpose is to study the grand strategy of modern Japan. In East Asia, the current shift in the balance of power has affected Japan's security and defence policy. China has accompanied its economic growth over the past two decades with military modernization and an increase in the military budget. In parallel with the growth of economic and military capabilities, territorial conflicts in the South China Sea are intensifying. There have been maritime incidents between Japan and China over the islands. The research covered the period from 2012 to the present day. Since 2008, China has become especially assertive towards its neighbors.
The case analysis employs the theories of international relations, balance of threat, and neo-classical realism. Through this theory, the paper explains the changes in Japan's grand strategy. In addition to systemic factors such as the distribution of power, the theory also considers internal variables such as the leader's perceptions and ideas. Internal politics, leadership perceptions, and ideas also influence the policies and strategies developed in response to systemic threats and challenges. According to neoclassical realism, grand strategy arises from an empirical assessment of international systemic factors and competition among strategic concepts within a state's foreign policy executive.
The research period coincides largely with the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's tenure. He became the main architect of Japan's grand strategy. The study examines the reforms implemented in the field of defence and security, strengthening and building regional alliances. He managed to maintain close economic cooperation with China on the one hand and increase Japan's role in the region on the other. Abe has strengthened relations with the United States and other countries, such as India and Australia, in order to balance China. He has also made significant institutional reforms. In order to coordinate foreign policy and grand strategy, he created the National Security Council in 2013 and first published the National Security Strategy. The study provides a detailed analysis of Abe's doctrine.

Keywords

Grand Strategy, National Security Strategy, Defense Policy, Defense strategy and Balance of Power

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